Band 9: The table below gives information about the amount of tax collected ( as % of GDP) in five countries for 4 years between 1975 and 2005. Summarise the information by selecting and reporting the main features and make comparisons where relevant.

The given table illustrates the percentages of GDP extracted through taxation, data collected from five different countries at a 10-year interval from 1975 to 2005.

Overall, Sweden consistently had the highest tax rates, with a sharp increase by 2005. In contrast, the tax rates in other countries, such as the USA, Japan, Korea, and Turkey, showed considerable changes over time, with Japan and Turkey experiencing significant changes in their tax rates by 2005.

Regarding other countries, Japan had the largest increase, with its tax rate growing from 15% in 1975 to 32.1% by 2005. Similarly, Turkey’s tax rate rose from 16.4% in 1975 to 27.4% in 2005. Korea also experienced a steady increase in tax collection, rising from 15.1% to 27.3% during the period in question.

Sweden’s tax rates were the highest, and the country experienced the most substantial increase over the period. In contrast, the USA maintained relatively stable tax rates, while Japan, Korea, and Turkey saw noticeable increases in their tax collection percentages by 2005.