South Sudan Government Debt to GDP
General government gross debt as % of GDP GGXWDG_NGDP
South Sudan's government debt to gdp was 65.96% in 2025, ranked 59th globally. This represents a 30.1% increase from 2024. Data from IMF WEO, covering 2012–2025.
Overview
South Sudan's government debt to gdp stood at 65.96% in 2025, a rise of +15.28% from 2024. The IMF projects 65.96% by 2025. South Sudan ranked 59th globally.
South Sudan's government debt to GDP ratio has exhibited significant fluctuations over the past fourteen years. At its all-time trough in 2012, the ratio stood at 8.91, reflecting the country's relatively low levels of public debt. However, the debt burden increased substantially, reaching an all-time peak of 178.27 in 2017. This marked a notable deviation from the country's previously constrained fiscal policies. As of 2025, the ratio has declined to 65.95, ranking 59th globally. This rate remains higher than that of Slovenia, which has a comparable debt-to-GDP ratio of 66.56. The decline in debt ratio since its peak may be attributed to efforts to restructure and refinance debt obligations. Looking ahead, a sustained decline in debt to GDP ratio will depend on the government's ability to maintain fiscal discipline and secure external support, particularly from international financial institutions.
Data & projection
| Year | Government Debt to GDP | YoY change | Rank |
|---|---|---|---|
| 2030* IMF | 44.73% | - | - |
| 2029* IMF | 47.49% | - | - |
| 2028* IMF | 52.40% | - | - |
| 2027* IMF | 54.97% | - | - |
| 2026* IMF | 60.20% | - | - |
| 2025* IMF | 65.96% | - | - |
| 2025 | 65.96% | +15.28% | #59 |
| 2024 | 50.68% | −1.24% | #83 |
| 2023 | 51.91% | +14.62% | #89 |
| 2022 | 37.30% | −12.89% | #45 |
| 2021 | 50.18% | +1.20% | #75 |
| 2020 | 48.98% | +5.88% | #72 |
| 2019 | 43.10% | −34.49% | #78 |
| 2018 | 77.59% | −100.68% | #155 |
| 2017 | 178.27% | +13.53% | #186 |
| 2016 | 164.74% | +106.09% | #186 |
| 2015 | 58.65% | +20.96% | #130 |
| 2014 | 37.68% | +20.10% | #82 |
| 2013 | 17.59% | +8.68% | #27 |
| 2012 | 8.91% | – | #14 |
Detected Pattern
Analysis
South Sudan matched the Fiscal Dominance Trap pattern in 2024. Historically, 72% of countries showing this pattern (278 out of 386) saw government debt to gdp improve within 24 months. View full analysis →
Frequently Asked Questions
South Sudan's government debt to gdp was 65.96% in 2025. Ranked 59th globally. This represents a 30.1% increase from the previous year.
South Sudan's government debt to gdp peaked at 178.27% in 2017.
The lowest government debt to gdp in South Sudan was 8.91% in 2012.
South Sudan ranks 59th globally in government debt to gdp as of 2025.
The World Bank indicator code is GGXWDG_NGDP. Data sourced from IMF WEO.
South Sudan's government debt to gdp is projected to reach 65.96% by 2025 based on IMF projection.
The government debt to gdp of South Sudan in 2025 was 65.96%. This ranks 59th in the world.
Cite this page
@misc{historysaid_south-sudan_government-debt-to-gdp,
title = {South Sudan Government Debt to GDP},
url = {https://historysaid.com/south-sudan/government-debt-to-gdp/},
publisher = {HistorySaid},
year = {2026}
}