The national debt of Ireland was estimated at approximately 236.50 billion U.S. dollars in 2024. Between 1990 and 2024, the national debt rose by around 199.63 billion U.S. dollars, though the increase followed an uneven trajectory rather than a consistent upward trend. The national debt is expected to drop by about 31.77 billion U.S. dollars between 2024 and 2030, showing a continuous downward movement throughout the period.

In September 2023, the national debt of the United States had risen up to 33.17 trillion U.S. dollars. The national debt per capita had risen to 85,552 U.S. dollars in 2021. As represented by the statistic above, the public debt of the United States has been continuously rising.

U.S. public debt Public debt, also known as national and governmental debt, is the debt owed by a nations’ central government. In the case of the U.S., national debt is owed by the federal government to Treasury security holders. Generally speaking, government debt increases with government spending, and can be decreased through taxes. During the COVID-19 pandemic, the U.S. government increased spending significantly to finance virus infrastructure, aid, and various forms of economic relief.

International public debt

Venezuela leads the global ranking of the 20 countries with the highest public debt in 2021. In relation to the Gross Domestic Product (GDP), Venezuela's public debt amounted to around 306.95 percent of GDP. Eritrea was ranked fifth, with an estimated debt of 170 percent of the Gross Domestic Product.

The national debt of the United Kingdom is forecasted to grow from 87 percent in 2022 to 70 percent in 2027, in relation to the Gross Domestic Product. These figures include England, Wales, Scotland as well as Northern Ireland.

Greece had the highest national debt among EU countries as of the 4th quarter of 2020 in relation to the Gross Domestic Product. Germany ranked 13th in the EU, with its national debt amounting to 69 percent of GDP in the same time period.

Tuvalu was one of the 20 countries with the lowest national debt in 2021 in relation to the GDP, while Macao had an estimated level of national debt of zero percent, the lowest of any country. The data refer to the debts of the entire state, including the central government, the provinces, municipalities, local authorities and social insurance.

Ireland recorded a Government Debt to GDP of 40.90 percent of the country's Gross Domestic Product in 2024. This dataset provides the latest reported value for - Ireland Government Debt to GDP - plus previous releases, historical high and low, short-term forecast and long-term prediction, economic calendar, survey consensus and news.

Key information about Ireland National Government Debt

• Ireland National Government Debt reached 242.3 USD bn in Sep 2024, compared with 232.1 USD bn in the previous quarter.
• Ireland National Government Debt data is updated quarterly, available from Mar 2000 to Sep 2024.
• The data reached an all-time high of 296.6 USD bn in Dec 2013 and a record low of 32.3 USD bn in Jun 2001.

• In the latest reports, Ireland Consolidated Fiscal Balance registered a surplus equal to 5.0 % of its Nominal GDP in Sep 2024.
• The country's Government debt accounted for 42.2 % of its Nominal GDP in Sep 2024.
• Ireland Nominal GDP reached 132.9 USD bn in Mar 2023.

Historical chart and dataset showing Ireland debt to gdp ratio by year from 1998 to 2022.

This statistic shows the national debt in the member states of the European Union in the second quarter of 2024. The data refer to the entire state and are comprised of the debts of central government, provinces, municipalities, local authorities and social security. In the second quarter of 2024, Greece's national debt amounted to about 369.4 billion euros. National debt in the EU member states National or government debt is the debt owed by a central government. No country in the European Union is debt-free, although some are able to manage their debts better than others. Debt is influenced by the economic situation of a country, factors such as unemployment, the rate of inflation or the trade figures have a significant impact on its extent, and are, in turn, influenced by the national debt. The economic crisis has hit some EU countries harder than others; Spain, Ireland and Greece especially have been struggling economically since 2008. Greece’s national debt has skyrocketed over the past few years, and the same can be said about Spain and Ireland. Other EU countries, like France and the United Kingdom have been affected as well, albeit not as severely. The national debt of a country can be reduced by applying several measures: money can be borrowed (for example in the form of rescue packages), austerity programs can be enforced, taxes can be increased or central banks can inject liquidity into the economy through the implementation of quantitative easing policies. Some critics of the policy claim that this could lead to a higher level of inflation, which, if severe enough, could have a detrimental impact on living standards.

