The 10 countries with the highest global debt, according to IMF report

The position of Brazil is far from the top and the first place is surprising.

According to information released by the International Monetary Fund (IMF) in October 2024, Japan tops the list of nations with the highest debts relative to GDP, showing a rate of 248.7%.

The debt-to-GDP ratio is an indicator that measures the amount owed by a country in relation to the total value of its economy. Obtained by dividing public debt by GDP, this metric reflects the government's ability to meet its financial commitments.

Following that, Sudan is at 237.1%, while Singapore ranks third, registering 175.8%.

The listing also includes Greece (152.9%) and Italy (138.7%), countries that traditionally appear in this ranking due to economic difficulties faced in the past.

Smaller nations, such as the Maldives (133,6%) and Bahrain (129,8%), also stand out among the most indebted, characterized by economies dependent on tourism and oil, respectively.

The United States (124,1%), the Lao People's Democratic Republic (118,3%), and France (115,3%) complete the group of the ten most indebted.

The Brazilian situation

Brazil, often criticized by economists and political analysts as "wasteful", is relatively distant from the top 10, occupying the 23rd Position, with a debt of 92%.

With the reduction of the deficit in 2024, the trend of Brazilian debt is declining, although many economic experts argue that the country should expand its spending base to boost economic growth.

In November, indebtedness fell to 77.7% of GDP, which would position Brazil in 43rd place, considerably below the average of developed nations (111%) and closer to the average of developing countries (71%).