Using the latest IMF World Economic Outlook (Oct 2025) and IMF Fiscal Monitor (Oct 2025), here’s a fast, visual guide to 2025 public debt: the global picture, how Advanced Economies compare with EMDE and LIDC, and which countries carry the highest debt-to-GDP ratios.
Snapshot: IMF projects global public debt around the mid-90s % of world GDP in 2025, with risks rising into the decade. Reuters summary.
2025 at a glance — Debt by income group
IMF Fiscal Monitor (Oct 2025) gross debt (% of GDP): Advanced Economies, EMDE, and LIDC. Source: IMF DataMapper (FM Oct 2025).
Who owes the most (by debt-to-GDP) in 2025?
General government gross debt (% of GDP), 2025 (IMF WEO Oct 2025). Country pages / mapper: Japan, United States, China. For a recent list view, see independent summaries of WEO data (note: not primary sources). Visual Capitalist.
Show data table
| Economy | Debt-to-GDP 2025 (%) | Source |
|---|---|---|
| Japan | ~230 | IMF WEO Oct 2025 (DataMapper) |
| Sudan | ~222 | IMF WEO Oct 2025 (compiled) |
| Singapore | ~176 | IMF WEO Oct 2025 (compiled) |
| Venezuela | ~164 | IMF WEO Oct 2025 (compiled) |
| Lebanon | ~164 | IMF WEO Oct 2025 (compiled) |
| Greece | ~147 | IMF WEO Oct 2025 (compiled) |
| Italy | ~138 | IMF (FRED WEO series) |
| United States | ~125 | IMF WEO Oct 2025 (DataMapper) |
| China | ~96 | IMF WEO Oct 2025 (DataMapper) |
Key insights for 2025
- Advanced Economies remain most indebted on average, >110% of GDP, vs ~74% in EMDE and ~50% in LIDC. IMF Fiscal Monitor, Oct 2025
- Japan stays #1 by ratio (~230% of GDP); the U.S. (~125%) and China (~96%) are lower by ratio but dominate absolute amounts due to economic size. IMF Japan • IMF U.S. • IMF China
- Global public debt pressure persists and is projected to approach ~100% of world GDP by decade’s end if policy doesn’t tighten. Reuters on IMF outlook • IMF press
Sources & further reading
- IMF DataMapper – General government gross debt (WEO Oct 2025)
- IMF Fiscal Monitor – Debt by income group (Oct 2025)
- World Bank – International Debt Statistics
- Visual Capitalist (WEO-based summary)
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