Cambodia External Debt to GNI
External debt stocks as % of GNI DT.DOD.DECT.GN.ZS
Cambodia's external debt to gni was 49.25% in 2025, ranked 43rd globally. This represents a 6.8% increase from 2024. Data from World Bank, covering 1981–2025.
Overview
Cambodia's external debt to gni stood at 49.25% in 2025, a rise of +3.14pp from 2024. Based on recent trends, this figure is projected to reach 49.25% by 2025. Cambodia ranked 43rd globally.
Cambodia's external debt to Gross National Income (GNI) has fluctuated significantly over the past four and a half decades, with a notable all-time peak of 105.97% in 1991, following a devastating civil war and subsequent economic instability. This was a stark contrast to the all-time trough of 14.59% in 1988, achieved during the country's socialist era under the Khmer Rouge regime. The external debt to GNI ratio has generally trended upwards, reaching 49.25% in 2025, ranking Cambodia 43rd globally. In comparison, Burundi's external debt to GNI ratio is even higher at 49.38%. Cambodia's external debt burden has been a persistent challenge for the country's economic development, with the ratio remaining above 40% for most of the period. As Cambodia continues to navigate economic growth and development, sustaining a stable and manageable external debt to GNI ratio will be crucial for long-term economic stability, and any significant improvements in foreign investment or trade balances could help alter this trajectory.
Data & projection
| Year | External Debt to GNI | YoY change | Rank |
|---|---|---|---|
| 2027* trend | 46.35% | - | - |
| 2026* trend | 47.80% | - | - |
| 2025* trend | 49.25% | - | - |
| 2025 | 49.25% | +3.14pp | #43 |
| 2024 | 46.11% | −8.34pp | #62 |
| 2023 | 54.45% | −4.01pp | #74 |
| 2022 | 58.46% | +1.66pp | #78 |
| 2021 | 56.80% | +4.61pp | #69 |
| 2020 | 52.19% | +8.35pp | #56 |
| 2019 | 43.84% | +1.26pp | #59 |
| 2018 | 42.58% | +2.05pp | #61 |
| 2017 | 40.52% | +1.07pp | #61 |
| 2016 | 39.45% | −1.27pp | #57 |
| 2015 | 40.72% | +1.31pp | #64 |
| 2014 | 39.41% | −0.73pp | #66 |
| 2013 | 40.14% | +0.78pp | #69 |
| 2012 | 39.36% | +9.33pp | #69 |
| 2011 | 30.03% | +0.13pp | #61 |
Detected Pattern
Analysis
Cambodia matched the Export Boom Cycle pattern in 2024. Historically, 71% of countries showing this pattern (546 out of 768) saw external debt to gni improve within 24 months. View full analysis →
Frequently Asked Questions
Cambodia's external debt to gni was 49.25% in 2025. Ranked 43rd globally. This represents a 6.8% increase from the previous year.
Cambodia's external debt to gni peaked at 105.97% in 1991.
The lowest external debt to gni in Cambodia was 14.59% in 1988.
Cambodia ranks 43rd globally in external debt to gni as of 2025.
The World Bank indicator code is DT.DOD.DECT.GN.ZS. Data sourced from World Bank.
Cambodia's external debt to gni is projected to reach 49.25% by 2025 based on trend extrapolation.
The external debt to gni of Cambodia in 2025 was 49.25%. This ranks 43rd in the world.
Cite this page
@misc{historysaid_cambodia_external-debt-to-gni,
title = {Cambodia External Debt to GNI},
url = {https://historysaid.com/cambodia/external-debt-to-gni/},
publisher = {HistorySaid},
year = {2026}
}