Graph and download economic data for Outstanding Total International Debt Securities to GDP for Ireland (DDDM07IEA156NWDB) from 1980 to 2020 about Ireland, issues, debt, and GDP.

Ireland IE: General Government: % of GDP: Gross Public Debt: Maastricht Criterion: Single Hit Scenario data was reported at 74.309 % in 2021. This records an increase from the previous number of 71.241 % for 2020. Ireland IE: General Government: % of GDP: Gross Public Debt: Maastricht Criterion: Single Hit Scenario data is updated yearly, averaging 61.599 % from Dec 1995 (Median) to 2021, with 27 observations. The data reached an all-time high of 120.043 % in 2012 and a record low of 23.616 % in 2006. Ireland IE: General Government: % of GDP: Gross Public Debt: Maastricht Criterion: Single Hit Scenario data remains active status in CEIC and is reported by Organisation for Economic Co-operation and Development. The data is categorized under Global Database’s Ireland – Table IE.OECD.EO: Government Accounts: % of GDP: Forecast: OECD Member: Annual. GGFLMQ-Gross public debt, Maastricht criterion, as a percentage of GDP

Ireland Gross External Debt: General Government: Short Term data was reported at 2,190.000 EUR mn in Dec 2024. This records a decrease from the previous number of 2,191.000 EUR mn for Sep 2024. Ireland Gross External Debt: General Government: Short Term data is updated quarterly, averaging 7,226.251 EUR mn from Mar 2012 (Median) to Dec 2024, with 52 observations. The data reached an all-time high of 32,442.229 EUR mn in Jun 2020 and a record low of 624.784 EUR mn in Dec 2013. Ireland Gross External Debt: General Government: Short Term data remains active status in CEIC and is reported by Central Statistics Office. The data is categorized under Global Database’s Ireland – Table IE.JB004: BPM6: Gross External Debt.

In recent years, sustainable debt instruments have been expanding and growing in popularity. During the first quarter of 2023, among all countries listed, ******** had the highest share of sustainable debt issued, amounting to ** percent of total debt issued. ******* was second in the ranking, with ** percent of its debt issuance classified as sustainable debt.

MIP24 - European General Government Consolidated Gross Debt. Published by Eurostat. Available under the license Creative Commons Attribution 4.0 (CC-BY-4.0).European General Government Consolidated Gross Debt...

Ireland IE: Foreign Direct Investment Financial Flows: Outward: Total: Croatia data was reported at -14.243 EUR mn in 2020. This records a decrease from the previous number of 0.000 EUR mn for 2013. Ireland IE: Foreign Direct Investment Financial Flows: Outward: Total: Croatia data is updated yearly, averaging 0.000 EUR mn from Dec 2012 (Median) to 2020, with 3 observations. The data reached an all-time high of 0.000 EUR mn in 2013 and a record low of -14.243 EUR mn in 2020. Ireland IE: Foreign Direct Investment Financial Flows: Outward: Total: Croatia data remains active status in CEIC and is reported by Organisation for Economic Co-operation and Development. The data is categorized under Global Database’s Ireland – Table IE.OECD.FDI: Foreign Direct Investment Financial Flows: by Region and Country: OECD Member: Annual. Reverse investment: Netting of reverse investment in equity (when a direct investment enterprise acquires less than 10% equity ownership in its parent) and reverse investment in debt (when a direct investment enterprise extends a loan to its parent) is applied in the recording of total inward and outward FDI transactions and positions. Treatment of debt FDI transactions and positions between fellow enterprises: directional basis according to the residency of the ultimate controlling parent (extended directional principle). FDI transactions and positions by partner country and/or by industry are available excluding and including resident Special Purpose Entities (SPEs). The dataset 'FDI statistics by parner country and by industry - Summary' contains series including resident SPEs only. Valuation method used for listed inward and outward equity positions: Market value, Own funds at book value. Valuation method used for unlisted inward and outward equity positions: Own funds at book value. Valuation method used for inward and outward debt positions: Market value .; FDI statistics are available by geographic allocation, vis-à-vis single partner countries worldwide and geographical and economic zones aggregates. Partner country allocation can be subject to confidentiality restrictions. Geographic allocation of inward and outward FDI transactions and positions is according to the immediate counterparty. Intercompany debt between related financial intermediaries, including permanent debt, are not excluded from FDI transactions and positions. Direct investment relationships are identified according to the criteria of the Framework for Direct Investment Relationships (FDIR) method. Debt between fellow enterprises are completely covered. Collective investment institutions are not covered as direct investment enterprises. Non-profit institutions serving households are covered as direct investors. FDI statistics are available by industry sectors according to ISIC4 classification. Industry sector allocation can be subject to confidentiality restrictions. Inward FDI transactions and positions are allocated to the activity of the resident direct investment enterprise. Outward FDI transactions and positions are allocated according to the activity of the resident direct investor. Statistical unit: Enterprise.

