Vanuatu Government Debt to GDP
General government gross debt as % of GDP GGXWDG_NGDP
Vanuatu's government debt to gdp was 48.57% in 2025, ranked 107th globally. This represents a 7.1% increase from 2024. Data from IMF WEO, covering 1991–2025.
Overview
Vanuatu's government debt to gdp stood at 48.57% in 2025, a rise of +3.23% from 2024. The IMF projects 48.57% by 2025. Vanuatu ranked 107th globally.
Vanuatu’s government debt-to‑GDP ratio has risen steadily since the early 1990s, moving from a low of 15.91 % in 1991 to an all‑time peak of 52.63 % in 2017, before easing slightly to 48.57 % in 2025, placing the country 107th in the global ranking. The long‑term upward trajectory reflects a combination of fiscal stimulus, infrastructure spending and external shocks, notably the heightened borrowing after Cyclone Pam in 2015 and the COVID‑19 pandemic, which together expanded public liabilities. Compared with peers of similar rank, Vanuatu’s ratio is close to Mali’s 48.87 % and Nepal’s 49.28 % in 2025, suggesting a regional convergence among small island and developing economies facing comparable debt‑financing constraints. While the modest post‑peak decline indicates some fiscal consolidation, the ratio remains near the upper bound of the historical range; future shifts will depend on the government’s ability to broaden the tax base, improve debt‑service capacity and attract resilient growth sectors, which could either stabilize or further reduce the debt burden.
Data & projection
| Year | Government Debt to GDP | YoY change | Rank |
|---|---|---|---|
| 2030* IMF | 59.36% | - | - |
| 2029* IMF | 57.74% | - | - |
| 2028* IMF | 55.86% | - | - |
| 2027* IMF | 53.88% | - | - |
| 2026* IMF | 51.47% | - | - |
| 2025* IMF | 48.57% | - | - |
| 2025 | 48.57% | +3.23% | #107 |
| 2024 | 45.34% | +3.56% | #69 |
| 2023 | 41.78% | −0.97% | #57 |
| 2022 | 42.75% | −5.78% | #63 |
| 2021 | 48.53% | +0.51% | #66 |
| 2020 | 48.03% | +2.93% | #69 |
| 2019 | 45.10% | −0.17% | #86 |
| 2018 | 45.26% | −7.37% | #85 |
| 2017 | 52.63% | +10.18% | #107 |
| 2016 | 42.45% | +6.17% | #83 |
| 2015 | 36.28% | +16.05% | #65 |
| 2014 | 20.23% | +1.60% | #27 |
| 2013 | 18.63% | −0.65% | #30 |
| 2012 | 19.28% | −2.02% | #32 |
| 2011 | 21.30% | +1.08% | #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 government debt to gdp improve within 24 months. View full analysis →
Frequently Asked Questions
Vanuatu's government debt to gdp was 48.57% in 2025. Ranked 107th globally. This represents a 7.1% increase from the previous year.
Vanuatu's government debt to gdp peaked at 52.63% in 2017.
The lowest government debt to gdp in Vanuatu was 15.91% in 1991.
Vanuatu ranks 107th globally in government debt to gdp as of 2025.
The World Bank indicator code is GGXWDG_NGDP. Data sourced from IMF WEO.
Vanuatu's government debt to gdp is projected to reach 48.57% by 2025 based on IMF projection.
The government debt to gdp of Vanuatu in 2025 was 48.57%. This ranks 107th in the world.
Cite this page
@misc{historysaid_vanuatu_government-debt-to-gdp,
title = {Vanuatu Government Debt to GDP},
url = {https://historysaid.com/vanuatu/government-debt-to-gdp/},
publisher = {HistorySaid},
year = {2026}
}