Sweden Government Debt to GDP
General government gross debt as % of GDP GGXWDG_NGDP
Sweden's government debt to gdp was 34.16% in 2025, ranked 142nd globally. This represents a 3.6% increase from 2024. Data from IMF WEO, covering 1993–2025.
Overview
Sweden's government debt to gdp stood at 34.16% in 2025, a rise of +1.17% from 2024. The IMF projects 34.16% by 2025. Sweden ranked 142nd globally.
Sweden's government debt to GDP ratio has exhibited a significant decline in recent years, with the all-time trough of 31.81 reached in 2023. This represents a substantial decrease from the all-time peak of 68.93 in 1996, a difference of nearly 37 percentage points. In contrast, Georgia, a peer country, boasts a comparable ratio of 34.23, highlighting Sweden's relative improvement. The current debt to GDP ratio in Sweden stands at 34.16, ranking it #142 globally according to the IMF WEO. The substantial reduction in government debt over the past three decades is a testament to Sweden's fiscal discipline and economic stability. With a coverage period spanning 33 years, the trend suggests a gradual decrease in government debt, with the latest value being a fraction lower than the trough. However, any significant economic downturn or increase in government spending could alter this trajectory and potentially lead to a renewed increase in the debt to GDP ratio.
Data & projection
| Year | Government Debt to GDP | YoY change | Rank |
|---|---|---|---|
| 2030* IMF | 33.51% | - | - |
| 2029* IMF | 34.46% | - | - |
| 2028* IMF | 35.30% | - | - |
| 2027* IMF | 35.83% | - | - |
| 2026* IMF | 35.58% | - | - |
| 2025* IMF | 34.16% | - | - |
| 2025 | 34.16% | +1.17% | #142 |
| 2024 | 32.99% | +1.18% | #39 |
| 2023 | 31.81% | −2.10% | #34 |
| 2022 | 33.91% | −3.09% | #38 |
| 2021 | 37.01% | −3.20% | #35 |
| 2020 | 40.20% | +4.42% | #39 |
| 2019 | 35.78% | −4.15% | #45 |
| 2018 | 39.93% | −1.70% | #68 |
| 2017 | 41.63% | −1.25% | #75 |
| 2016 | 42.88% | −1.58% | #84 |
| 2015 | 44.47% | −1.22% | #94 |
| 2014 | 45.69% | +4.91% | #112 |
| 2013 | 40.78% | +2.78% | #97 |
| 2012 | 37.99% | +0.32% | #101 |
| 2011 | 37.67% | −0.92% | #100 |
Detected Pattern
Analysis
Sweden matched the Export Boom Cycle pattern in 2007. Historically, 71% of countries showing this pattern (546 out of 768) saw government debt to gdp improve within 24 months. View full analysis →
Headlines regarding China's rail investment and the UK budget/corporate earnings do not directly relate to Sweden's government debt. However, Europe's defense dilemma suggests potential for increased defense spending among European nations, including Sweden. Such expenditures could, if not financed by revenue or cuts, put upward pressure on Sweden's relatively low government debt-to-GDP of 34.16%.
Frequently Asked Questions
Sweden's government debt to gdp was 34.16% in 2025. Ranked 142nd globally. This represents a 3.6% increase from the previous year.
Sweden's government debt to gdp peaked at 68.93% in 1996.
The lowest government debt to gdp in Sweden was 31.81% in 2023.
Sweden ranks 142nd globally in government debt to gdp as of 2025.
The World Bank indicator code is GGXWDG_NGDP. Data sourced from IMF WEO.
Sweden's government debt to gdp is projected to reach 34.16% by 2025 based on IMF projection.
The government debt to gdp of Sweden in 2025 was 34.16%. This ranks 142nd in the world.
Cite this page
@misc{historysaid_sweden_government-debt-to-gdp,
title = {Sweden Government Debt to GDP},
url = {https://historysaid.com/sweden/government-debt-to-gdp/},
publisher = {HistorySaid},
year = {2026}
}