Countries By National Debt

In the realm of economy and finance, understanding national debt offers a deep insight into a country's fiscal health and creditworthiness. The ratio of a country's national debt to its Gross Domestic Product (GDP) offers an effective measure for economists and policymakers alike to draw comparisons between countries and steers strategic financial decisions. The United States, albeit being the world's largest economy, has a relatively high debt-to-GDP ratio, with countries varying widely in their respective positions. 

Key findings from the data include:

• Japan tops the list with a debt-to-GDP ratio of 259.4%, the highest globally, followed by Sudan (200.4%) and Greece (194.5%).
• Despite its economic prowess, the United States ranks 14th in the world, with a debt-to-GDP ratio of 128.1%, highlighting the repercussions of significant expenditure on sectors such as healthcare and defense.
• Interesting outliers are countries such as Singapore, known for its fiscal prudence, which is fifth on the list with a debt-to-GDP ratio of 159.9%, showing that higher national debt does not always indicate fiscal instability.
• At the other end of the spectrum, countries such as Afghanistan (7.4%) and Brunei (2.5%) have some of the lowest debt-to-GDP ratios.

It's essential to note that a high national debt doesn't necessarily signify an adverse economic situation, just as a low national debt does not always equate to financial stability. Various factors, including how the debt is utilized, the country's credit rating, inflation, and the strength of its economy, play a significant role in understanding the implications of the national debt. This examination of national debt by countries offers a comprehensive perspective on different economic strategies and outcomes, and the balancing act between spending and over-indebtedness.

To sort the data in the table, click on the column headers.