Barbados Government Debt to GDP
General government gross debt as % of GDP GGXWDG_NGDP
Barbados's government debt to gdp was 99.78% in 2025, ranked 18th globally. This represents a 4.8% decrease from 2024. Data from IMF WEO, covering 1994–2025.
Overview
Barbados's government debt to gdp stood at 99.78% in 2025, a decline of +5.03% from 2024. The IMF projects 99.78% by 2025. Barbados ranked 18th globally.
Barbados' government debt to GDP ratio has exhibited a tumultuous trajectory over the past three decades. Starting from a relatively low 49.71 in 1999, the country's debt burden surged to a peak of 142.85 in 2017, ranking among the highest globally. Since then, the ratio has gradually declined, currently standing at 99.78 as of 2025. This recovery is somewhat comparable to Spain's experience, where the debt-to-GDP ratio peaked in 2012 and has been steadily decreasing since then. Barbados' recent debt reduction efforts are likely to be influenced by the country's ongoing economic reforms and its efforts to diversify its economy, which may help mitigate the effects of external shocks. However, a significant increase in interest rates or a decline in the country's economic growth rate could potentially reverse this trend and exacerbate the debt burden, necessitating further fiscal adjustments to maintain debt sustainability.
Data & projection
| Year | Government Debt to GDP | YoY change | Rank |
|---|---|---|---|
| 2030* IMF | 75.94% | - | - |
| 2029* IMF | 80.18% | - | - |
| 2028* IMF | 84.72% | - | - |
| 2027* IMF | 89.50% | - | - |
| 2026* IMF | 94.62% | - | - |
| 2025* IMF | 99.78% | - | - |
| 2025 | 99.78% | −5.03% | #18 |
| 2024 | 104.81% | −6.67% | #173 |
| 2023 | 111.48% | −2.21% | #173 |
| 2022 | 113.68% | −7.91% | #176 |
| 2021 | 121.59% | −16.58% | #176 |
| 2020 | 138.17% | +30.52% | #178 |
| 2019 | 107.65% | −6.57% | #179 |
| 2018 | 114.21% | −28.64% | #182 |
| 2017 | 142.85% | +7.58% | #183 |
| 2016 | 135.27% | +3.65% | #184 |
| 2015 | 131.62% | +9.18% | #184 |
| 2014 | 122.44% | +4.04% | #181 |
| 2013 | 118.40% | +9.60% | #180 |
| 2012 | 108.81% | +9.78% | #177 |
| 2011 | 99.03% | +3.75% | #172 |
Detected Pattern
Analysis
Barbados matched the Stagflation Risk pattern in 2011. Historically, 38% of countries showing this pattern (117 out of 307) saw government debt to gdp improve within 24 months. View full analysis →
Frequently Asked Questions
Barbados's government debt to gdp was 99.78% in 2025. Ranked 18th globally. This represents a 4.8% decrease from the previous year.
Barbados's government debt to gdp peaked at 142.85% in 2017.
The lowest government debt to gdp in Barbados was 49.71% in 1999.
Barbados ranks 18th globally in government debt to gdp as of 2025.
The World Bank indicator code is GGXWDG_NGDP. Data sourced from IMF WEO.
Barbados's government debt to gdp is projected to reach 99.78% by 2025 based on IMF projection.
The government debt to gdp of Barbados in 2025 was 99.78%. This ranks 18th in the world.
Cite this page
@misc{historysaid_barbados_government-debt-to-gdp,
title = {Barbados Government Debt to GDP},
url = {https://historysaid.com/barbados/government-debt-to-gdp/},
publisher = {HistorySaid},
year = {2026}
}