A nation’s external debt is a critical barometer of its economic health, reflecting not only its ability to finance its activities beyond its borders but also its vulnerability to a global financial crisis. Through this prism, we explore the international debt landscape with a particular focus on the ten most indebted countries.
Debt giants
United States: Indebted Colossus
At the top of the list, United States Show a staggering external debt of 30 trillion US dollars On February 2, 2022, ie 118.5% of their GDP. This figure, which represents a burden $90,338 per capita, shows the magnitude of the American debt. The dominance of the dollar as the world’s reserve currency and the central role of the United States in the global economy give this debt a particularly significant dimension.
China: Supervised Debt Power
there People’s Republic of Chinawith estimated external debt 40 trillion dollars At the end of 2019, held the world record in absolute value. This debt, par 303% of its GDP, remains shrouded in mystery due to lack of accurate per capita data. China’s position as the largest creditor to many countries adds a layer of complexity to its debt, raising questions about the sustainability of its monetary expansion strategy.
The European Union: A united bloc in the face of debt
l’European Union distinguished by the collective debt of $13.72 trillion Represented on June 30, 2010 85% of its GDP. This figure highlights the challenges of managing mutualized debt in the context of heterogeneous economic policies, distributed among member states. The fiscal cohesion of the EU is thus put to the test between internal financing needs and external stability needs.
European debt champion
United Kingdom and Germany: The Divergent Twins
The United Kingdomwith an external debt of $8.981 billion AndGermanydisplaying 4,713 billion dollars Debt as of June 30, 2010, shows two contrasting realities of European debt. While the U.K 400% of its GDP The debt remains on Germany 142%Reveals various financial strategies and repayment capabilities.
French household debt has reached a record high
France: Economy under pressure
with an external debt of $3.299 billion On June 30, 2023, ie 112.5% of its GDP, France positions itself as a major player in European debt. This represents a financial burden $48,492 per capitaIt highlights the challenges the country faces in balancing economic growth and debt sustainability.
Asia and Ireland: Contrasting Case Studies
Japan: A Cultural Exception
The Japan distinguished by the external debt of $2,441 billion On September 30, 2010, ie only 45% of its GDP. This exceptional situation is explained by the large holding of debt by national investors, which reduces its vulnerability to external shocks. However, the per capita burden remains modest $19,148Reflects prudent debt management.
Ireland: The Celtic Tiger and its Debt
with $2.253 billion External debt as on September 30, 2010, which presents a surprise 1,103% of its GDPl’Ireland Explains the paradox of a small but highly open economy. This figure, the highest as a percentage of GDP, highlights Ireland’s reliance on external funding, particularly in the financial services sector.
Scandinavia and Italy: Between Wealth and Prudence
Norway: Oil Wealth and Financial Prudence
there Norway shows the external debt of $643 billion Represented on August 12, 2011 141% of its GDP. This Scandinavian country, benefiting from significant revenues from its natural resources, especially oil, manages its debt with exemplary prudence, showing a balanced approach between investment and savings.
Italy: A heavy legacy to bear
l’Italywith a debt of $2.223 billion On June 30, 2010, ie 108% of its GDP, finds itself at a crossroads. Managing its debt, inherited from a complicated economic history, remains a major challenge for successive governments, which face the need to stimulate growth while ensuring fiscal sustainability.
More sustainable debt management?
A nation’s external debt, much more than a general statistic, is a key indicator of its economic health and resilience in the face of crises. The panorama of the ten most indebted countries shows the diversity of situations between global economic powers and regional players, each with its own challenges and debt management strategies. In the face of a rapidly changing world, the question of debt sustainability remains more relevant than ever, calling for innovative and responsible economic policies. The path to balancing growth and fiscal prudence is fraught with challenges, but imperative to ensure the future prosperity of nations and the stability of the global financial system.
Source des données de l'article : https://fr.wikipedia.org/wiki/Liste_de_pays_par_dette_ext%C3%A9rieure
