Lesotho Government Debt to GDP
General government gross debt as % of GDP GGXWDG_NGDP
Lesotho's government debt to gdp was 57.05% in 2025, ranked 85th globally. This represents a 0.4% increase from 2024. Data from IMF WEO, covering 1988–2025.
Overview
Lesotho's government debt to gdp stood at 57.05% in 2025, a rise of +0.22% from 2024. The IMF projects 57.05% by 2025. Lesotho ranked 85th globally.
Lesotho’s government debt-to‑GDP ratio has risen sharply from a low of 11.91 % in 1991 to an all‑time peak of 108.68 % in 2001, before settling at 57.05 % in 2025, placing the kingdom at 85th in the world. The 2025 figure is virtually identical to that of the Central African Republic (57.14 %) and Croatia (56.99 %), underscoring a convergence with other lower‑middle‑income economies that carry moderate debt burdens. Over the 38‑year series, the debt ratio more than quintupled, reflecting fiscal pressures from expansive public spending and limited revenue mobilization during the early 2000s. The post‑peak decline suggests a degree of consolidation, yet the current level remains well above the 1991 trough and above the regional average for Southern African states. Future movements will hinge on the government’s ability to broaden the tax base, improve expenditure efficiency, and attract external financing on favourable terms, which could either reinforce the downward trajectory or stall progress.
Data & projection
| Year | Government Debt to GDP | YoY change | Rank |
|---|---|---|---|
| 2030* IMF | 57.42% | - | - |
| 2029* IMF | 57.28% | - | - |
| 2028* IMF | 57.27% | - | - |
| 2027* IMF | 57.39% | - | - |
| 2026* IMF | 57.08% | - | - |
| 2025* IMF | 57.05% | - | - |
| 2025 | 57.05% | +0.22% | #85 |
| 2024 | 56.83% | −4.63% | #96 |
| 2023 | 61.46% | −2.90% | #113 |
| 2022 | 64.36% | +6.40% | #113 |
| 2021 | 57.96% | +3.27% | #98 |
| 2020 | 54.69% | −3.53% | #88 |
| 2019 | 58.22% | +10.03% | #118 |
| 2018 | 48.19% | +7.20% | #93 |
| 2017 | 40.99% | −0.46% | #73 |
| 2016 | 41.45% | −4.36% | #78 |
| 2015 | 45.81% | +4.31% | #100 |
| 2014 | 41.51% | +0.31% | #94 |
| 2013 | 41.19% | +1.35% | #99 |
| 2012 | 39.85% | +3.68% | #104 |
| 2011 | 36.17% | +2.36% | #94 |
Detected Pattern
Analysis
Lesotho matched the Export Boom Cycle pattern in 2024. 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
Lesotho's government debt to gdp was 57.05% in 2025. Ranked 85th globally. This represents a 0.4% increase from the previous year.
Lesotho's government debt to gdp peaked at 108.68% in 2001.
The lowest government debt to gdp in Lesotho was 11.91% in 1991.
Lesotho ranks 85th globally in government debt to gdp as of 2025.
The World Bank indicator code is GGXWDG_NGDP. Data sourced from IMF WEO.
Lesotho's government debt to gdp is projected to reach 57.05% by 2025 based on IMF projection.
The government debt to gdp of Lesotho in 2025 was 57.05%. This ranks 85th in the world.
Cite this page
@misc{historysaid_lesotho_government-debt-to-gdp,
title = {Lesotho Government Debt to GDP},
url = {https://historysaid.com/lesotho/government-debt-to-gdp/},
publisher = {HistorySaid},
year = {2026}
}