Jamaica Government Debt to GDP
General government gross debt as % of GDP GGXWDG_NGDP
Jamaica's government debt to gdp was 59.23% in 2025, ranked 78th globally. This represents a 5.1% decrease from 2024. Data from IMF WEO, covering 1999–2025.
Overview
Jamaica's government debt to gdp stood at 59.23% in 2025, a decline of +3.20% from 2024. The IMF projects 59.23% by 2025. Jamaica ranked 78th globally.
Jamaica’s government debt‑to‑GDP ratio has fallen sharply over the past 27 years, descending from 80.66 % in 1999 to a trough of 59.23 % in 2025, the lowest level recorded since the series began. The ratio peaked at 140.25 % in 2012, reflecting the fiscal strain of the global financial crisis and domestic fiscal consolidation challenges, before a sustained reduction driven by fiscal reforms, debt‑service relief and improved revenue collection. In 2025 the country ranks 78th globally, with its debt burden essentially matching that of peer economies such as Ghana (59.08 %) and the Slovak Republic (59.58 %). The decline underscores the effectiveness of recent fiscal adjustment programs, yet the modest level remains above the pre‑crisis average, suggesting limited fiscal headroom for further stimulus. Continued prudent fiscal management and external financing conditions will be pivotal in maintaining the downward trajectory and preventing a reversal toward higher debt ratios.
Data & projection
| Year | Government Debt to GDP | YoY change | Rank |
|---|---|---|---|
| 2030* IMF | 51.70% | - | - |
| 2029* IMF | 53.05% | - | - |
| 2028* IMF | 54.43% | - | - |
| 2027* IMF | 55.95% | - | - |
| 2026* IMF | 57.44% | - | - |
| 2025* IMF | 59.23% | - | - |
| 2025 | 59.23% | −3.20% | #78 |
| 2024 | 62.43% | −4.12% | #114 |
| 2023 | 66.55% | −3.62% | #120 |
| 2022 | 70.17% | −16.11% | #129 |
| 2021 | 86.28% | −15.00% | #150 |
| 2020 | 101.27% | +13.55% | #158 |
| 2019 | 87.72% | −0.54% | #163 |
| 2018 | 88.26% | −6.85% | #169 |
| 2017 | 95.10% | −11.80% | #170 |
| 2016 | 106.91% | −9.02% | #177 |
| 2015 | 115.93% | −18.48% | #182 |
| 2014 | 134.40% | −0.82% | #183 |
| 2013 | 135.23% | −5.03% | #184 |
| 2012 | 140.26% | +4.32% | #185 |
| 2011 | 135.94% | −1.89% | #182 |
Detected Pattern
Analysis
Jamaica matched the Fiscal Dominance Trap pattern in 2022. Historically, 72% of countries showing this pattern (278 out of 386) saw government debt to gdp improve within 24 months. View full analysis →
Frequently Asked Questions
Jamaica's government debt to gdp was 59.23% in 2025. Ranked 78th globally. This represents a 5.1% decrease from the previous year.
Jamaica's government debt to gdp peaked at 140.26% in 2012.
The lowest government debt to gdp in Jamaica was 59.23% in 2025.
Jamaica ranks 78th globally in government debt to gdp as of 2025.
The World Bank indicator code is GGXWDG_NGDP. Data sourced from IMF WEO.
Jamaica's government debt to gdp is projected to reach 59.23% by 2025 based on IMF projection.
The government debt to gdp of Jamaica in 2025 was 59.23%. This ranks 78th in the world.
Cite this page
@misc{historysaid_jamaica_government-debt-to-gdp,
title = {Jamaica Government Debt to GDP},
url = {https://historysaid.com/jamaica/government-debt-to-gdp/},
publisher = {HistorySaid},
year = {2026}
}