The national debt of China was approximately 16.65 trillion U.S. dollars in 2024. Following a continuous upward trend, the national debt has risen by around 16.46 trillion U.S. dollars since 1995. Between 2024 and 2030, the national debt will rise by around 13 trillion U.S. dollars, continuing its consistent upward trajectory.

China Foreign Debt: U.S. Dollar data was reported at 966.080 USD bn in Dec 2024. This records a decrease from the previous number of 1,000.160 USD bn for Sep 2024. China Foreign Debt: U.S. Dollar data is updated quarterly, averaging 856.892 USD bn from Dec 2009 (Median) to Dec 2024, with 61 observations. The data reached an all-time high of 1,290.516 USD bn in Mar 2022 and a record low of 180.883 USD bn in Dec 2009. China Foreign Debt: U.S. Dollar data remains active status in CEIC and is reported by State Administration of Foreign Exchange. The data is categorized under China Premium Database’s Government and Public Finance – Table CN.FA: Foreign Debt: Quarterly.

As of December 2024, Japan held United States treasury securities totaling about 1.06 trillion U.S. dollars. Foreign holders of United States treasury debt According to the Federal Reserve and U.S. Department of the Treasury, foreign countries held a total of 8.5 trillion U.S. dollars in U.S. treasury securities as of December 2024. Of the total held by foreign countries, Japan and Mainland China held the greatest portions, with China holding 759 billion U.S. dollars in U.S. securities. The U.S. public debt In 2023, the United States had a total public national debt of 33.2 trillion U.S. dollars, an amount that has been rising steadily, particularly since 2008. In 2023, the total interest expense on debt held by the public of the United States reached 678 billion U.S. dollars, while 197 billion U.S. dollars in interest expense were intra governmental debt holdings. Total outlays of the U.S. government were 6.1 trillion U.S. dollars in 2023. By 2029, spending is projected to reach 8.3 trillion U.S. dollars.

Key information about China External Debt

• China External Debt reached 2,516.9 USD bn in Sep 2024, compared with 2,545.3 USD bn in the previous quarter.
• China External Debt: USD mn data is updated quarterly, available from Jun 2003 to Sep 2024.
• The data reached an all-time high of 2,746.6 USD bn in Dec 2021 and a record low of 182.6 USD bn in Jun 2003.

The State Administration of Foreign Exchange provides quartely External Debt in USD.


Related information about China External Debt

• In the latest reports of China, Current Account recorded a surplus of 147.6 USD bn in Sep 2024.
• Foreign Direct Investment (FDI) fell by 8.3 USD bn in Sep 2024.
• China Direct Investment Abroad expanded by 34.5 USD bn in Sep 2024.
• Its Foreign Portfolio Investment increased by 24.0 USD bn in Sep 2024.
• The country's Nominal GDP was reported at 4,166.8 USD bn in Mar 2023.

Graph and download economic data for Federal Debt Held by Foreign and International Investors (FDHBFIN) from Q1 1970 to Q1 2025 about foreign, debt, federal, and USA.

Key information about United States Total Debt: % of GDP

• United States Total Debt accounted for 722.0 % of the country's GDP in 2024, compared with the ratio of 722.0 % in the previous quarter.
• US Total Debt: % of GDP data is updated quarterly, available from Dec 1951 to Sep 2024.
• The data reached an all-time high of 834.9 % in Mar 2021 and a record low of 309.4 % in Jun 1953.

CEIC calculates quarterly Total Debt as % of Nominal GDP from quarterly Total Debt and quarterly Nominal GDP. Total Debt is calculated as sum of Liabilities for NonFinancial Business, Federal Government, State and Local Government, Households & Nonprofit Organizations and Financial Business less Mutual Fund Shares. Federal Reserve Board provides Total Debt in local currency. Bureau of Economic Analysis provides Nominal GDP in local currency.

Snapshot img

Debt Settlement Market Size 2024-2028

The debt settlement market size is forecast to increase by USD 5.07 billion at a CAGR of 10.3% between 2023 and 2028.

The market is experiencing significant growth due to the increasing trend of consumers seeking relief from mounting credit card debts. One-time debt settlement has gained popularity as an effective solution for individuals looking to reduce their outstanding debt balances. However, the time-consuming nature of negotiations between debtors and creditors poses a challenge for market expansion. Despite this, the market's strategic landscape remains favorable for companies offering debt settlement services. Key drivers include the rising number of consumers struggling with debt, increasing awareness of debt settlement as a viable debt relief option, and the growing preference for affordable and flexible debt repayment plans.
Companies seeking to capitalize on market opportunities should focus on streamlining the negotiation process, leveraging technology to enhance customer experience, and building trust and transparency with clients. Effective operational planning and strategic partnerships with creditors can also help companies navigate the challenges of a competitive and complex market.

