National Debt (% of GDP): Kiribati
Kiribati's national debt (% of gdp) is currently 16.5% as of 2026. # Kiribati National Debt (% of GDP) Kiribati's national debt stands at 16.
Current (2026)
16.5%
+89.7% y/y
Peak (2016)
21.2%
Low (1988)
2.5%
Source
IMF World Economic Outlook
1988–2026 · 43 pts
National Debt (% of GDP) — Kiribati
1988 — 2026
National Debt (% of GDP) — Kiribati
Analysis# Kiribati National Debt (% of GDP)
Kiribati's national debt stands at 16.5% of GDP in 2026, marking a significant rebound from recent lows. The country reached an all-time peak of 21.2% in 2016, while its lowest recorded level was just 2.5% in 1988—a 560% increase over the full 38-year period. Current debt levels remain well below the 2016 peak but substantially elevated from historical baselines.
A dramatic reversal occurred between 2020 and 2025, when debt fell from 21% to 8.7%, suggesting successful fiscal consolidation efforts. The 2026 projection shows debt climbing back to 16.5%, indicating renewed pressures on public finances. This volatility reflects Kiribati's vulnerability to external shocks and fiscal challenges, with future trajectories dependent on policy responses and economic conditions in this small island nation.
Historical Data
43 Rows| Year | Value | Change % |
|---|---|---|
| 2030 | 39.8% | +18.45% |
| 2029 | 33.6% | +21.74% |
| 2028 | 27.6% | +21.59% |
| 2027 | 22.7% | +37.58% |
| 2026 | 16.5% | +89.66% |
| 2025 | 8.7% | -12.12% |
| 2024 | 9.9% | -13.16% |
| 2023 | 11.4% | -30.06% |
| 2022 | 16.3% | -5.78% |
| 2021 | 17.3% | -17.62% |
| 2020 | 21.0% | +10.53% |
| 2019 | 19.0% | +0.00% |
| 2018 | 19.0% | -5.94% |
| 2017 | 20.2% | -4.72% |
| 2016 | 21.2% | +12.77% |
| 2015 | 18.8% | +108.89% |
| 2014 | 9.0% | +1.12% |
| 2013 | 8.9% | +9.88% |
| 2012 | 8.1% | -7.95% |
| 2011 | 8.8% | -6.38% |
Show all 43 rows
| Year | Value | Change % |
|---|---|---|
| 2010 | 9.4% | -8.74% |
| 2009 | 10.3% | -25.90% |
| 2008 | 13.9% | +25.23% |
| 2007 | 11.1% | -13.95% |
| 2006 | 12.9% | +6.61% |
| 2005 | 12.1% | -11.03% |
| 2004 | 13.6% | +10.57% |
| 2003 | 12.3% | -7.52% |
| 2002 | 13.3% | -21.76% |
| 2001 | 17.0% | +33.86% |
| 2000 | 12.7% | +7.63% |
| 1999 | 11.8% | +20.41% |
| 1998 | 9.8% | -8.41% |
| 1997 | 10.7% | -2.73% |
| 1996 | 11.0% | -10.57% |
| 1995 | 12.3% | +0.00% |
| 1994 | 12.3% | +12.84% |
| 1993 | 10.9% | +49.32% |
| 1992 | 7.3% | -13.10% |
| 1991 | 8.4% | +9.09% |
| 1990 | 7.7% | +54.00% |
| 1989 | 5.0% | +100.00% |
| 1988 | 2.5% | — |
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