Ireland Foreign Direct Investment Income: Outward: USD: Total: Arts, Entertainment and Recreation data was reported at 39.886 USD mn in 2020. Ireland Foreign Direct Investment Income: Outward: USD: Total: Arts, Entertainment and Recreation data is updated yearly, averaging 39.886 USD mn from Dec 2020 (Median) to 2020, with 1 observations. The data reached an all-time high of 39.886 USD mn in 2020 and a record low of 39.886 USD mn in 2020. Ireland Foreign Direct Investment Income: Outward: USD: Total: Arts, Entertainment and Recreation data remains active status in CEIC and is reported by Organisation for Economic Co-operation and Development. The data is categorized under Global Database’s Ireland – Table IE.OECD.FDI: Foreign Direct Investment Income: USD: by Industry: OECD Member: Annual. Reverse investment: Netting of reverse investment in equity (when a direct investment enterprise acquires less than 10% equity ownership in its parent) and reverse investment in debt (when a direct investment enterprise extends a loan to its parent) is applied in the recording of total inward and outward FDI transactions and positions. Treatment of debt FDI transactions and positions between fellow enterprises: directional basis according to the residency of the ultimate controlling parent (extended directional principle). FDI transactions and positions by partner country and/or by industry are available excluding and including resident Special Purpose Entities (SPEs). The dataset 'FDI statistics by parner country and by industry - Summary' contains series including resident SPEs only. Valuation method used for listed inward and outward equity positions: Market value, Own funds at book value. Valuation method used for unlisted inward and outward equity positions: Own funds at book value. Valuation method used for inward and outward debt positions: Market value .; FDI statistics are available by geographic allocation, vis-à-vis single partner countries worldwide and geographical and economic zones aggregates. Partner country allocation can be subject to confidentiality restrictions. Geographic allocation of inward and outward FDI transactions and positions is according to the immediate counterparty. Intercompany debt between related financial intermediaries, including permanent debt, are not excluded from FDI transactions and positions. Direct investment relationships are identified according to the criteria of the Framework for Direct Investment Relationships (FDIR) method. Debt between fellow enterprises are completely covered. Collective investment institutions are not covered as direct investment enterprises. Non-profit institutions serving households are covered as direct investors. FDI statistics are available by industry sectors according to ISIC4 classification. Industry sector allocation can be subject to confidentiality restrictions. Inward FDI transactions and positions are allocated to the activity of the resident direct investment enterprise. Outward FDI transactions and positions are allocated according to the activity of the resident direct investor. Statistical unit: Enterprise.

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.

