Timor-Leste Government Debt to GDP
General government gross debt as % of GDP GGXWDG_NGDP
Timor-Leste's government debt to gdp was 13.92% in 2025, ranked 172nd globally. This represents a 4.5% increase from 2024. Data from IMF WEO, covering 2012–2025.
Overview
Timor-Leste's government debt to gdp stood at 13.92% in 2025, a rise of +0.60% from 2024. The IMF projects 13.92% by 2025. Timor-Leste ranked 172nd globally.
Timor‑Leste’s government debt-to‑GDP ratio has risen from a recorded zero in 2012 to 13.92 in 2025, the highest level observed over the 14‑year series and placing the country 172nd in the global ranking. The increase reflects a gradual accumulation of fiscal liabilities as the young nation expands public services and infrastructure, yet the ratio remains modest compared with peers such as Haiti (11.81) and Hong Kong SAR, China (11.66). The all‑time peak coincides with the 2025 data point, while the trough at zero marks the starting reference year of 2012, indicating that debt has only been introduced in the past decade. Although the current level is well below the thresholds that typically signal debt distress, continued borrowing to finance development projects could push the ratio higher. Maintaining disciplined fiscal management and diversifying revenue sources will be crucial to keep the upward trajectory moderate in the coming years.
Data & projection
| Year | Government Debt to GDP | YoY change | Rank |
|---|---|---|---|
| 2030* IMF | 14.67% | - | - |
| 2029* IMF | 14.64% | - | - |
| 2028* IMF | 14.64% | - | - |
| 2027* IMF | 14.71% | - | - |
| 2026* IMF | 14.68% | - | - |
| 2025* IMF | 13.92% | - | - |
| 2025 | 13.92% | +0.60% | #172 |
| 2024 | 13.33% | +0.88% | #11 |
| 2023 | 12.45% | +4.55% | #9 |
| 2022 | 7.90% | +1.37% | #7 |
| 2021 | 6.53% | −3.56% | #4 |
| 2020 | 10.09% | +0.58% | #5 |
| 2019 | 9.51% | +0.19% | #7 |
| 2018 | 9.31% | +2.61% | #7 |
| 2017 | 6.71% | +2.00% | #4 |
| 2016 | 4.71% | +1.76% | #4 |
| 2015 | 2.95% | +1.43% | #3 |
| 2014 | 1.52% | +1.07% | #4 |
| 2013 | 0.46% | +0.45% | #2 |
| 2012 | 0.00% | – | #1 |
Detected Pattern
Analysis
Timor-Leste matched the Export Boom Cycle pattern in 2021. Historically, 71% of countries showing this pattern (546 out of 768) saw government debt to gdp improve within 24 months. View full analysis →
Frequently Asked Questions
Timor-Leste's government debt to gdp was 13.92% in 2025. Ranked 172nd globally. This represents a 4.5% increase from the previous year.
Timor-Leste's government debt to gdp peaked at 13.92% in 2025.
The lowest government debt to gdp in Timor-Leste was 0.00% in 2012.
Timor-Leste ranks 172nd globally in government debt to gdp as of 2025.
The World Bank indicator code is GGXWDG_NGDP. Data sourced from IMF WEO.
Timor-Leste's government debt to gdp is projected to reach 13.92% by 2025 based on IMF projection.
The government debt to gdp of Timor-Leste in 2025 was 13.92%. This ranks 172nd in the world.
Cite this page
@misc{historysaid_timor-leste_government-debt-to-gdp,
title = {Timor-Leste Government Debt to GDP},
url = {https://historysaid.com/timor-leste/government-debt-to-gdp/},
publisher = {HistorySaid},
year = {2026}
}