Nicaragua Government Debt to GDP
General government gross debt as % of GDP GGXWDG_NGDP
Nicaragua's government debt to gdp was 39.28% in 2025, ranked 130th globally. This represents a 0.3% increase from 2024. Data from IMF WEO, covering 1997–2025.
Overview
Nicaragua's government debt to gdp stood at 39.28% in 2025, a rise of +0.13% from 2024. The IMF projects 39.28% by 2025. Nicaragua ranked 130th globally.
Nicaragua's government debt to GDP ratio has exhibited significant fluctuations over the past 29 years, with the all-time peak occurring in 2002 at 110.39. This marked a considerable departure from the all-time trough of 26.00 in 2008, underscoring the country's susceptibility to fiscal shocks. Following a steady decline in the late 1990s, the ratio surged to an alarming level, only to plummet during the global financial crisis, eventually stabilizing at 39.28 as of 2025. This value ranks Nicaragua 130th globally and closely trails peer countries such as Burundi at 40.25, indicating a relatively stable, albeit high, debt burden. The IMF's World Economic Outlook data suggests that Nicaragua's fiscal position remains precarious, with the potential for future debt accumulation driven by lingering economic challenges and a lack of fiscal consolidation. A sustained economic recovery, bolstered by structural reforms and prudent fiscal management, would be essential to reversing this trend.
Data & projection
| Year | Government Debt to GDP | YoY change | Rank |
|---|---|---|---|
| 2030* IMF | 40.36% | - | - |
| 2029* IMF | 41.12% | - | - |
| 2028* IMF | 40.74% | - | - |
| 2027* IMF | 40.30% | - | - |
| 2026* IMF | 40.09% | - | - |
| 2025* IMF | 39.28% | - | - |
| 2025 | 39.28% | +0.13% | #130 |
| 2024 | 39.15% | −3.15% | #52 |
| 2023 | 42.30% | −3.62% | #62 |
| 2022 | 45.92% | −2.51% | #69 |
| 2021 | 48.43% | −0.73% | #65 |
| 2020 | 49.16% | +4.96% | #74 |
| 2019 | 44.20% | +5.11% | #82 |
| 2018 | 39.09% | +4.44% | #64 |
| 2017 | 34.65% | +3.73% | #48 |
| 2016 | 30.92% | +2.01% | #41 |
| 2015 | 28.91% | +0.22% | #44 |
| 2014 | 28.69% | −0.15% | #61 |
| 2013 | 28.84% | +0.98% | #61 |
| 2012 | 27.85% | −0.94% | #63 |
| 2011 | 28.79% | −1.55% | #64 |
Detected Pattern
Analysis
Nicaragua 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
Nicaragua's government debt to gdp was 39.28% in 2025. Ranked 130th globally. This represents a 0.3% increase from the previous year.
Nicaragua's government debt to gdp peaked at 110.39% in 2002.
The lowest government debt to gdp in Nicaragua was 26.00% in 2008.
Nicaragua ranks 130th globally in government debt to gdp as of 2025.
The World Bank indicator code is GGXWDG_NGDP. Data sourced from IMF WEO.
Nicaragua's government debt to gdp is projected to reach 39.28% by 2025 based on IMF projection.
The government debt to gdp of Nicaragua in 2025 was 39.28%. This ranks 130th in the world.
Cite this page
@misc{historysaid_nicaragua_government-debt-to-gdp,
title = {Nicaragua Government Debt to GDP},
url = {https://historysaid.com/nicaragua/government-debt-to-gdp/},
publisher = {HistorySaid},
year = {2026}
}