What will be the Size of the Debt Settlement Market during the forecast period?

Request Free Sample

The market encompasses a range of companies offering financial wellness programs to help consumers manage and reduce their debt. These programs include medical Debt collection, consumer debt relief, and financial education resources. Online financial resources and debt management software are increasingly popular, providing consumers with affordable debt solutions and debt negotiation strategies. However, it's crucial for consumers to be aware of debt settlement scams and their settlement success rates. Debt consolidation loans and financial planning tools are also viable options for responsible debt management. Furthermore, financial literacy education and workshops are essential for consumers to understand debt reduction calculators and credit reporting errors.
Consumer financial protection agencies offer financial counseling services and financial planning advice to promote financial wellness strategies and responsible borrowing. Student loan forgiveness programs are also gaining traction in the market. Overall, the market for debt settlement and financial wellness solutions continues to evolve, with a focus on providing accessible and effective debt relief options for consumers.

How is this Debt Settlement Industry segmented?

The debt settlement industry research report provides comprehensive data (region-wise segment analysis), with forecasts and estimates in 'USD million' for the period 2024-2028, as well as historical data from 2018-2022 for the following segments.

Type

  Credit card debt
  Student loan debt
  Medical debt
  Auto loan debt
  Unsecured personal loan debt
  Others


End-user

  Individual
  Enterprise
  Government


Distribution Channel

  Online
  Offline
  Hybrid


Service Type

  Debt Settlement
  Debt Consolidation
  Debt Management Plans
  Credit Counseling


Provider Type

  For-profit Debt Settlement Companies
  Non-profit Credit Counseling Agencies
  Law Firms
  Financial Institutions


Geography

  North America

    US
    Canada


  Europe

    France
    Germany
    Italy
    UK


  Middle East and Africa



  APAC

    China
    India
    Japan
    South Korea


  South America



  Rest of World (ROW)

By Type Insights

The credit card debt segment is estimated to witness significant growth during the forecast period.

The market experiences significant activity due to the escalating credit card debt among consumers. In India, for instance, the rising financial hardships faced by borrowers are evident in the increasing credit card defaults. The latest data indicates that credit card defaults in India reached 1.8% in June 2024, a notable increase from 1.7% six months prior and 1.6% in March 2023. This trend underscores the mounting financial pressures on consumers. The outstanding credit card debt in India mirrors this trend, with approximately USD3.25 billion in outstanding balances as of June 2024, a slight increase from the previous year.

Debt elimination and negotiation strategies, such as debt relief programs and debt consolidation, have become increasingly popular among consumers seeking financial relief. Credit reporting agencies play a crucial role in this process, as they maintain and report consumers' credit histories to lenders. Student loan debt, medical debt, tax debt, and payday loans are other significant contributors to the market. Consumers often turn to debt validation, credit repair, and financial coaching for guidance in managing their debts. Online platforms, mobile apps, and budgeting tools have become

Snapshot img

Debt Financing Market Size 2025-2029

The debt financing market size is forecast to increase by USD 7.89 billion at a CAGR of 6.4% between 2024 and 2029.

The market is experiencing significant growth, driven by the tax advantages of debt financing for businesses. The ability to deduct interest payments from taxable income makes debt financing an attractive option for companies seeking capital. Another key trend in the market is the increasing collaboration and mergers and acquisitions (M&A) activity, which often involves the use of debt financing to fund transactions. However, it is important to note that collateral may be necessary for some forms of debt financing, adding layer of complexity to the process.
Companies seeking to capitalize on these opportunities must navigate the challenges of securing adequate collateral and managing debt levels to maintain financial health and wellness. Effective debt management strategies, such as optimizing debt structures and maintaining strong credit ratings, will be essential for companies looking to succeed in this dynamic market. Debt financing is a significant component of the regional capital markets, with financial institutions, banks, and insurance companies serving as major players.

What will be the Size of the Debt Financing Market during the forecast period?

