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Sierra Leone Short-term Debt

Short-term debt as % of total external debt  DT.DOD.DSTC.ZS

Sierra Leone's short-term debt was 6.53% in 2025, ranked 75th globally. This represents a 12.5% decrease from 2024. Data from World Bank, covering 1970–2025.

6.53% −0.93% (-12.5%)
Year 2025 Rank #75 Global Peak 16.55% (2012) Source World Bank

Sierra Leone Short-term Debt (1970–2025)

Overview

Sierra Leone's short-term debt stood at 6.53% in 2025, a decline of +0.93% from 2024. Based on recent trends, this figure is projected to reach 6.53% by 2025. Sierra Leone ranked 75th globally.

Sierra Leone's short-term debt has exhibited a pattern of volatility over the years, with a notable all-time peak of 16.55 in 2012. This sharp increase can be attributed to the country's struggle to recover from the devastating effects of the Ebola outbreak and the decline in global commodity prices. Conversely, the country has also experienced a historical low of 0.00 in 1973, a testament to its financial stability during that era. As of 2025, Sierra Leone's short-term debt has decreased to 6.53, ranking #75 globally. A comparison with its peer countries reveals that Suriname, with a similar debt-to-GDP ratio, has maintained a relatively stable position in recent years. The decline in Sierra Leone's short-term debt is a positive trend that suggests the country is making progress in managing its finances. However, a significant increase in global commodity prices or a decline in foreign investment could potentially alter this trajectory and impact the country's financial stability.

Data & projection

Year Short-term Debt YoY change Rank
2027* trend 6.02% - -
2026* trend 6.27% - -
2025* trend 6.53% - -
2025 6.53% −0.93% #75
2024 7.46% +0.86% #52
2023 6.60% −0.13% #48
2022 6.73% −0.62% #46
2021 7.35% −1.03% #51
2020 8.38% −1.28% #58
2019 9.66% −0.62% #63
2018 10.28% −0.59% #62
2017 10.87% −1.50% #67
2016 12.37% −1.36% #73
2015 13.73% −1.18% #77
2014 14.91% −0.36% #76
2013 15.27% −1.28% #78
2012 16.55% +13.22% #79
2011 3.33% +2.89% #33
Show all years (1970-2025)
* Linear trend extrapolation

Detected Pattern

Currency Crisis Pattern
Rapid currency depreciation (>30% YoY) combined with reserve drawdown and inflation surge. Often precedes emergency rate hikes.
Inflation 47.6% Reserves YoY -20.6% FX YoY +51.7%
Occurred 128 times, 35 successful
Inflation
133.5%
Reserves YoY
-48.5%
FX YoY
+126.8%
Inflation
38.1%
Reserves YoY
-30.4%
FX YoY
+33.2%
Inflation
221.3%
Reserves YoY
-15.4%
FX YoY
+820.4%
Inflation
47.6%
Reserves YoY
-20.6%
FX YoY
+51.7%
Inflation
667.4%
Reserves YoY
-80.7%
FX YoY
+835.9%
Inflation
31.3%
Reserves YoY
-47.5%
FX YoY
+42.5%
24 mo later
22.8%

Analysis

Sierra Leone matched the Currency Crisis Pattern pattern in 2023. Historically, 27% of countries showing this pattern (35 out of 128) saw short-term debt improve within 24 months. View full analysis →

Frequently Asked Questions

What is Sierra Leone's short-term debt?▾

Sierra Leone's short-term debt was 6.53% in 2025. Ranked 75th globally. This represents a 12.5% decrease from the previous year.

What was the highest short-term debt in Sierra Leone?▾

Sierra Leone's short-term debt peaked at 16.55% in 2012.

What was the lowest short-term debt in Sierra Leone?▾

The lowest short-term debt in Sierra Leone was 0.00% in 1970.

How does Sierra Leone rank in short-term debt?▾

Sierra Leone ranks 75th globally in short-term debt as of 2025.

What is the World Bank indicator code for short-term debt?▾

The World Bank indicator code is DT.DOD.DSTC.ZS. Data sourced from World Bank.

What is the projected short-term debt of Sierra Leone in 2025?▾

Sierra Leone's short-term debt is projected to reach 6.53% by 2025 based on trend extrapolation.

What is the short-term debt of Sierra Leone in 2025?▾

The short-term debt of Sierra Leone in 2025 was 6.53%. This ranks 75th in the world.

Cite this page

APA
Sierra Leone Short-term Debt. HistorySaid. Retrieved November 9, 2026, from https://historysaid.com/sierra-leone/short-term-debt/
BibTeX
@misc{historysaid_sierra-leone_short-term-debt, title = {Sierra Leone Short-term Debt}, url = {https://historysaid.com/sierra-leone/short-term-debt/}, publisher = {HistorySaid}, year = {2026} }
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