Ireland Foreign Direct Investment Income: Inward: Total: ODA Recipients - Asia data was reported at 329.000 EUR mn in 2020. Ireland Foreign Direct Investment Income: Inward: Total: ODA Recipients - Asia data is updated yearly, averaging 329.000 EUR mn from Dec 2020 (Median) to 2020, with 1 observations. The data reached an all-time high of 329.000 EUR mn in 2020 and a record low of 329.000 EUR mn in 2020. Ireland Foreign Direct Investment Income: Inward: Total: ODA Recipients - Asia data remains active status in CEIC and is reported by Organisation for Economic Co-operation and Development. The data is categorized under Global Database’s Ireland – Table IE.OECD.FDI: Foreign Direct Investment Income: by Region and Country: OECD Member: Annual. Reverse investment: Netting of reverse investment in equity (when a direct investment enterprise acquires less than 10% equity ownership in its parent) and reverse investment in debt (when a direct investment enterprise extends a loan to its parent) is applied in the recording of total inward and outward FDI transactions and positions. Treatment of debt FDI transactions and positions between fellow enterprises: directional basis according to the residency of the ultimate controlling parent (extended directional principle). FDI transactions and positions by partner country and/or by industry are available excluding and including resident Special Purpose Entities (SPEs). The dataset 'FDI statistics by parner country and by industry - Summary' contains series including resident SPEs only. Valuation method used for listed inward and outward equity positions: Market value, Own funds at book value. Valuation method used for unlisted inward and outward equity positions: Own funds at book value. Valuation method used for inward and outward debt positions: Market value .; FDI statistics are available by geographic allocation, vis-à-vis single partner countries worldwide and geographical and economic zones aggregates. Partner country allocation can be subject to confidentiality restrictions. Geographic allocation of inward and outward FDI transactions and positions is according to the immediate counterparty. Intercompany debt between related financial intermediaries, including permanent debt, are not excluded from FDI transactions and positions. Direct investment relationships are identified according to the criteria of the Framework for Direct Investment Relationships (FDIR) method. Debt between fellow enterprises are completely covered. Collective investment institutions are not covered as direct investment enterprises. Non-profit institutions serving households are covered as direct investors. FDI statistics are available by industry sectors according to ISIC4 classification. Industry sector allocation can be subject to confidentiality restrictions. Inward FDI transactions and positions are allocated to the activity of the resident direct investment enterprise. Outward FDI transactions and positions are allocated according to the activity of the resident direct investor. Statistical unit: Enterprise.; Countries from ASIA recipients of Offical Development Assistance (ODA), 35 countries: Iraq, Yemen, Armenia, Azerbaijan, Georgia, Jordan, Lebanon, Palestinian Territory, Occupied, Syrian Arab Republic, Kazakhstan, Kyrgyzstan, Tajikistan, Turkmenistan, Uzbekistan, China, Korea, Democratic People's Republic of (North Korea), Mongolia, Afghanistan, Bangladesh, Bhutan, India, Iran, Islamic Republic of, Maldives, Nepal, Pakistan, Sri Lanka, Cambodia (Kampuchea), Indonesia, Lao People's Democratic Republic, Malaysia, Myanmar, Philippines, Thailand, Timor-Leste, Viet Nam

Ireland Foreign Direct Investment Income: Outward: USD: Total: Manufacture of Computer, Electronic and Optical Products data was reported at -3.297 USD bn in 2020. Ireland Foreign Direct Investment Income: Outward: USD: Total: Manufacture of Computer, Electronic and Optical Products data is updated yearly, averaging -3.297 USD bn from Dec 2020 (Median) to 2020, with 1 observations. The data reached an all-time high of -3.297 USD bn in 2020 and a record low of -3.297 USD bn in 2020. Ireland Foreign Direct Investment Income: Outward: USD: Total: Manufacture of Computer, Electronic and Optical Products data remains active status in CEIC and is reported by Organisation for Economic Co-operation and Development. The data is categorized under Global Database’s Ireland – Table IE.OECD.FDI: Foreign Direct Investment Income: USD: by Industry: OECD Member: Annual. Reverse investment: Netting of reverse investment in equity (when a direct investment enterprise acquires less than 10% equity ownership in its parent) and reverse investment in debt (when a direct investment enterprise extends a loan to its parent) is applied in the recording of total inward and outward FDI transactions and positions. Treatment of debt FDI transactions and positions between fellow enterprises: directional basis according to the residency of the ultimate controlling parent (extended directional principle). FDI transactions and positions by partner country and/or by industry are available excluding and including resident Special Purpose Entities (SPEs). The dataset 'FDI statistics by parner country and by industry - Summary' contains series including resident SPEs only. Valuation method used for listed inward and outward equity positions: Market value, Own funds at book value. Valuation method used for unlisted inward and outward equity positions: Own funds at book value. Valuation method used for inward and outward debt positions: Market value .; FDI statistics are available by geographic allocation, vis-à-vis single partner countries worldwide and geographical and economic zones aggregates. Partner country allocation can be subject to confidentiality restrictions. Geographic allocation of inward and outward FDI transactions and positions is according to the immediate counterparty. Intercompany debt between related financial intermediaries, including permanent debt, are not excluded from FDI transactions and positions. Direct investment relationships are identified according to the criteria of the Framework for Direct Investment Relationships (FDIR) method. Debt between fellow enterprises are completely covered. Collective investment institutions are not covered as direct investment enterprises. Non-profit institutions serving households are covered as direct investors. FDI statistics are available by industry sectors according to ISIC4 classification. Industry sector allocation can be subject to confidentiality restrictions. Inward FDI transactions and positions are allocated to the activity of the resident direct investment enterprise. Outward FDI transactions and positions are allocated according to the activity of the resident direct investor. Statistical unit: Enterprise.

