Papua New Guinea External Debt to GNI
External debt stocks as % of GNI DT.DOD.DECT.GN.ZS
Papua New Guinea's external debt to gni was 34.53% in 2025, ranked 76th globally. This represents a 17.6% decrease from 2024. Data from World Bank, covering 1970–2025.
Overview
Papua New Guinea's external debt to gni stood at 34.53% in 2025, a decline of +7.35pp from 2024. Based on recent trends, this figure is projected to reach 34.53% by 2025. Papua New Guinea ranked 76th globally.
Papua New Guinea's external debt to GNI ratio has fluctuated significantly over the past 56 years, with a notable all-time peak in 2013 at 110.58%. This was a stark contrast to the all-time trough in 2008 when the ratio dipped to 13.03%. The country's external debt to GNI ratio has seen a downward trend since its peak, settling at 34.53% in 2025, ranking 76th globally. This is comparable to peer countries such as Peru, which also has a ratio of 34.45%. The ratio has generally remained below the peak levels but above the trough levels, indicating a moderate level of external debt burden. The ratio has been trending downwards, a positive development for Papua New Guinea. However, a significant increase in foreign investment or a decline in global commodity prices could alter the trajectory of Papua New Guinea's external debt to GNI ratio in the future.
Data & projection
| Year | External Debt to GNI | YoY change | Rank |
|---|---|---|---|
| 2027* trend | 14.82% | - | - |
| 2026* trend | 24.68% | - | - |
| 2025* trend | 34.53% | - | - |
| 2025 | 34.53% | −7.35pp | #76 |
| 2024 | 41.89% | −12.40pp | #52 |
| 2023 | 54.29% | −11.53pp | #73 |
| 2022 | 65.82% | −14.58pp | #87 |
| 2021 | 80.39% | +2.28pp | #92 |
| 2020 | 78.11% | −3.34pp | #89 |
| 2019 | 81.45% | +3.65pp | #99 |
| 2018 | 77.80% | −1.70pp | #98 |
| 2017 | 79.51% | −17.63pp | #97 |
| 2016 | 97.14% | −3.27pp | #107 |
| 2015 | 100.40% | +10.84pp | #109 |
| 2014 | 89.56% | −21.02pp | #106 |
| 2013 | 110.58% | +36.70pp | #113 |
| 2012 | 73.88% | −3.45pp | #98 |
| 2011 | 77.33% | +31.91pp | #103 |
Detected Pattern
Analysis
Papua New Guinea matched the Export Boom Cycle pattern in 2022. 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
Papua New Guinea's external debt to gni was 34.53% in 2025. Ranked 76th globally. This represents a 17.6% decrease from the previous year.
Papua New Guinea's external debt to gni peaked at 110.58% in 2013.
The lowest external debt to gni in Papua New Guinea was 13.03% in 2008.
Papua New Guinea ranks 76th 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.
Papua New Guinea's external debt to gni is projected to reach 34.53% by 2025 based on trend extrapolation.
The external debt to gni of Papua New Guinea in 2025 was 34.53%. This ranks 76th in the world.
Cite this page
@misc{historysaid_papua-new-guinea_external-debt-to-gni,
title = {Papua New Guinea External Debt to GNI},
url = {https://historysaid.com/papua-new-guinea/external-debt-to-gni/},
publisher = {HistorySaid},
year = {2026}
}