A sneak peek into South Asian Countries
CENTRAL GOVERNMENT DEBT
This project provides an insightful data visualization of the Central Government Debt as a percentage of Gross Domestic Product (GDP) for the South Asian countries: Afghanistan, Bangladesh, Bhutan, India, Maldives, Nepal, Pakistan, and Sri Lanka.
Government Debt as per International Monetary Fund
Summary of the Dataset
Central Government Debt as % of GDP (1950-2022)
The shaded regions provide a visual representation of the central government debt relative to GDP that emphasizes periods of higher indebtedness.
Data Source: IMF Data Mapper 2022
Graph by: Nischal Dhungel
Central Government Debt as % of GDP (2022)
Data Source: IMF Data Mapper 2022
Graph by: Nischal Dhungel
Analysis of Central Government Debt as % of GDP in South Asia (2022)
In 2022, among Emerging Market and Developing Economies (EMDEs) regions, South Asia recorded the highest government debt-to-GDP ratio, with an average of 86 percent.
World Bank Graph on Government Debt in South Asia as of 2022**
Source: World Bank South Asia Update, October 2023
Composition of Government Debt in South Asia as of 2021**
Source: World Bank South Asia Update, October 2023
Sovereign Default Risks in the Region
Source: World Bank South Asia Update, October 2023
Compiled by: Nischal Dhungel
Research spanning 44 countries over 50 years indicates a strong correlation between a debt-to-GDP ratio above 60% and default risk. This study also underscores the potential threat to long-term economic growth when debt crosses this mark.***
IMF Debt Sustainability Analysis for Low-Income Countries
Source: IMF LIC DSAs as of August 31, 2023
Graph by: Nischal Dhungel
Afghanistan: Faces a high risk of debt stress, indicating imminent financial challenges.
Bangladesh: Enjoys a low risk of debt stress, showcasing sustainable debt levels.
Bhutan: Holds a moderate risk, necessitating vigilant monitoring of its economic indicators.
Maldives: Positioned at high risk, signaling potential fiscal concerns in its current trajectory.
Nepal: Demonstrates a low-risk profile, suggesting a stable and controlled debt situation.
South Asia stands at a crossroads with its rich cultural heritage and vast economic potential. The region's central government debt scenario, marked by some alarming figures, warrants immediate attention. The path ahead is undeniably fraught with challenges. But with the right strategies and a commitment to the welfare of its people, South Asia can navigate its way toward stability and prosperity.
Notes and References
- Data Source: International Monetary Fund Data Mapper: https://www.imf.org/external/datamapper/CG_DEBT_GDP@GDD/SWE
- * Missing Values: There is a total of 158 missing entries (represented as "no data") throughout the IMF dataset. The missing or "NA" data for each country are as follows: Afghanistan: Data is missing for the years 1950-2001 and 2021-2022. Bangladesh: Data is missing for the years 1950-1972. Bhutan: Data is missing for the years 1950-1981. India: Data is missing for the year 1997. Maldives: Data is missing for the years 1950-1975. Nepal: Data is missing for the years 1950-1969. Pakistan: Data is missing for the year 1950. Sri Lanka: Data is missing for the year 1950.
- ** World Bank South Asia Update, October 2023.
- *** Matsuoka, H. (2015). Fiscal limits and sovereign default risk in Japan. Journal of the Japanese and International Economies, 38, 13-30.(https://www.sciencedirect.com/science/article/abs/pii/S0261560614000977)
Thank you!