New Zealand—Govt Gross Debt (% of GDP)
New Zealand's government debt (% of GDP) was 57.1% in 2026, ranking #84 out of 191 countries. This represents a +4.4% change from 2025. Over the past 27 years, the highest recorded value was 57.1% (2026) and the lowest was 16.3% (2007). The IMF WEO projects 55.4% by 2031. Data sourced from the IMF World Economic Outlook.
Line styles separate years at 2026. This date threshold does not establish whether an individual reading is observed, estimated or forecast. Gaps are not interpolated.
Historical Data
| Year | Value | Change |
|---|---|---|
| 2031 | 55.4% | -1.6% |
| 2030 | 56.3% | -1.4% |
| 2029 | 57.1% | -1.2% |
| 2028 | 57.8% | -0.3% |
| 2027 | 58.0% | +1.6% |
| 2026 | 57.1% | +4.4% |
| 2025 | 54.7% | +6.4% |
| 2024 | 51.4% | +8.7% |
| 2023 | 47.3% | +0.9% |
| 2022 | 46.9% | -1.5% |
| 2021 | 47.6% | +10.2% |
| 2020 | 43.2% | +35.8% |
| 2019 | 31.8% | +13.2% |
| 2018 | 28.1% | -9.6% |
| 2017 | 31.1% | -6.9% |
| 2016 | 33.4% | -2.3% |
| 2015 | 34.2% | +0.0% |
| 2014 | 34.2% | -1.2% |
| 2013 | 34.6% | -3.1% |
| 2012 | 35.7% | +2.9% |
| 2011 | 34.7% | +17.2% |
| 2010 | 29.6% | +21.8% |
| 2009 | 24.3% | +27.9% |
| 2008 | 19.0% | +16.6% |
| 2007 | 16.3% | -11.4% |
| 2006 | 18.4% | -11.5% |
| 2005 | 20.8% | -7.6% |
| 2004 | 22.5% | -8.9% |
| 2003 | 24.7% | -6.4% |
| 2002 | 26.4% | -6.4% |
| 2001 | 28.2% | -6.0% |
| 2000 | 30.0% |
IMF Forecast
Projections from the IMF World Economic Outlook. These are staff estimates, not guarantees.
| Year | Projected Value | Change from Previous |
|---|---|---|
| 2026Forecast | 57.1% | +4.4% |
| 2027Forecast | 58.0% | +1.6% |
| 2028Forecast | 57.8% | -0.3% |
| 2029Forecast | 57.1% | -1.2% |
| 2030Forecast | 56.3% | -1.4% |
| 2031Forecast | 55.4% | -1.6% |
Top Countries — Govt Gross Debt (% of GDP)
About This Indicator
Definition
General government gross debt relative to economic output.
Methodology
Government debt includes all liabilities that require payment of interest and/or principal by the debtor in the future. This includes debt securities, loans, and other accounts payable. The IMF follows the Government Finance Statistics Manual (GFSM 2014) framework. Debt is reported on a gross basis (not netted against government assets).
Unit
percent of GDP