Botswana—Fiscal Balance (% of GDP)
Category: Fiscal & MonetarySource: IMF World Economic Outlook ↗Global Rank: #185 of 192Updated August 2026
Latest Value
-7.5%
2031
YoY Change
-5.6%
2030 → 2031
Global Rank
#185
of 192 countries
Maximum
13.3%
2006
Minimum
-13.8%
2009
Last
-7.5%
Previous
-7.1%
Highest
13.3%
Lowest
-13.8%
Unit
Percent of GDP
Source
IMF World Economic Outlook
Botswana's fiscal balance (% of GDP) was -10.7% in 2026, ranking #185 out of 192 countries. This represents a -5.6% change from 2030. Over the past 27 years, the highest recorded value was 13.3% (2006) and the lowest was -13.8% (2009). The IMF WEO projects -7.5% by 2031. Data sourced from the IMF World Economic Outlook.
Botswana's fiscal balance was -8.8% of GDP in 2026, ranking 182nd globally, with no change from the previous year.
Actual
IMF Forecast
Source: IMF World Economic Outlook
Historical Data
| Year | Value | Change |
|---|---|---|
| 2031 | -7.5% | -5.6% |
| 2030 | -7.1% | +5.3% |
| 2029 | -7.5% | +1.3% |
| 2028 | -7.6% | +2.6% |
| 2027 | -7.8% | +27.1% |
| 2026 | -10.7% | -44.6% |
| 2025 | -7.4% | -1.4% |
| 2024 | -7.3% | -73.8% |
| 2023 | -4.2% | |
| 2022 | 0.0% | +100.0% |
| 2021 | -2.3% | +78.9% |
| 2020 | -10.9% | -28.2% |
| 2019 | -8.5% | -70.0% |
| 2018 | -5.0% | -354.5% |
| 2017 | -1.1% | -257.1% |
| 2016 | 0.7% | +114.6% |
| 2015 | -4.8% | -223.1% |
| 2014 | 3.9% | -32.8% |
| 2013 | 5.8% | +544.4% |
| 2012 | 0.9% | +1000.0% |
| 2011 | -0.1% | +98.8% |
| 2010 | -8.0% | +42.0% |
| 2009 | -13.8% | -81.6% |
| 2008 | -7.6% | -233.3% |
| 2007 | 5.7% | -57.1% |
| 2006 | 13.3% | +29.1% |
| 2005 | 10.3% | +692.3% |
| 2004 | 1.3% | +750.0% |
| 2003 | -0.2% | +94.9% |
| 2002 | -3.9% | -34.5% |
| 2001 | -2.9% | -133.3% |
| 2000 | 8.7% |
IMF Forecast
Projections from the IMF World Economic Outlook. These are staff estimates, not guarantees.
| Year | Projected Value | Change from Previous |
|---|---|---|
| 2026Forecast | -10.7% | -44.6% |
| 2027Forecast | -7.8% | +27.1% |
| 2028Forecast | -7.6% | +2.6% |
| 2029Forecast | -7.5% | +1.3% |
| 2030Forecast | -7.1% | +5.3% |
| 2031Forecast | -7.5% | -5.6% |
Top Countries — Fiscal Balance (% of GDP)
| # | Country | Value | Year |
|---|---|---|---|
| 1 | Kuwait | 27.6% | 2026 |
| 2 | Naoero | 13.1% | 2026 |
| 3 | Norway | 10.2% | 2026 |
| 4 | Oman | 5.2% | 2026 |
| 5 | United Arab Emirates | 4.9% | 2026 |
| 6 | Lesotho | 4.2% | 2026 |
| 7 | Macao SAR, China | 4.2% | 2026 |
| 8 | Singapore | 3.3% | 2026 |
| 9 | Lebanon | 3.3% | 2025 |
| 10 | Liechtenstein | 3.0% | 2026 |
About This Indicator
Definition
General government net lending/borrowing as a percentage of GDP. A positive value indicates a fiscal surplus; negative indicates a deficit.
Methodology
Revenue minus expenditure minus net acquisition of nonfinancial assets, as a percentage of GDP. A comprehensive measure of the fiscal balance.
Unit
Percent of GDP