Ireland Foreign Direct Investment Income: Inward: Total: ODA Recipients - America data was reported at -1.000 EUR mn in 2021. This records an increase from the previous number of -2.000 EUR mn for 2020. Ireland Foreign Direct Investment Income: Inward: Total: ODA Recipients - America data is updated yearly, averaging -1.500 EUR mn from Dec 2020 (Median) to 2021, with 2 observations. The data reached an all-time high of -1.000 EUR mn in 2021 and a record low of -2.000 EUR mn in 2020. Ireland Foreign Direct Investment Income: Inward: Total: ODA Recipients - America data remains active status in CEIC and is reported by Organisation for Economic Co-operation and Development. The data is categorized under Global Database’s Ireland – Table IE.OECD.FDI: Foreign Direct Investment Income: by Region and Country: OECD Member: Annual. Reverse investment: Netting of reverse investment in equity (when a direct investment enterprise acquires less than 10% equity ownership in its parent) and reverse investment in debt (when a direct investment enterprise extends a loan to its parent) is applied in the recording of total inward and outward FDI transactions and positions. Treatment of debt FDI transactions and positions between fellow enterprises: directional basis according to the residency of the ultimate controlling parent (extended directional principle). FDI transactions and positions by partner country and/or by industry are available excluding and including resident Special Purpose Entities (SPEs). The dataset 'FDI statistics by parner country and by industry - Summary' contains series including resident SPEs only. Valuation method used for listed inward and outward equity positions: Market value, Own funds at book value. Valuation method used for unlisted inward and outward equity positions: Own funds at book value. Valuation method used for inward and outward debt positions: Market value .; FDI statistics are available by geographic allocation, vis-à-vis single partner countries worldwide and geographical and economic zones aggregates. Partner country allocation can be subject to confidentiality restrictions. Geographic allocation of inward and outward FDI transactions and positions is according to the immediate counterparty. Intercompany debt between related financial intermediaries, including permanent debt, are not excluded from FDI transactions and positions. Direct investment relationships are identified according to the criteria of the Framework for Direct Investment Relationships (FDIR) method. Debt between fellow enterprises are completely covered. Collective investment institutions are not covered as direct investment enterprises. Non-profit institutions serving households are covered as direct investors. FDI statistics are available by industry sectors according to ISIC4 classification. Industry sector allocation can be subject to confidentiality restrictions. Inward FDI transactions and positions are allocated to the activity of the resident direct investment enterprise. Outward FDI transactions and positions are allocated according to the activity of the resident direct investor. Statistical unit: Enterprise.; Countries from AMERICA recipients of Offical Development Assistance (ODA), 30 countries: Chile, Mexico , Antigua and Barbuda, Cuba, Dominica, Dominican Republic, Grenada, Haiti, Jamaica, Montserrat, Saint Lucia, Saint Vincent and the Grenadines, Belize, Costa Rica, El Salvador, Guatemala, Honduras, Nicaragua, Panama, Argentina, Bolivia, Brazil, Colombia, Ecuador, Guyana, Paraguay, Peru, Suriname, Uruguay, Venezuela

