National Debt (% of GDP): Guatemala

Analysis# Guatemala National Debt (% of GDP) Guatemala's national debt stood at 27.8% of GDP in 2026, reflecting a gradual decline from its peak of 31.5% in 2020. The metric remains substantially higher than its 2002 low of 17.4%, representing a 54.4% increase over the past two decades. Despite this long-term growth, the country has managed to reduce debt levels by approximately 3.7 percentage points since the pandemic-driven spike. The most significant turning point occurred during the COVID-19 pandemic, when debt spiked sharply in 2020 before beginning a sustained downward trajectory. From 2021 onward, Guatemala has consistently reduced its debt burden year-over-year, dropping from 30.6% to the current 27.8% level. Projections suggest stabilization around 27-28% through 2026, indicating that Guatemala has successfully arrested the post-pandemic debt acceleration.