Request Free Sample

The market encompasses various debt instruments issued by entities to secure funds for business operations and growth. Market dynamics are influenced by several factors, including interest rate cycles, monetary policy, and economic growth. Basel Accords and the Financial Stability Board set standards for financial institutions' risk management and capital adequacy, impacting debt issuance. Government debt, securitization transactions, and various debt instruments like interest rate swaps, loan-to-value ratios, and credit-linked notes, shape the market landscape. Market volatility, driven by factors such as business cycles, credit spreads, and risk appetite, influences investor sentiment. Debt sustainability, fiscal policy, and ESG investing are increasingly important considerations for issuers and investors.
Asset managers are focusing on leveraging technology and data analytics to improve operational efficiency and meet the evolving needs of investors. The market is, however, not without challenges, with regulatory compliance and interest rate risks being major concerns. Overall, the income asset management market in North America is poised for steady growth, driven by the demand for debt financing and wealth management solutions, and the increasing adoption of advanced analytics and ETFs.

How is this Debt Financing Industry segmented?

The debt financing industry research report provides comprehensive data (region-wise segment analysis), with forecasts and estimates in 'USD million' for the period 2025-2029, as well as historical data from 2019-2023 for the following segments.

Source

  Private
  Public


Type

  Long-term
  Short-term
  Long-term


Geography

  North America

    US
    Canada


  Europe

    France
    Germany
    Italy
    Spain
    UK


  APAC

    China
    Japan
    South Korea


  Middle East and Africa



  South America

By Source Insights

The private segment is estimated to witness significant growth during the forecast period. Debt financing is a popular financing method for businesses seeking to expand operations while maintaining ownership. Private debt financing, in particular, has gained significant traction among financial specialists worldwide due to its importance in funding small- and mid-sized organizations globally. The demand for debt financing by startups has increased annually, leading to the sector's substantial growth over the last five years. This financing option's flexibility enables businesses to customize their financing solutions to address specific needs, making it an allure for numerous organizations. Private debt financing encompasses various instruments such as Real Estate Debt, Term Loans, Leveraged Buyouts, Asset Securitization, Infrastructure Financing, Loan Servicing, and more.

Financial Leverage, Debt Covenants, Credit Risk, and Interest Rate Risk are essential considerations in this sector. Hedge Funds, Collateralized Loan Obligations, High Yield Debt, and Investment Grade Debt are alternative investment areas. Private Equity, Syndicated Loans, Venture Debt, Bridge Financing, and Mezzanine Financing are also integral components. Financial Institutions offer various debt financing solutions, including Capital Markets, Expansion Financing, Growth Capital, Debt Refinancing, and Debt Consolidation. Financial Modeling, Return on Investment, and Risk Management are crucial aspects of debt financing. Debt Advisory, Financial Engineering, and Debt Capital Markets are essential services in this field. Small Business Loans, Supp

This statistic shows the national debt of important industrial and emerging countries in 2023 in relation to the gross domestic product (GDP). In 2023, the national debt of China was at about 83.64 percent of the gross domestic product.

The COFI database includes power-generation projects in Belt and Road Initiative (BRI) countries financed by Chinese corporations and banks that reached financial closure from 2000 to 2023. Types of financing include debt and equity investment, with the latter including greenfield foreign direct investments (FDI) and cross-border mergers and acquisitions (M&As). COFI is consolidated using nine source databases using both automated join method in R Studio, and manual joining by analysts. The database includes power plant characteristics data and investment detail data. It captures 575 power plants in 87 BRI countries, including 314 equity investment transactions and 341 debt investment transactions made by Chinese investors. Key data points for financial transactions in COFI include the financial instrument (equity or debt), investor name, amount, and financial close year. Key technical characteristics tracked for projects in COFI include name, installed capacity, commissioning year, country, and primary fuel type. This project is a collaboration among the Boston University Global Development Policy Center, the Inter-American Dialogue, the China-Africa Research Initiative at the Johns Hopkins University (CARI), and the World Resources Institute (WRI). The detailed methodology is given in the World Resources Institute publication “China Overseas Finance Inventory”. Cautions When analyzing debt investment amounts, users should be aware of the difference between loan commitment and actual disbursement. Our database records the loan commitment for a certain year and not actual disbursement. The investment amount should only provide a rough picture of where Chinese companies are investing and not how much their exact portion is. In this version of the database, all equity investment amounts are missing. This is because the equity amount is either missing or estimated in the source databases. Citation

Hong Kong MPF: AA: Debt Securities: North America data was reported at 5.000 % in Mar 2018. This stayed constant from the previous number of 5.000 % for Dec 2017. Hong Kong MPF: AA: Debt Securities: North America data is updated quarterly, averaging 4.000 % from Dec 2004 (Median) to Mar 2018, with 54 observations. The data reached an all-time high of 5.000 % in Mar 2018 and a record low of 3.000 % in Dec 2007. Hong Kong MPF: AA: Debt Securities: North America data remains active status in CEIC and is reported by Mandatory Provident Fund Schemes Authority. The data is categorized under Global Database’s Hong Kong – Table HK.Z037: Mandatory Provident Fund Statistics (MPF).

