National Debt (% of GDP): South Sudan, Republic of

Analysis# South Sudan, Republic of National Debt (% of GDP) South Sudan's national debt stood at 60.2% of GDP in 2026, down from its catastrophic peak of 178.3% in 2017 but well above the 0% baseline at independence in 2011. The country's debt trajectory has been marked by extreme volatility, reflecting decades of civil conflict and economic instability. From 2011 onward, debt levels surged dramatically, reaching crisis proportions by mid-decade before beginning a gradual decline. The most significant turning point occurred between 2017 and 2018, when debt fell sharply from 178.3% to 77.6%—a correction of roughly 100 percentage points. However, stability remains elusive. Recent projections show debt climbing again to 66% in 2025 before declining slightly to 60.2% in 2026, suggesting continued pressure on public finances. Sustained fiscal discipline and revenue growth will be essential for further debt reduction in coming years.