Costa Rica Government Debt to GDP
General government gross debt as % of GDP GGXWDG_NGDP
Costa Rica's government debt to gdp was 59.66% in 2025, ranked 75th globally. This represents a 0.2% decrease from 2024. Data from IMF WEO, covering 1996–2025.
Overview
Costa Rica's government debt to gdp stood at 59.66% in 2025, a decline of +0.10% from 2024. The IMF projects 59.66% by 2025. Costa Rica ranked 75th globally.
Costa Rica’s general government debt-to‑GDP ratio has risen steadily over the past three decades, moving from 33.69 % in 1996 to a peak of 67.63 % in 2021 before easing to 59.66 % in 2025, placing the country 75th globally. The post‑2008 financial crisis trough of 24.01 % highlights how fiscal consolidation was achieved during a period of relatively strong external demand, yet the subsequent ascent reflects higher public spending and pandemic‑related borrowing. Compared with peers of similar rank, Costa Rica’s 2025 ratio (59.66 %) is nearly identical to the Dominican Republic’s 59.96 % and Panama’s 59.60 %, suggesting a regional convergence in debt levels among middle‑income economies. The modest decline from the 2021 peak indicates that fiscal discipline is re‑asserting itself, but any resurgence in fiscal stimulus or a slowdown in growth could halt the downward trajectory, while continued primary surpluses would likely sustain the modest improvement.
Data & projection
| Year | Government Debt to GDP | YoY change | Rank |
|---|---|---|---|
| 2030* IMF | 57.44% | - | - |
| 2029* IMF | 58.19% | - | - |
| 2028* IMF | 58.80% | - | - |
| 2027* IMF | 59.22% | - | - |
| 2026* IMF | 59.50% | - | - |
| 2025* IMF | 59.66% | - | - |
| 2025 | 59.66% | −0.10% | #75 |
| 2024 | 59.75% | −1.37% | #109 |
| 2023 | 61.12% | −1.87% | #111 |
| 2022 | 62.99% | −4.64% | #112 |
| 2021 | 67.63% | +0.72% | #115 |
| 2020 | 66.91% | +10.48% | #110 |
| 2019 | 56.43% | +4.59% | #114 |
| 2018 | 51.84% | +4.78% | #106 |
| 2017 | 47.06% | +3.01% | #92 |
| 2016 | 44.06% | +4.27% | #86 |
| 2015 | 39.79% | +2.35% | #77 |
| 2014 | 37.44% | +2.36% | #80 |
| 2013 | 35.08% | +1.34% | #81 |
| 2012 | 33.74% | +4.23% | #81 |
| 2011 | 29.51% | +1.42% | #67 |
Detected Pattern
Analysis
Costa Rica matched the Orthodox Tightening Cycle pattern in 1995. Historically, 57% of countries showing this pattern (177 out of 311) saw government debt to gdp improve within 24 months. View full analysis →
The provided news headlines, detailing SpaceX's strong Q3 2026 earnings and an academic program on international development, do not offer direct or discernible information impacting Costa Rica's Government Debt to GDP, currently at 59.66%. The financial performance of a private, foreign company like SpaceX, or the existence of an academic program, do not inherently alter Costa Rica's public finances or economic output in a way that would directly affect its debt ratio.
Frequently Asked Questions
Costa Rica's government debt to gdp was 59.66% in 2025. Ranked 75th globally. This represents a 0.2% decrease from the previous year.
Costa Rica's government debt to gdp peaked at 67.63% in 2021.
The lowest government debt to gdp in Costa Rica was 24.01% in 2008.
Costa Rica ranks 75th globally in government debt to gdp as of 2025.
The World Bank indicator code is GGXWDG_NGDP. Data sourced from IMF WEO.
Costa Rica's government debt to gdp is projected to reach 59.66% by 2025 based on IMF projection.
The government debt to gdp of Costa Rica in 2025 was 59.66%. This ranks 75th in the world.
Cite this page
@misc{historysaid_costa-rica_government-debt-to-gdp,
title = {Costa Rica Government Debt to GDP},
url = {https://historysaid.com/costa-rica/government-debt-to-gdp/},
publisher = {HistorySaid},
year = {2026}
}