A Historical Public Debt Database

Publication Date:

November 1, 2010

Electronic Access:

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Summary:

This paper describes the compilation of the first truly comprehensive database on gross government debt-to-GDP ratios, covering nearly the entire IMF membership (174 countries) and spanning an exceptionally long time period. The database was constructed by bringing together a number of other datasets and information from original sources. For the most recent years, the data are linked to the IMF World Economic Outlook (WEO) database to facilitate regular updates. The paper discusses the evolution of debt-to-GDP ratios across country groups for several decades, episodes of debt spikes and reversals, and a pattern of negative correlation between debt and growth.

Series:

Working Paper No. 2010/245

Subject:

Financial crises Global financial crisis of 2008-2009 Oil prices Prices Public debt

Notes:

Watch a video on the Historical Public Debt Database.

Frequency:

Biannually

English

Publication Date:

November 1, 2010

ISBN/ISSN:

9781455209453/1018-5941

Stock No:

WPIEA2010245

Pages:

26

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