Denmark Budget Deficit
General government net lending/borrowing as % of GDP GGXCNL_NGDP
Denmark's budget deficit was 1.80% in 2025, ranked 17th globally. This represents a 59.6% decrease from 2024. Data from IMF WEO, covering 1980–2025.
Overview
Denmark's budget deficit stood at 1.80% in 2025, a decline of +2.66% from 2024. The IMF projects 1.80% by 2025. Denmark ranked 17th globally.
Denmark’s budget deficit has narrowed markedly since its all‑time trough of –9.23 % of GDP in 1982, reflecting a shift from the large fiscal imbalances of the early 1980s to a more disciplined fiscal stance. The deficit widened again during the global financial crisis, reaching an all‑time peak of 5.31 % in 2007, before gradually tightening through the subsequent decade. By 2025 the International Monetary Fund records a deficit of 1.80 % of GDP, ranking Denmark 17th globally and placing it between peers such as Nicaragua (2.05 %) and the Marshall Islands (1.67 %). Over the 46‑year series, the country has moved from deep deficits to modest shortfalls, supported by strong tax revenues and prudent spending. Continued fiscal consolidation, higher growth and disciplined public‑sector budgeting are likely to keep the deficit below 2 % in the near term, barring major economic shocks.
Data & projection
| Year | Budget Deficit | YoY change | Rank |
|---|---|---|---|
| 2030* IMF | -0.55% | - | - |
| 2029* IMF | -0.44% | - | - |
| 2028* IMF | -0.19% | - | - |
| 2027* IMF | -0.11% | - | - |
| 2026* IMF | 0.37% | - | - |
| 2025* IMF | 1.80% | - | - |
| 2025 | 1.80% | −2.66% | #17 |
| 2024 | 4.46% | +1.03% | #180 |
| 2023 | 3.43% | +0.04% | #174 |
| 2022 | 3.39% | −0.73% | #175 |
| 2021 | 4.12% | +3.76% | #184 |
| 2020 | 0.36% | −3.92% | #179 |
| 2019 | 4.28% | +3.47% | #182 |
| 2018 | 0.81% | −0.88% | #146 |
| 2017 | 1.69% | +1.39% | #172 |
| 2016 | 0.30% | +1.20% | #158 |
| 2015 | -0.90% | −2.32% | #142 |
| 2014 | 1.43% | +2.37% | #163 |
| 2013 | -0.94% | +2.26% | #134 |
| 2012 | -3.20% | −1.44% | #73 |
| 2011 | -1.77% | +0.76% | #115 |
Detected Pattern
Analysis
Denmark matched the Export Boom Cycle pattern in 2021. Historically, 71% of countries showing this pattern (546 out of 768) saw budget deficit improve within 24 months. View full analysis →
Frequently Asked Questions
Denmark's budget deficit was 1.80% in 2025. Ranked 17th globally. This represents a 59.6% decrease from the previous year.
Denmark's budget deficit peaked at 5.31% in 2007.
The lowest budget deficit in Denmark was -9.23% in 1982.
Denmark ranks 17th globally in budget deficit as of 2025.
The World Bank indicator code is GGXCNL_NGDP. Data sourced from IMF WEO.
Denmark's budget deficit is projected to reach 1.80% by 2025 based on IMF projection.
The budget deficit of Denmark in 2025 was 1.80%. This ranks 17th in the world.
Cite this page
@misc{historysaid_denmark_budget-deficit,
title = {Denmark Budget Deficit},
url = {https://historysaid.com/denmark/budget-deficit/},
publisher = {HistorySaid},
year = {2026}
}