Timor-Leste Gross Savings
Gross savings as % of GDP NY.GNS.ICTR.ZS
Timor-Leste's gross savings was -21.13% in 2024, ranked 172nd globally. This represents a 149.0% decrease from 2023. Data from World Bank, covering 2006–2024.
Overview
Timor-Leste's gross savings stood at -21.13% in 2024, a decline of +12.64% from 2023. Timor-Leste ranked 172nd globally.
Timor‑Leste’s gross savings rate has swung dramatically over the 19‑year span from 2006 to 2024, falling from a high of 372.98 in 2008 to a negative 21.13 in 2024, the lowest value among 172 economies surveyed. The 2008 peak reflected a period of strong fiscal surpluses driven by commodity‑related revenues, whereas the recent trough coincides with a widening fiscal deficit, limited private investment and a reliance on external aid. Compared with peers of similar rank, Yemen posted a modest saving rate of –11.67 and Afghanistan –27.87, underscoring the depth of Timor‑Leste’s current shortfall. The persistent negative savings balance suggests that current expenditures consistently outstrip domestic resource mobilisation, limiting the country’s capacity to fund development projects without borrowing. Unless structural reforms boost revenue mobilisation and curb consumption, the negative trajectory is likely to continue, keeping Timor‑Leste dependent on external financing in the near term.
Data & projection
| Year | Gross Savings | YoY change | Rank |
|---|---|---|---|
| 2024 | -21.13% | −12.64% | #172 |
| 2023 | -8.48% | −32.10% | #177 |
| 2022 | 23.62% | −19.10% | #82 |
| 2021 | 42.72% | +22.13% | #9 |
| 2020 | 20.58% | −24.11% | #98 |
| 2019 | 44.69% | +30.20% | #7 |
| 2018 | 14.49% | −5.94% | #147 |
| 2017 | 20.43% | −0.71% | #107 |
| 2016 | 21.14% | −47.47% | #95 |
| 2015 | 68.61% | −37.33% | #1 |
| 2014 | 105.94% | −77.75% | #1 |
| 2013 | 183.69% | −71.41% | #1 |
| 2012 | 255.10% | −77.82% | #1 |
| 2011 | 332.92% | +75.62% | #1 |
| 2010 | 257.30% | +38.53% | #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 gross savings improve within 24 months. View full analysis →
Frequently Asked Questions
Timor-Leste's gross savings was -21.13% in 2024. Ranked 172nd globally. This represents a 149.0% decrease from the previous year.
Timor-Leste's gross savings peaked at 372.98% in 2008.
The lowest gross savings in Timor-Leste was -21.13% in 2024.
Timor-Leste ranks 172nd globally in gross savings as of 2024.
The World Bank indicator code is NY.GNS.ICTR.ZS. Data sourced from World Bank.
The gross savings of Timor-Leste in 2024 was -21.13%. This ranks 172nd in the world.
Cite this page
@misc{historysaid_timor-leste_gross-savings,
title = {Timor-Leste Gross Savings},
url = {https://historysaid.com/timor-leste/gross-savings/},
publisher = {HistorySaid},
year = {2026}
}