Mauritania External Debt to GNI
External debt stocks as % of GNI DT.DOD.DECT.GN.ZS
Mauritania's external debt to gni was 31.42% in 2025, ranked 81st globally. This represents a 24.9% decrease from 2024. Data from World Bank, covering 1970–2025.
Overview
Mauritania's external debt to gni stood at 31.42% in 2025, a decline of +10.41pp from 2024. Based on recent trends, this figure is projected to reach 31.42% by 2025. Mauritania ranked 81st globally.
Mauritania’s external debt-to‑GNI ratio has risen sharply from an all‑time trough of 8.83% in 1970 to a historic peak of 159.75% in 1987, before retreating to 31.42% in 2025, placing the country 81st globally. The post‑peak decline reflects a combination of debt restructuring, fiscal consolidation and modest growth, yet the current level remains comparable to peers such as Gabon (31.82%) and Zimbabwe (31.00%). Over the 56‑year coverage period, the ratio’s volatility underscores the sensitivity of Mauritania’s external financing to commodity price swings and external shocks, particularly given its reliance on iron‑ore exports. While the downward trajectory since the late 1980s suggests improved debt sustainability, any resurgence of global commodity downturns or widening current‑account deficits could halt or reverse progress, making continued fiscal prudence and diversification essential for further reduction of the debt burden.
Data & projection
| Year | External Debt to GNI | YoY change | Rank |
|---|---|---|---|
| 2027* trend | 18.33% | - | - |
| 2026* trend | 24.88% | - | - |
| 2025* trend | 31.42% | - | - |
| 2025 | 31.42% | −10.41pp | #81 |
| 2024 | 41.83% | −1.21pp | #51 |
| 2023 | 43.04% | −4.95pp | #53 |
| 2022 | 47.99% | −4.74pp | #62 |
| 2021 | 52.73% | −16.98pp | #60 |
| 2020 | 69.71% | +0.71pp | #81 |
| 2019 | 69.00% | −1.25pp | #92 |
| 2018 | 70.26% | −7.93pp | #93 |
| 2017 | 78.18% | −2.68pp | #96 |
| 2016 | 80.87% | −2.55pp | #98 |
| 2015 | 83.41% | +11.93pp | #103 |
| 2014 | 71.48% | +7.12pp | #98 |
| 2013 | 64.36% | −1.07pp | #90 |
| 2012 | 65.43% | +8.80pp | #92 |
| 2011 | 56.63% | −7.33pp | #89 |
Detected Pattern
Analysis
Mauritania matched the Export Boom Cycle pattern in 2006. Historically, 71% of countries showing this pattern (546 out of 768) saw external debt to gni improve within 24 months. View full analysis →
Frequently Asked Questions
Mauritania's external debt to gni was 31.42% in 2025. Ranked 81st globally. This represents a 24.9% decrease from the previous year.
Mauritania's external debt to gni peaked at 159.75% in 1987.
The lowest external debt to gni in Mauritania was 8.83% in 1970.
Mauritania ranks 81st globally in external debt to gni as of 2025.
The World Bank indicator code is DT.DOD.DECT.GN.ZS. Data sourced from World Bank.
Mauritania's external debt to gni is projected to reach 31.42% by 2025 based on trend extrapolation.
The external debt to gni of Mauritania in 2025 was 31.42%. This ranks 81st in the world.
Cite this page
@misc{historysaid_mauritania_external-debt-to-gni,
title = {Mauritania External Debt to GNI},
url = {https://historysaid.com/mauritania/external-debt-to-gni/},
publisher = {HistorySaid},
year = {2026}
}