This graph shows the state debt per capita in the United States for the 2013 fiscal year. In 2013, the state of Alabama had a total per capita debt of 14,173 U.S. dollars. Average state debt per capita amounted to 16,178 U.S. dollars.

The national debt of the United Stated can be found here. State debt National debts, also known as public debt and government debt, are the amount of money borrowed by states to cover their budget deficits. Nearly all governments use the debt method to finance operations and projects. Government debt can be seen as an indirect debt on taxpayers.

The public debt of the United States has been rising steadily for the last decades from 3,233.31 billion U.S. dollars in 1990 to 17,156.12 billion U.S dollars in 2013.

Although the United States’ debt is significantly high, the country with the highest public debt in 2014, in relation to the gross domestic product (GDP), was Japan. Japan had an estimated debt of about 246.16 percent in relation to the gross domestic product, according to IMF data. Nigeria was among the countries with the lowest national debt in 2014 in relation to the gross domestic product (GDP), with an estimated level of national debt reached about 15.91 percent of the GDP.

Much of the U.S. public debt is held by foreign investors, debt holders like nations or institutions which lent money to the United States. About 47 percent of the U.S. public debt is hold by foreign investors, while the Federal Reserve Bank holds 10 percent of the U.S public debt. As of August 2014, China and Japan are the major foreign holders of U.S. treasury debt. According to the Federal Reserve and U.S. Department of the Treasury, China held 1,270.9 billion U.S. dollars, while Japan held 1,220.1 billion U.S. dollars.

Snapshot img

Debt Collection Software Market Size 2024-2028

The debt collection software market size is forecast to increase by USD 2.31 billion at a CAGR of 8.92% between 2023 and 2028.

The market is experiencing significant growth due to the increasing prevalence of non-performing loans (NPLs) worldwide. According to recent reports, the global NPL ratio reached an all-time high of 5.3% in 2020, creating a pressing need for efficient debt collection solutions. In response, market participants are integrating advanced technologies such as artificial intelligence, machine learning, and predictive analytics into their software offerings to streamline the collection process and improve recovery rates. However, the high cost of debt collection software remains a significant challenge for small and medium-sized enterprises (SMEs) and startups. The upfront investment required for implementing these solutions can be prohibitive, limiting their adoption.
Furthermore, the complexity of the software and the need for specialized expertise to operate it effectively can add to the overall cost and implementation time. To capitalize on the market opportunities presented by the growing NPL problem and the integration of advanced technologies, companies must focus on offering affordable, user-friendly solutions that cater to the unique needs of SMEs and startups. By doing so, they can differentiate themselves from competitors and gain a competitive edge in the market.

What will be the Size of the Debt Collection Software Market during the forecast period?

Request Free Sample

The market continues to evolve, with customer service and collection process automation playing pivotal roles in enhancing efficiency and effectiveness. Debt recovery, reporting and analytics, cloud computing, data security, and regulatory compliance are integral components, ensuring seamless integration and optimization. Machine learning and collection workflows facilitate advanced fraud detection, while collection tactics adapt to consumer debt scenarios. Collection agencies leverage technology for compliance management and collection strategies, encompassing financial services, business debt, and commercial debt.
Predictive analytics and debt portfolio management enable proactive debt collection and risk management. Virtual collections, invoice financing, and account recovery solutions further expand the market's reach, with remote collections, artificial intelligence, and legal compliance shaping the future landscape.

How is this Debt Collection Software Industry segmented?

The debt collection software industry research report provides comprehensive data (region-wise segment analysis), with forecasts and estimates in 'USD billion' for the period 2024-2028, as well as historical data from 2018-2022 for the following segments.

Deployment

  On-premises
  Cloud-based


Industry Application

  Banking and Financial Services
  Healthcare
  Retail
  Telecom
  Government
  Others


Software Component

  Software
  Service


Geography

  North America

    US
    Canada


  Europe

    France
    Germany
    Italy
    UK


  Middle East and Africa

    Egypt
    KSA
    Oman
    UAE


  APAC

    China
    India
    Japan


  South America

    Argentina
    Brazil


  Rest of World (ROW)

By Deployment Insights

The on-premises segment is estimated to witness significant growth during the forecast period.

