Maldives Interest Payments to Revenue
Interest payments as % of revenue GC.XPN.INTP.RV.ZS
Maldives's interest payments to revenue was 9.73% in 2021, ranked 92nd globally. This represents a 8.0% decrease from 2020. Data from World Bank, covering 1979–2021.
Overview
Maldives's interest payments to revenue stood at 9.73% in 2021, a decline of +0.85pp from 2020. Maldives ranked 92nd globally.
Maldives’ interest payments as a share of revenue have risen markedly since the series began in 1979, when the ratio was 1.26%, climbing to a modest 1.05% in 1980 before embarking on a long‑term upward trajectory. The all‑time peak of 10.80% was recorded in 2009, reflecting heightened borrowing amid expansive infrastructure projects, and the latest World Bank figure for 2021 stands at 9.73%, placing the island nation 92nd globally. Over the 40‑year coverage period the ratio has remained close to peers such as Guinea‑Bissau (9.69%) and Türkiye (9.85%), underscoring a common fiscal pressure among small, tourism‑dependent economies that rely heavily on external financing. The persistent elevation of interest costs relative to revenue suggests limited fiscal space for public investment, and any reversal will likely depend on stronger debt‑service management, diversification of revenue sources, or a sustained improvement in external borrowing terms.
Data & projection
| Year | Interest Payments to Revenue | YoY change | Rank |
|---|---|---|---|
| 2021 | 9.73% | −0.85pp | #92 |
| 2020 | 10.58% | +3.90pp | #97 |
| 2019 | 6.67% | +0.16pp | #80 |
| 2018 | 6.51% | +1.06pp | #74 |
| 2017 | 5.45% | −0.96pp | #68 |
| 2016 | 6.41% | −1.45pp | #73 |
| 2015 | 7.86% | +1.34pp | #90 |
| 2014 | 6.52% | −1.22pp | #78 |
| 2011 | 7.75% | −2.65pp | #83 |
| 2010 | 10.40% | −0.40pp | #96 |
| 2009 | 10.80% | +7.02pp | #95 |
| 2008 | 3.78% | +0.67pp | #47 |
| 2007 | 3.11% | −0.15pp | #36 |
| 2006 | 3.26% | −0.13pp | #31 |
| 2005 | 3.38% | −0.69pp | #22 |
Detected Pattern
Analysis
Maldives matched the Fiscal Dominance Trap pattern in 2011. Historically, 72% of countries showing this pattern (278 out of 386) saw interest payments to revenue improve within 24 months. View full analysis →
Frequently Asked Questions
Maldives's interest payments to revenue was 9.73% in 2021. Ranked 92nd globally. This represents a 8.0% decrease from the previous year.
Maldives's interest payments to revenue peaked at 10.80% in 2009.
The lowest interest payments to revenue in Maldives was 1.05% in 1980.
Maldives ranks 92nd globally in interest payments to revenue as of 2021.
The World Bank indicator code is GC.XPN.INTP.RV.ZS. Data sourced from World Bank.
The interest payments to revenue of Maldives in 2021 was 9.73%. This ranks 92nd in the world.
Cite this page
@misc{historysaid_maldives_interest-to-revenue,
title = {Maldives Interest Payments to Revenue},
url = {https://historysaid.com/maldives/interest-to-revenue/},
publisher = {HistorySaid},
year = {2026}
}