Bahamas, The Budget Deficit
General government net lending/borrowing as % of GDP GGXCNL_NGDP
Bahamas, The's budget deficit was -0.77% in 2025, ranked 42nd globally. This represents a 36.3% increase from 2024. Data from IMF WEO, covering 1990–2025.
Overview
Bahamas, The's budget deficit stood at -0.77% in 2025, a rise of +0.44% from 2024. The IMF projects -0.77% by 2025. Bahamas, The ranked 42nd globally.
The Bahamas’ primary budget deficit narrowed to –0.77 percent of GDP in 2025, placing the nation 42nd in the global ranking and closely matching Zimbabwe’s –0.75 percent and Cameroon’s –0.84 percent deficits. Over the 36‑year series, the deficit swung from a high of 1.78 percent in 1999, when fiscal expansion peaked, to a deep trough of –11.90 percent in 2021, reflecting the severe revenue shortfalls and spending pressures of the COVID‑19 pandemic. The post‑pandemic recovery has seen a gradual rebalancing, with the deficit improving each year since the 2021 trough and returning to a modest negative gap by 2025. This trajectory suggests that continued fiscal consolidation, aided by tourism‑driven growth and prudent expenditure controls, could further reduce the deficit, although any external shock to the tourism sector would likely reverse the recent gains.
Data & projection
| Year | Budget Deficit | YoY change | Rank |
|---|---|---|---|
| 2030* IMF | 0.03% | - | - |
| 2029* IMF | -0.09% | - | - |
| 2028* IMF | -0.48% | - | - |
| 2027* IMF | -0.60% | - | - |
| 2026* IMF | -0.63% | - | - |
| 2025* IMF | -0.77% | - | - |
| 2025 | -0.77% | +0.44% | #42 |
| 2024 | -1.20% | +2.46% | #133 |
| 2023 | -3.66% | +1.87% | #77 |
| 2022 | -5.53% | +6.38% | #44 |
| 2021 | -11.90% | −4.79% | #9 |
| 2020 | -7.11% | −5.43% | #79 |
| 2019 | -1.68% | +1.60% | #99 |
| 2018 | -3.28% | +2.77% | #55 |
| 2017 | -6.05% | −3.44% | #24 |
| 2016 | -2.61% | +0.73% | #91 |
| 2015 | -3.34% | +1.17% | #81 |
| 2014 | -4.51% | +0.59% | #46 |
| 2013 | -5.10% | −1.85% | #38 |
| 2012 | -3.25% | −0.39% | #72 |
| 2011 | -2.87% | −0.30% | #89 |
Detected Pattern
Analysis
Bahamas, The matched the Fiscal Dominance Trap pattern in 1981. Historically, 72% of countries showing this pattern (278 out of 386) saw budget deficit improve within 24 months. View full analysis →
Frequently Asked Questions
Bahamas, The's budget deficit was -0.77% in 2025. Ranked 42nd globally. This represents a 36.3% increase from the previous year.
Bahamas, The's budget deficit peaked at 1.78% in 1999.
The lowest budget deficit in Bahamas, The was -11.90% in 2021.
Bahamas, The ranks 42nd globally in budget deficit as of 2025.
The World Bank indicator code is GGXCNL_NGDP. Data sourced from IMF WEO.
Bahamas, The's budget deficit is projected to reach -0.77% by 2025 based on IMF projection.
The budget deficit of Bahamas, The in 2025 was -0.77%. This ranks 42nd in the world.
Cite this page
@misc{historysaid_bahamas-the_budget-deficit,
title = {Bahamas, The Budget Deficit},
url = {https://historysaid.com/bahamas-the/budget-deficit/},
publisher = {HistorySaid},
year = {2026}
}