In the debt collection industry, on-premises debt collection software solutions hold a prominent position in the global market. These solutions cater to organizations that value internal control, data security, and customization. Deployed directly within an organization, they offer users extensive autonomy over their debt collection processes. Compliance with stringent data privacy regulations is a major concern for industries such as finance and healthcare, making on-premises software a preferred choice. Companies like DAKCS Software Systems Inc. Implement these solutions to manage delinquent accounts, credit card debt, and business debt. Collection process automation, reporting and analytics, and customer relationship management are integral features.

Collection tactics, regulatory compliance, and compliance management are also crucial elements. Machine learning and predictive analytics enable advanced debt portfolio management and collection strategies. Collection call automation, skip tracing, and fraud detection further enhance efficiency. Virtual collections, invoice financing, and account recovery are additional functionalities. Artificial intelligence and legal compliance ensure effective risk management and collections management. Collection automation, debt collection laws, and debt collection regulations are addressed. Medical debt, consumer debt, and student loan debt are effectively managed. Virtual assistant technology offers assistance in d

The value of U.S. Treasury securities held by residents of Russia amounted to ** million U.S. dollars in March 2025, marking a stark contrast to ***** billion U.S. dollars held in January 2020. The lowest over the period under consideration was recorded in November 2023 at ** million U.S. dollars. Furthermore, in March 2020, the figure plummeted to **** billion U.S. dollars, down from **** billion U.S. dollars one month prior. Russia’s holdings of U.S. treasury securities have decreased since 2014 following the Western sanctions over the annexation of Crimea and have further dropped in 2022 after more restrictions were imposed over the war in Ukraine. What are U.S. treasury holdings? U.S. treasury holdings are government debt instruments that contribute to the funding of various government projects in the country. The U.S. Department of Treasury allows individuals and organizations to invest in treasury notes, bills, and bonds, which are the main three types of securities. Just under half of the outstanding ** trillion U.S. dollars as of May 2024 were in the form of treasury notes. The notes have varying maturities and coupon payment frequencies, which are different from the maturity periods of treasury bills and bonds. Main foreign holders of U.S. treasury securities Foreign holdings of U.S. treasury debt amounted to ***** trillion U.S. dollars as of January 2024. Japan and China held the largest portions, with China possessing ***** billion U.S. dollars in U.S. securities. Additionally, other significant foreign holders included oil exporting countries and Caribbean banking centers.

Corporate Debt Solutions Market Outlook

The global corporate debt solutions market size is expected to grow significantly, reaching an estimated value of $1.8 trillion by 2032, from $920 billion in 2023, at a compound annual growth rate (CAGR) of 7.2%. The market growth is primarily driven by increasing corporate debt levels, economic uncertainties, and the rising need for effective financial management solutions. As businesses continue to navigate through challenges such as economic recessions, market volatility, and disruptive technologies, the demand for comprehensive debt solutions is anticipated to surge.

One of the primary growth factors in the corporate debt solutions market is the increasing levels of corporate debt worldwide. Businesses are borrowing more to finance acquisitions, expand operations, and manage working capital needs. This surge in debt levels is often accompanied by complex financial structures and obligations, necessitating sophisticated debt management, restructuring, and refinancing solutions. Financial institutions and specialized service providers are thus playing an increasingly crucial role in helping businesses manage their debt portfolios effectively.

Another significant driver of market growth is economic uncertainty and market volatility. Factors such as geopolitical tensions, fluctuating interest rates, and trade imbalances contribute to economic instability, making it challenging for businesses to maintain financial stability. In such an environment, corporate debt solutions become essential for companies to navigate financial distress, restructure their debt obligations, and maintain liquidity. This is particularly true for sectors like manufacturing and retail, which are highly susceptible to economic cycles.

The advent of advanced technologies and digital transformation is also influencing the market positively. Financial technology (fintech) innovations are enabling more efficient and transparent debt management processes. Automation, artificial intelligence, and data analytics are being leveraged to offer customized debt solutions, improve risk assessment, and streamline debt servicing. These technological advancements are making it easier for businesses to access debt solutions, thereby driving market growth.

