National Debt (% of GDP): Kuwait
Kuwait's national debt (% of gdp) is currently 10.7% as of 2026. # Kuwait National Debt (% of GDP) Kuwait's national debt stands at 10.
Current (2026)
10.7%
+46.6% y/y
Peak (1991)
45.3%
Low (2024)
2.9%
Source
IMF World Economic Outlook
1991–2026 · 40 pts
National Debt (% of GDP) — Kuwait
1991 — 2026
National Debt (% of GDP) — Kuwait
Analysis# Kuwait National Debt (% of GDP)
Kuwait's national debt stands at 10.7% of GDP in 2026, a dramatic recovery from its historical peak of 45.3% in 1991 following the Gulf War. The country has achieved a remarkable 76.4% reduction in debt burden over 35 years, demonstrating strong fiscal management and oil wealth recovery. The all-time low of 2.9% in 2024 reflects Kuwait's sustained efforts to minimize debt obligations relative to its economic output.
The most striking turning point occurred between 2017 and 2024, when debt fell from 19.6% to 2.9%—a period marked by structural reforms and elevated oil revenues. However, projections indicate an uptick ahead, with debt climbing to 10.7% by 2026, suggesting potential fiscal pressures from increased spending or lower oil prices. Kuwait's debt trajectory remains among the healthiest in the Middle East, though near-term forecasts signal a gradual departure from its record lows.
Historical Data
40 Rows| Year | Value | Change % |
|---|---|---|
| 2030 | 24.5% | +4.26% |
| 2029 | 23.5% | +21.13% |
| 2028 | 19.4% | +27.63% |
| 2027 | 15.2% | +42.06% |
| 2026 | 10.7% | +46.58% |
| 2025 | 7.3% | +151.72% |
| 2024 | 2.9% | -6.45% |
| 2023 | 3.1% | +3.33% |
| 2022 | 3.0% | -58.33% |
| 2021 | 7.2% | -29.41% |
| 2020 | 10.2% | -2.86% |
| 2019 | 10.5% | -26.57% |
| 2018 | 14.3% | -27.04% |
| 2017 | 19.6% | +97.98% |
| 2016 | 9.9% | +115.22% |
| 2015 | 4.6% | +35.29% |
| 2014 | 3.4% | +9.68% |
| 2013 | 3.1% | -13.89% |
| 2012 | 3.6% | -21.74% |
| 2011 | 4.6% | -25.81% |
Show all 40 rows
| Year | Value | Change % |
|---|---|---|
| 2010 | 6.2% | -7.46% |
| 2009 | 6.7% | +24.07% |
| 2008 | 5.4% | -22.86% |
| 2007 | 7.0% | -10.26% |
| 2006 | 7.8% | -23.53% |
| 2005 | 10.2% | -26.62% |
| 2004 | 13.9% | -19.19% |
| 2003 | 17.2% | -19.25% |
| 2002 | 21.3% | -7.39% |
| 2001 | 23.0% | +7.48% |
| 2000 | 21.4% | -16.08% |
| 1999 | 25.5% | -0.39% |
| 1998 | 25.6% | +5.35% |
| 1997 | 24.3% | -8.30% |
| 1996 | 26.5% | -24.07% |
| 1995 | 34.9% | -7.43% |
| 1994 | 37.7% | +30.90% |
| 1993 | 28.8% | +3.23% |
| 1992 | 27.9% | -38.41% |
| 1991 | 45.3% | — |
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