Bhutan Debt Service
Total debt service as % of exports DT.TDS.DECT.EX.ZS
Bhutan's debt service was 19.08% in 2025, ranked 29th globally. This represents a 15.1% increase from 2024. Data from World Bank, covering 2006–2025.
Overview
Bhutan's debt service stood at 19.08% in 2025, a rise of +2.50% from 2024. Based on recent trends, this figure is projected to reach 19.08% by 2025. Bhutan ranked 29th globally.
Bhutan's debt service ratio has experienced significant fluctuations over the past two decades, with a notable rise in recent years. The country's debt service as a percentage of exports has peaked at 19.08 in 2025, surpassing its all-time low of 2.79 in 2006. This stark contrast reflects the country's varying economic fortunes, with a growing economy and increasing reliance on foreign financing contributing to the recent increase. Bhutan's debt service ratio is comparable to that of Niger, which ranked 28th globally with 19.19 in 2025. The rising debt service burden has implications for Bhutan's economic stability, as it may limit the government's ability to invest in critical sectors and respond to external shocks. A decline in global interest rates or a shift towards domestic financing could alter Bhutan's debt service trajectory, potentially stabilizing the country's economic position in the long term.
Data & projection
| Year | Debt Service | YoY change | Rank |
|---|---|---|---|
| 2027* trend | 21.87% | - | - |
| 2026* trend | 20.47% | - | - |
| 2025* trend | 19.08% | - | - |
| 2025 | 19.08% | +2.50% | #29 |
| 2024 | 16.58% | +0.97% | #67 |
| 2023 | 15.61% | −0.59% | #72 |
| 2022 | 16.19% | −1.13% | #75 |
| 2021 | 17.32% | +8.58% | #76 |
| 2020 | 8.74% | +0.39% | #31 |
| 2019 | 8.35% | −3.07% | #39 |
| 2018 | 11.42% | −0.50% | #55 |
| 2017 | 11.92% | −5.64% | #61 |
| 2016 | 17.56% | −0.54% | #79 |
| 2015 | 18.10% | +4.93% | #81 |
| 2014 | 13.18% | +1.35% | #76 |
| 2013 | 11.82% | −6.88% | #76 |
| 2012 | 18.70% | +7.49% | #97 |
| 2011 | 11.21% | −3.21% | #76 |
Detected Pattern
Analysis
Bhutan matched the Export Boom Cycle pattern in 2007. Historically, 71% of countries showing this pattern (546 out of 768) saw debt service improve within 24 months. View full analysis →
Frequently Asked Questions
Bhutan's debt service was 19.08% in 2025. Ranked 29th globally. This represents a 15.1% increase from the previous year.
Bhutan's debt service peaked at 19.08% in 2025.
The lowest debt service in Bhutan was 2.79% in 2006.
Bhutan ranks 29th globally in debt service as of 2025.
The World Bank indicator code is DT.TDS.DECT.EX.ZS. Data sourced from World Bank.
Bhutan's debt service is projected to reach 19.08% by 2025 based on trend extrapolation.
The debt service of Bhutan in 2025 was 19.08%. This ranks 29th in the world.
Cite this page
@misc{historysaid_bhutan_debt-service,
title = {Bhutan Debt Service},
url = {https://historysaid.com/bhutan/debt-service/},
publisher = {HistorySaid},
year = {2026}
}