From a regional perspective, North America holds a significant share of the corporate debt solutions market, driven by a mature financial sector and high levels of corporate debt. Europe is also a key market, with many businesses in the region seeking debt restructuring and refinancing services in response to economic challenges. The Asia Pacific region is expected to witness the fastest growth, supported by the rapid expansion of businesses and increasing debt levels in emerging economies like China and India. Latin America and the Middle East & Africa also present substantial growth opportunities due to economic diversification and an increasing focus on financial stability.

Service Type Analysis

Debt restructuring is one of the critical segments within the corporate debt solutions market. This service involves altering the terms of existing debt agreements to provide relief to borrowers in financial distress. Debt restructuring can include extending payment terms, reducing interest rates, or converting debt into equity. This segment is anticipated to grow significantly as companies strive to manage their financial liabilities amidst uncertain economic conditions. Restructuring services are particularly vital for industries like manufacturing and retail, which often face cyclical downturns and require flexible financial management strategies.

Debt refinancing is another essential service type, offering businesses the opportunity to replace existing debt with new debt under different terms. Refinancing can help companies manage their cash flows more effectively, reduce borrowing costs, and take advantage of favorable market conditions. This segment is witnessing increased demand as businesses look to optimize their debt portfolios and capitalize on lower interest rates. In sectors like healthcare and IT, where capital expenditure is high, refinancing provides a crucial tool for managing financial health.

Debt management services encompass a range of solutions designed to help businesses monitor and control their debt levels. These services include debt counseling, budget planning, and debt consolidation. The demand for comprehensive debt management solutions is rising as companies seek to maintain financial discipline and avoid insolvency. Small and medium enterprises (S

This dataset provides values for PRIVATE DEBT TO GDP reported in several countries. The data includes current values, previous releases, historical highs and record lows, release frequency, reported unit and currency.

As of October 2024, the United States government has a monthly interest rate of *** percent on its debt, continuing an upward trend in interest rates that began at the beginning of 2022. In April 2024, U.S. debt reached ***** trillion U.S. dollars.

The statistic shows the national debt of Japan from 2020 to 2023, with projections up until 2030. The amount of Japan's national debt in 2023 amounted to about 9.91 trillion U.S. dollar. In a ranking of debt to GDP per country, Japan is thus currently ranked first. Japan's economic power With one of the largest gross domestic products (GDP), Japan is among the largest economies in the world. However, ever since the global financial crisis, Japan's GDP - like many others - has been slightly unstable; Japan even reported a negative GDP growth in comparison to the previous year in 2011 and in 2014. Still, it is estimated that gross domestic product in Japan will continue to thrive over the next decade. One indicator is Japan's inflation rate: Despite the aforementioned economic slumps, Japan has managed to maintain one of the lowest inflation rates in the world, and it also reduced its unemployment rate. Between 2010 and 2013, the unemployment rate in Japan decreased by approximately one percent, and it is expected to drop even lower over the next years. Recently, Japan has been reporting a trade deficit, meaning the value of its imports exceeds the value of its exports. Most of these imports have come from China and the United States. The trade deficit is one of the causes for in an increase of the national debt. It is estimated that the national debt in relation to the GDP will increase further until 2020.

This statistic shows the United States goods trade deficit with China from 2014 to 2024. In 2024, the value of U.S. imports from China exceeded the exports to China by around ***** billion U.S. dollars.

The statistic shows the 20 countries with the lowest national debt in 2023 in relation to the gross domestic product (GDP). The data refer to the debts of the entire state, including the central government, the provinces, municipalities, local authorities and social insurance. In 2023, Russia's estimated level of national debt reached about 19.66 percent of the GDP, ranking 17th of the countries with the lowest national debt. National debt and GDP The debt-to-GDP ratio is an indicator of a country’s ability to produce and sell goods in order to pay back any present debts, however these countries should not retain newer debts in the process. Many economists believe that if a country is able to produce more without impairing its own economical growth, it can be considered more stable, particularly for the future. However, the listed countries, with the exception of Russia and Saudi Arabia, are not necessarily economic first-world powers. Additionally, economically powerful countries such as the United States and France maintain one of the highest debt-to-GDP ratios, signifying that occurring debt does not necessarily damage the state of the economy and is sometimes necessary in order to help develop it. Saudi Arabia has maintained one of the lowest debt-to-GDP ratios due to its high export rates, which primarily consist of petroleum and petroleum goods. Given the significance of oil in today’s world, Saudi Arabia produces enough oil and earns enough revenue to maintain a high GDP and additionally refrain from incurring debt.