Kuwait Government Debt to GDP
General government gross debt as % of GDP GGXWDG_NGDP
Kuwait's government debt to gdp was 7.29% in 2025, ranked 178th globally. This represents a 149.3% increase from 2024. Data from IMF WEO, covering 1991–2025.
Overview
Kuwait's government debt to gdp stood at 7.29% in 2025, a rise of +4.36% from 2024. The IMF projects 7.29% by 2025. Kuwait ranked 178th globally.
Kuwait’s government‑debt‑to‑GDP ratio has fallen dramatically from its all‑time peak of 45.29 in 1991 to a trough of 2.92 in 2024, before rising modestly to 7.29 in 2025, placing the country 178th in the world. The sharp decline over the 33‑year span reflects the accumulation of oil‑derived fiscal surpluses and the gradual repayment of debt incurred during the early 1990s Gulf crisis, while the modest uptick since 2024 signals a cautious re‑balancing of public finances as the government diversifies spending toward infrastructure and social programs. Compared with peers of similar rank, Kuwait’s ratio remains lower than Kiribati’s 8.72 and higher than Turkmenistan’s 3.85, underscoring a relatively modest debt burden among small‑economy counterparts. If oil prices remain stable and fiscal reforms continue, the debt‑to‑GDP ratio is likely to stay within the low‑single‑digit range, though a significant rise in public‑sector borrowing could reverse the recent downward trajectory.
Data & projection
| Year | Government Debt to GDP | YoY change | Rank |
|---|---|---|---|
| 2030* IMF | 24.47% | - | - |
| 2029* IMF | 23.52% | - | - |
| 2028* IMF | 19.35% | - | - |
| 2027* IMF | 15.24% | - | - |
| 2026* IMF | 10.67% | - | - |
| 2025* IMF | 7.29% | - | - |
| 2025 | 7.29% | +4.36% | #178 |
| 2024 | 2.92% | −0.21% | #3 |
| 2023 | 3.13% | +0.18% | #3 |
| 2022 | 2.95% | −4.25% | #3 |
| 2021 | 7.20% | −3.03% | #5 |
| 2020 | 10.23% | −0.29% | #6 |
| 2019 | 10.52% | −3.75% | #8 |
| 2018 | 14.26% | −5.36% | #10 |
| 2017 | 19.62% | +9.74% | #15 |
| 2016 | 9.88% | +5.28% | #8 |
| 2015 | 4.60% | +1.18% | #5 |
| 2014 | 3.43% | +0.34% | #6 |
| 2013 | 3.09% | −0.51% | #6 |
| 2012 | 3.60% | −1.04% | #6 |
| 2011 | 4.64% | −1.52% | #5 |
Detected Pattern
Analysis
Kuwait matched the Export Boom Cycle pattern in 2012. Historically, 71% of countries showing this pattern (546 out of 768) saw government debt to gdp improve within 24 months. View full analysis →
Frequently Asked Questions
Kuwait's government debt to gdp was 7.29% in 2025. Ranked 178th globally. This represents a 149.3% increase from the previous year.
Kuwait's government debt to gdp peaked at 45.29% in 1991.
The lowest government debt to gdp in Kuwait was 2.92% in 2024.
Kuwait ranks 178th globally in government debt to gdp as of 2025.
The World Bank indicator code is GGXWDG_NGDP. Data sourced from IMF WEO.
Kuwait's government debt to gdp is projected to reach 7.29% by 2025 based on IMF projection.
The government debt to gdp of Kuwait in 2025 was 7.29%. This ranks 178th in the world.
Cite this page
@misc{historysaid_kuwait_government-debt-to-gdp,
title = {Kuwait Government Debt to GDP},
url = {https://historysaid.com/kuwait/government-debt-to-gdp/},
publisher = {HistorySaid},
year = {2026}
}