Belgium: Government debt
* indicates monthly or quarterly data series
Belgium |
Government debt as percent of GDP |
---|---|
Latest value | 105.20 |
Year | 2023 |
Measure | percent |
Data availability | 1995 - 2023 |
Average | 105.82 |
Min - Max | 87.30 - 131.30 |
Source | Eurostat |
The latest value from 2023 is 105.2 percent, an increase from 104.3 percent in 2022. In comparison, the world average is 62.45 percent, based on data from 131 countries. Historically, the average for Belgium from 1995 to 2023 is 105.82 percent. The minimum value, 87.3 percent, was reached in 2007 while the maximum of 131.3 percent was recorded in 1995.
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The government debt in Belgium and other countries is calculated as the total amount owed by the national government to domestic and international lenders. It is reported as percent of GDP so that we can evaluate its magnitude relative to the size of the economy.
Government debt of about 60 percent or less of GDP is not considered a problem. The government can make payments without strain and even has some room to borrow more. If debt levels reach 80-90 percent that may have negative effects on the economy. Debt above 120 percent of GDP is quite detrimental.
Government debt of about 60 percent or less of GDP is not considered a problem. The government can make payments without strain and even has some room to borrow more. If debt levels reach 80-90 percent that may have negative effects on the economy. Debt above 120 percent of GDP is quite detrimental.
Definition: Debt is the entire stock of direct government fixed-term contractual obligations to others outstanding on a particular date. It includes domestic and foreign liabilities such as currency and money deposits, securities other than shares, and loans. It is the gross amount of government liabilities reduced by the amount of equity and financial derivatives held by the government. Because debt is a stock rather than a flow, it is measured as of a given date, usually the last day of the fiscal year.
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Related indicators | Latest | Reference | Measure |
---|---|---|---|
Government spending, percent of GDP | 24.24 | 2023 | percent |
Government spending, in dollars | 153.28 | 2023 | billion U.S. dollars |
Fiscal balance, percent of GDP | -4.40 | 2023 | percent |
Government debt | 105.20 | 2023 | percent |
Government expenditure | 35.06 | Q3/2024 | billion |
Long-term interest rate | 2.83 | 8/2024 | percent |
Tax revenue | 22.26 | 2022 | percent |
Commercial tax rate | 55.40 | 2019 | percent |
Tax preparation time | 136 | 2019 | hours |
Number of taxes | 11 | 2019 | taxes |
Taxes on goods and services | 36.98 | 2022 | percent |
Income and profits taxes | 52.84 | 2022 | percent |