Nepal Government Debt to GDP
General government gross debt as % of GDP GGXWDG_NGDP
Nepal's government debt to gdp was 49.29% in 2025, ranked 105th globally. This represents a 2.0% increase from 2024. Data from IMF WEO, covering 2000–2025.
Overview
Nepal's government debt to gdp stood at 49.29% in 2025, a rise of +0.95% from 2024. The IMF projects 49.29% by 2025. Nepal ranked 105th globally.
Nepal’s general government debt stood at 49.28 % of GDP in 2025, placing it 105th in the world and closely aligned with peers such as Tanzania (49.59 %) and Madagascar (49.75 %). The debt ratio has shown a modest downward trajectory since the early 2000s, when it peaked at 52.97 % of GDP in 2003, before falling to a historic low of 24.96 % in 2016. The subsequent rise to the current level reflects a combination of fiscal stimulus, infrastructure spending and external borrowing amid post‑pandemic recovery efforts. Over the 26‑year span covered, Nepal’s debt‑to‑GDP ratio has been more volatile than many regional counterparts, yet it remains within a moderate range compared with other low‑income economies. Continued consolidation of fiscal balances and restrained new borrowing will be essential to keep the debt ratio on a downward path and avoid a reversal of the recent modest decline.
Data & projection
| Year | Government Debt to GDP | YoY change | Rank |
|---|---|---|---|
| 2030* IMF | 48.08% | - | - |
| 2029* IMF | 48.59% | - | - |
| 2028* IMF | 49.20% | - | - |
| 2027* IMF | 49.59% | - | - |
| 2026* IMF | 49.90% | - | - |
| 2025* IMF | 49.29% | - | - |
| 2025 | 49.29% | +0.95% | #105 |
| 2024 | 48.33% | +1.37% | #76 |
| 2023 | 46.96% | +4.23% | #73 |
| 2022 | 42.73% | −0.56% | #62 |
| 2021 | 43.29% | −0.02% | #54 |
| 2020 | 43.31% | +9.28% | #49 |
| 2019 | 34.03% | +2.94% | #41 |
| 2018 | 31.09% | +6.10% | #38 |
| 2017 | 24.99% | +0.03% | #32 |
| 2016 | 24.96% | −0.77% | #33 |
| 2015 | 25.73% | −1.82% | #36 |
| 2014 | 27.55% | −4.35% | #53 |
| 2013 | 31.90% | −2.62% | #73 |
| 2012 | 34.52% | +2.09% | #87 |
| 2011 | 32.43% | −2.97% | #76 |
Detected Pattern
Analysis
Nepal matched the Stagflation Risk pattern in 2016. Historically, 38% of countries showing this pattern (117 out of 307) saw government debt to gdp improve within 24 months. View full analysis →
Frequently Asked Questions
Nepal's government debt to gdp was 49.29% in 2025. Ranked 105th globally. This represents a 2.0% increase from the previous year.
Nepal's government debt to gdp peaked at 52.97% in 2003.
The lowest government debt to gdp in Nepal was 24.96% in 2016.
Nepal ranks 105th globally in government debt to gdp as of 2025.
The World Bank indicator code is GGXWDG_NGDP. Data sourced from IMF WEO.
Nepal's government debt to gdp is projected to reach 49.29% by 2025 based on IMF projection.
The government debt to gdp of Nepal in 2025 was 49.29%. This ranks 105th in the world.
Cite this page
@misc{historysaid_nepal_government-debt-to-gdp,
title = {Nepal Government Debt to GDP},
url = {https://historysaid.com/nepal/government-debt-to-gdp/},
publisher = {HistorySaid},
year = {2026}
}