Countries by National Debt to GDP Ratio 2024

About This Dataset

Countries ranked by gross government debt as a percentage of GDP in 2024, according to IMF World Economic Outlook Database. Japan holds the world's highest national debt-to-GDP ratio among major economies at over 260% — a consequence of three decades of economic stagnation, repeated fiscal stimulus packages, and an ageing population creating enormous pension and healthcare obligations, though Japan's debt is almost entirely domestically held, insulating it from the currency crises that affect heavily indebted developing nations.

✨ AI Insight

Japan's staggering national debt-to-GDP ratio of 261% starkly contrasts with Germany's relatively modest 64%. This gap illustrates the varying fiscal strategies and economic conditions across these nations. Japan's debt is primarily domestically held, which mitigates risks associated with foreign currency fluctuations, unlike Greece and Italy, which have faced severe economic crises partly due to their high debt levels. The United States, with a debt ratio of 124%, reflects ongoing concerns about fiscal sustainability amid rising interest rates and inflation. As these countries navigate their economic landscapes, the implications of their debt levels will likely influence future policy decisions and economic stability.

Source: Wikipedia

Key Findings

Auto-computed highlights from this dataset

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Japan leads with 261 in 2024.

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Average value in 2024: 135 · median: 119.

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Gap in 2024: Japan is 4.1× larger than Germany.