National Debt (% of GDP): El Salvador
El Salvador's national debt (% of gdp) is currently 86.9% as of 2026. # El Salvador National Debt (% of GDP) El Salvador's national debt stood at 86.
Current (2026)
86.9%
-0.8% y/y
Peak (2020)
95.4%
Low (1998)
25.7%
Source
IMF World Economic Outlook
1991–2026 · 40 pts
National Debt (% of GDP) — El Salvador
1991 — 2026
National Debt (% of GDP) — El Salvador
Analysis# El Salvador National Debt (% of GDP)
El Salvador's national debt stood at 86.9% of GDP in 2026, reflecting a dramatic increase from the 25.7% low recorded in 1998. The country experienced its worst debt crisis in 2020, when the ratio peaked at 95.4% of GDP—a 270% surge from 1991 levels. Despite this peak, debt has gradually declined over the past six years, suggesting some fiscal stabilization efforts.
The sharp 2020 spike coincided with pandemic-related fiscal pressures and represents the most severe debt burden in the nation's recent history. From 2021 onward, the debt-to-GDP ratio has stabilized in the mid-to-high 80s, oscillating between 83.7% and 87.6%. The projected 2026 figure of 86.9% indicates modest improvement, though El Salvador remains among the region's more heavily indebted nations relative to economic output.
Historical Data
40 Rows| Year | Value | Change % |
|---|---|---|
| 2030 | 79.5% | -2.33% |
| 2029 | 81.4% | -1.81% |
| 2028 | 82.9% | -2.01% |
| 2027 | 84.6% | -2.65% |
| 2026 | 86.9% | -0.80% |
| 2025 | 87.6% | +0.11% |
| 2024 | 87.5% | +2.82% |
| 2023 | 85.1% | +1.67% |
| 2022 | 83.7% | -4.89% |
| 2021 | 88.0% | -7.76% |
| 2020 | 95.4% | +22.46% |
| 2019 | 77.9% | +1.17% |
| 2018 | 77.0% | -0.13% |
| 2017 | 77.1% | +2.53% |
| 2016 | 75.2% | +2.31% |
| 2015 | 73.5% | +2.37% |
| 2014 | 71.8% | +3.01% |
| 2013 | 69.7% | -0.43% |
| 2012 | 70.0% | +6.71% |
| 2011 | 65.6% | -1.80% |
Show all 40 rows
| Year | Value | Change % |
|---|---|---|
| 2010 | 66.8% | +1.52% |
| 2009 | 65.8% | +21.40% |
| 2008 | 54.2% | +3.83% |
| 2007 | 52.2% | -0.76% |
| 2006 | 52.6% | +13.61% |
| 2005 | 46.3% | -1.07% |
| 2004 | 46.8% | +1.74% |
| 2003 | 46.0% | +5.02% |
| 2002 | 43.8% | +15.87% |
| 2001 | 37.8% | +27.70% |
| 2000 | 29.6% | +5.71% |
| 1999 | 28.0% | +8.95% |
| 1998 | 25.7% | -7.55% |
| 1997 | 27.8% | -2.46% |
| 1996 | 28.5% | +1.79% |
| 1995 | 28.0% | -8.20% |
| 1994 | 30.5% | -4.39% |
| 1993 | 31.9% | -12.36% |
| 1992 | 36.4% | -15.94% |
| 1991 | 43.3% | — |
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