Band 8+: The table below shows information about spending on health in five different countries in 2002. Summarise the information by selecting and reporting the main features and make comparisons where relevant. Write at least 150 words.

The table illustrates the percentage of expenditure on health by five countries in 2002.

Overall, it is clear that France had the highest total spending on health, encompassing both public and private expenditures, while Japan had the lowest overall spending. Additionally, public spending exceeded private spending in every country.

Examining the table in greater detail, France had the highest percentage of total expenditure among the five nations, accounting for 11.4%. This figure includes both public and private spending. Germany ranked second, with total health expenditure standing at 9.3%, followed by the USA at 8.6%. Italy and Japan spent considerably less, at 7.7% and 7.2%, respectively. In terms of private spending on health, Japan’s expenditure was half as high as France’s, at 1.4%. The USA followed with 2.6%, while Italy and Germany recorded 2.4% and 2.3% respectively.

Regarding public spending on health, France again recorded the highest percentage, constituting 8.6%, while Germany was the second highest at 7%. The USA accounted for only 6% of healthcare spending. It is also notable that Italy recorded the lowest public expenditure, standing at 5.3%, just 0.5 percentage points below Japan.