The data are drawn from diverse national sources. Where national administrative systems are weak, estimates are derived from demographic and health surveys using indirect estimation techniques or from other national sample surveys. National defence expenditure comprises all expenditures, whether by defence or other departments, on the maintenance of military forces, including the purchase of military supplies and equipment, construction, recruiting, and training. Also in this category are closely related items such as military aid programs. Defence does not include expenditure on public order and safety, which are classified separately.
Defence is treated as a current expenditure.
The data on health spending is not comparable from one country to the other. Consequently, care must be used in comparing data for different countries. National health expenditure devoted to local health care. Proportion of national health expenditure devoted to local primary health care. National Social services expenditure comprises expenditures on health, education, housing, welfare, social security, and community amenities.