Guatemala External Debt
Total external debt stocks DT.DOD.DECT.CD
Guatemala's external debt was $27.2B in 2025, ranked 42nd globally. This represents a 0.4% increase from 2024. Data from World Bank, covering 1970–2025.
Overview
Guatemala's external debt stood at $27.2B in 2025, a rise of +$98.9M from 2024. Based on recent trends, this figure is projected to reach $27.2B by 2025. Guatemala ranked 42nd globally.
Guatemala’s external debt has risen dramatically over the 56‑year series, climbing from a trough of 192,905,000.00 in 1970 to an all‑time peak of 27,157,739,818.79 in 2025, placing the country 42nd globally. The expansion reflects sustained borrowing to finance infrastructure, social programs and balance‑of‑payments gaps, a pattern echoed in peer economies such as Georgia, whose debt stood at 26,623,341,584.98, and Zambia, with 28,210,213,560.90. While the debt‑to‑GDP ratio remains moderate relative to some regional peers, the absolute magnitude underscores heightened exposure to external financing conditions and exchange‑rate volatility. Continued fiscal consolidation, diversification of export markets and prudent debt‑management strategies will be crucial to moderating the upward trajectory, especially if global interest rates remain elevated or commodity price shocks recur.
Data & projection
| Year | External Debt | YoY change | Rank |
|---|---|---|---|
| 2027* trend | $28.1B | - | - |
| 2026* trend | $27.6B | - | - |
| 2025* trend | $27.2B | - | - |
| 2025 | $27.2B | +$98.9M | #42 |
| 2024 | $27.1B | +$1.4B | #78 |
| 2023 | $25.7B | +$392.6M | #79 |
| 2022 | $25.3B | −$1.0B | #80 |
| 2021 | $26.3B | +$2.0B | #80 |
| 2020 | $24.4B | −$239.0M | #79 |
| 2019 | $24.6B | +$321.5M | #82 |
| 2018 | $24.3B | +$1.0B | #83 |
| 2017 | $23.3B | +$2.1B | #83 |
| 2016 | $21.1B | +$751.6M | #84 |
| 2015 | $20.4B | +$866.4M | #84 |
| 2014 | $19.5B | +$2.0B | #82 |
| 2013 | $17.5B | +$2.1B | #82 |
| 2012 | $15.4B | −$914.3M | #82 |
| 2011 | $16.3B | +$1.2B | #85 |
Detected Pattern
Analysis
Guatemala matched the Export Boom Cycle pattern in 2024. Historically, 71% of countries showing this pattern (546 out of 768) saw external debt improve within 24 months. View full analysis →
Frequently Asked Questions
Guatemala's external debt was $27.2B in 2025. Ranked 42nd globally. This represents a 0.4% increase from the previous year.
Guatemala's external debt peaked at $27.2B in 2025.
The lowest external debt in Guatemala was $192.9M in 1970.
Guatemala ranks 42nd globally in external debt as of 2025.
The World Bank indicator code is DT.DOD.DECT.CD. Data sourced from World Bank.
Guatemala's external debt is projected to reach $27.2B by 2025 based on trend extrapolation.
Guatemala's external debt was approximately 27.16 billion ($27.2B) in 2025.
The external debt of Guatemala in 2025 was $27.2B. This ranks 42nd in the world.
Cite this page
@misc{historysaid_guatemala_external-debt,
title = {Guatemala External Debt},
url = {https://historysaid.com/guatemala/external-debt/},
publisher = {HistorySaid},
year = {2026}
}