Vanuatu External Debt to GNI
External debt stocks as % of GNI DT.DOD.DECT.GN.ZS
Vanuatu's external debt to gni was 35.87% in 2025, ranked 70th globally. This represents a 8.4% decrease from 2024. Data from World Bank, covering 1981–2025.
Overview
Vanuatu's external debt to gni stood at 35.87% in 2025, a decline of +3.29pp from 2024. Based on recent trends, this figure is projected to reach 35.87% by 2025. Vanuatu ranked 70th globally.
Vanuatu’s external debt-to‑GNI ratio stands at 35.87 % in 2025, placing the nation 70th in the global ranking and closely mirroring peers such as Samoa (36.16 %) and Pakistan (35.34 %). The indicator has risen sharply from a historic low of 3.09 % in 1981, the earliest year on record, to an all‑time peak of 63.96 % in 2002, before receding to its current level over the ensuing two decades. This 45‑year trajectory reflects periods of heightened borrowing for infrastructure and climate‑resilience projects, counterbalanced by recent fiscal consolidation efforts that have moderated debt accumulation. Compared with Belize (36.37 %) and São Tomé and Principe (35.32 %), Vanuatu’s ratio remains slightly lower, suggesting a modestly better debt position within its peer group. Continued emphasis on sustainable financing and external grant support could further temper the debt‑to‑GNI ratio, steering it downward in the coming years.
Data & projection
| Year | External Debt to GNI | YoY change | Rank |
|---|---|---|---|
| 2027* trend | 33.00% | - | - |
| 2026* trend | 34.44% | - | - |
| 2025* trend | 35.87% | - | - |
| 2025 | 35.87% | −3.29pp | #70 |
| 2024 | 39.16% | +2.42pp | #45 |
| 2023 | 36.74% | −2.27pp | #36 |
| 2022 | 39.01% | −3.58pp | #42 |
| 2021 | 42.59% | −0.84pp | #49 |
| 2020 | 43.43% | +3.75pp | #49 |
| 2019 | 39.68% | −3.05pp | #52 |
| 2018 | 42.73% | −2.76pp | #62 |
| 2017 | 45.49% | +9.79pp | #68 |
| 2016 | 35.71% | +2.47pp | #49 |
| 2015 | 33.23% | +7.37pp | #49 |
| 2014 | 25.87% | +4.96pp | #39 |
| 2013 | 20.91% | −4.95pp | #28 |
| 2012 | 25.86% | +2.10pp | #44 |
| 2011 | 23.76% | −3.61pp | #38 |
Detected Pattern
Analysis
Vanuatu matched the Export Boom Cycle pattern in 2019. Historically, 71% of countries showing this pattern (546 out of 768) saw external debt to gni improve within 24 months. View full analysis →
Frequently Asked Questions
Vanuatu's external debt to gni was 35.87% in 2025. Ranked 70th globally. This represents a 8.4% decrease from the previous year.
Vanuatu's external debt to gni peaked at 63.96% in 2002.
The lowest external debt to gni in Vanuatu was 3.09% in 1981.
Vanuatu ranks 70th globally in external debt to gni as of 2025.
The World Bank indicator code is DT.DOD.DECT.GN.ZS. Data sourced from World Bank.
Vanuatu's external debt to gni is projected to reach 35.87% by 2025 based on trend extrapolation.
The external debt to gni of Vanuatu in 2025 was 35.87%. This ranks 70th in the world.
Cite this page
@misc{historysaid_vanuatu_external-debt-to-gni,
title = {Vanuatu External Debt to GNI},
url = {https://historysaid.com/vanuatu/external-debt-to-gni/},
publisher = {HistorySaid},
year = {2026}
}