Public Debt (% of GDP)
Government debt as percentage of GDP, indicating fiscal burden.
Quick Reference
Unit
% of GDP
Category
Economy
Metric Code
public_debt
How It's Calculated
Total government gross debt divided by GDP, multiplied by 100. Includes all government liabilities (bonds, loans, etc.).
Why It Matters
Public debt levels affect government fiscal space, borrowing costs, and economic stability. High debt can limit policy options and increase crisis vulnerability.
Understanding the Values
Low: < 40% (strong fiscal position) Moderate: 40-60% (manageable) Elevated: 60-90% (concerning for some economies) High: 90-120% (requires careful management) Very High: > 120% (potential sustainability issues) Note: Debt sustainability depends on many factors including growth rates, interest rates, and currency.
Related Metrics
Data Quality & Coverage
Coverage: ~180 countries Update frequency: Annual Source: World Bank / IMF Limitations: Definition of "government" varies; doesn't capture all liabilities (e.g., pension obligations).