Government debt (% of GDP) in Libya
In 2025, general government debt as a share of GDP in Libya was 153.8 %, up from 115.3 % in 2024. This gives Libya the 4th-highest globally (out of 190 economies with available data).
Government debt (% of GDP)
Gross debt of the general government
Libya
Source: Econorama, using data from the IMF.
How Libya compares
About this indicator
This indicator measures general government gross debt as a percentage of GDP. Debt includes liabilities that require payment of interest and/or principal in the future. It follows the IMF World Economic Outlook definition of government debt, under the IMF Government Finance Statistics Manual (GFSM) framework. Debt is gross, that is, it is not net of government financial assets.
Comparing debt-to-GDP ratios across countries therefore reflects the stock of government liabilities relative to the size of the economy. It captures the cumulative effect of past budget deficits and surpluses. A higher ratio can signal greater fiscal pressure or borrowing needs, but it should be read alongside other indicators, such as budget balances, interest payments, and economic growth.
Comparing debt-to-GDP ratios across countries therefore reflects the stock of government liabilities relative to the size of the economy. It captures the cumulative effect of past budget deficits and surpluses. A higher ratio can signal greater fiscal pressure or borrowing needs, but it should be read alongside other indicators, such as budget balances, interest payments, and economic growth.
Sources and updates
Data sources
The data for this indicator are drawn from the IMF World Economic Outlook.
Last update
This indicator was last updated on Econorama on 17 Oct. 2026 and reflects the latest data available from the underlying sources at that time.
More on Libya
Public Finance
Public debt per capita
Gross debt of the general government, in current international dollars
Rank45th of 191
Government budget balance (% of GDP)
Positive values indicate a surplus; negative values indicate a deficit
Rank193rd of 194
Government expenditure (% of GDP)
Total expenditure of the general government
Rank2nd of 194