In 2024, the U.S. GDP increased from the previous year to about 29.18 trillion U.S. dollars. Gross domestic product (GDP) refers to the market value of all goods and services produced within a country. In 2024, the United States has the largest economy in the world. What is GDP? Gross domestic product is one of the most important indicators used to analyze the health of an economy. GDP is defined by the BEA as the market value of goods and services produced by labor and property in the United States, regardless of nationality. It is the primary measure of U.S. production. The OECD defines GDP as an aggregate measure of production equal to the sum of the gross values added of all resident, institutional units engaged in production (plus any taxes, and minus any subsidies, on products not included in the value of their outputs). GDP and national debt Although the United States had the highest Gross Domestic Product (GDP) in the world in 2022, this does not tell us much about the quality of life in any given country. GDP per capita at purchasing power parity (PPP) is an economic measurement that is thought to be a better method for comparing living standards across countries because it accounts for domestic inflation and variations in the cost of living. While the United States might have the largest economy, the country that ranked highest in terms of GDP at PPP was Luxembourg, amounting to around 141,333 international dollars per capita. Singapore, Ireland, and Qatar also ranked highly on the GDP PPP list, and the United States ranked 9th in 2022.

Ireland IE: Foreign Direct Investment Income: Outward: USD: Total: Viet Nam data was reported at 0.000 USD mn in 2020. This stayed constant from the previous number of 0.000 USD mn for 2019. Ireland IE: Foreign Direct Investment Income: Outward: USD: Total: Viet Nam data is updated yearly, averaging 0.000 USD mn from Dec 2012 (Median) to 2020, with 9 observations. The data reached an all-time high of 0.000 USD mn in 2020 and a record low of 0.000 USD mn in 2020. Ireland IE: Foreign Direct Investment Income: Outward: USD: Total: Viet Nam data remains active status in CEIC and is reported by Organisation for Economic Co-operation and Development. The data is categorized under Global Database’s Ireland – Table IE.OECD.FDI: Foreign Direct Investment Income: USD: by Region and Country: OECD Member: Annual. Reverse investment: Netting of reverse investment in equity (when a direct investment enterprise acquires less than 10% equity ownership in its parent) and reverse investment in debt (when a direct investment enterprise extends a loan to its parent) is applied in the recording of total inward and outward FDI transactions and positions. Treatment of debt FDI transactions and positions between fellow enterprises: directional basis according to the residency of the ultimate controlling parent (extended directional principle). FDI transactions and positions by partner country and/or by industry are available excluding and including resident Special Purpose Entities (SPEs). The dataset 'FDI statistics by parner country and by industry - Summary' contains series including resident SPEs only. Valuation method used for listed inward and outward equity positions: Market value, Own funds at book value. Valuation method used for unlisted inward and outward equity positions: Own funds at book value. Valuation method used for inward and outward debt positions: Market value .; FDI statistics are available by geographic allocation, vis-à-vis single partner countries worldwide and geographical and economic zones aggregates. Partner country allocation can be subject to confidentiality restrictions. Geographic allocation of inward and outward FDI transactions and positions is according to the immediate counterparty. Intercompany debt between related financial intermediaries, including permanent debt, are not excluded from FDI transactions and positions. Direct investment relationships are identified according to the criteria of the Framework for Direct Investment Relationships (FDIR) method. Debt between fellow enterprises are completely covered. Collective investment institutions are not covered as direct investment enterprises. Non-profit institutions serving households are covered as direct investors. FDI statistics are available by industry sectors according to ISIC4 classification. Industry sector allocation can be subject to confidentiality restrictions. Inward FDI transactions and positions are allocated to the activity of the resident direct investment enterprise. Outward FDI transactions and positions are allocated according to the activity of the resident direct investor. Statistical unit: Enterprise.