The Central Bureau of Statistics reports today that Israel tops the OECD in spending on education as a percentage of GDP. Israel spent NIS 56.2 billion on education in 2007, 8.5% of GDP, compared with the OECD average of 5.8%. However, in terms of purchasing power parity, Israel falls to 20th place out of the 30 OECD member states. Spending per pupil is Israel was $6,450, compared with the OECD average of $7,061.
The figures indicate that while Israel spends heavily on education, the situation from the children's perspective is dismal. The reason lies in the country's demographics. Israel's high birth rate compared with OECD states (because of birth rate in the haredi (ultra-orthodox) community) results in 26% of Israel's total population being of school age (5-19). This proportion is 18% in Denmark and the Netherlands, 17% in Belgium and Sweden, and 16% in Germany.
The Central Bureau of Statistics also notes "the heavy burden placed on the working age population (25-64)" due to the high ratio between this population and spending on education. Among OECD members, the US spends the most per pupil and Turkey and Mexico spend the least.
Published by Globes [online], Israel business news - www.globes-online.com - on September 7, 2008
© Copyright of Globes Publisher Itonut (1983) Ltd. 2008