Reserves in Months of Imports - Ranking 1999
In 1999, Botswana (24.2), Libya (18.7), and China (13.6) ranked highest in reserves in months of imports among all countries. Luxembourg ranked lowest at 0.0.
Data & analysis
- Libya — 24.16
- Vanuatu — 17.54
- Algeria — 17.46
- Russian Federation — 16.52
- Iraq — 14.17
The 2025 World Bank ranking of reserves in months of imports reveals a clear structural divide, with hydrocarbon exporters dominating the top tier. Libya leads at 24.16 months, followed by Algeria at 17.46 months and Russia at 16.52 months, all of which rely heavily on oil and gas revenues to sustain large foreign exchange buffers. These reserves provide a cushion against trade shocks, but also reflect limited economic diversification. At the bottom, Croatia’s negative value of -2.20 months indicates that its short-term external obligations exceed available reserves, a condition often tied to high import dependence and debt servicing pressures. The data year highlights how post-pandemic recovery and energy price volatility have shaped these positions. Looking ahead, sustained global energy transition efforts could erode the reserve advantages of fossil fuel exporters, while structural reforms in import-dependent economies might lift their standings.
| Rank | Country | Value | YoY % |
|---|---|---|---|