Bahamas: public finances

Did the Bahamas have a budget surplus?

The Bahamas Government recorded a preliminary surplus of $39.3 million, or 0.2% of GDP, in the fiscal year to June 2026, according to the Prime Minister's communication on the fiscal outturn for 2025/26 of 14 October 2026. Revenue rose 16.6% to $3.96 billion and spending 12.6% to $3.92 billion.

The figures are preliminary and come from the Ministry of Finance's June 2026 fiscal summary. The deficit had been 12.5% of GDP in 2020/21. The first half of each fiscal year usually shows deficits, because revenue arrives later. The Government paid $674.7 million in interest in 2025/26.

Official sources: Office of the Prime Minister: fiscal outturn for 2025/26

How much is the Bahamas national debt?

The Bahamas Government's total direct debt was B$12,488.7 million at the end of July 2026, up from B$11,976.0 million a year earlier, according to the Central Bank of The Bahamas' Monthly Economic and Financial Developments for August 2026. External debt, owed in foreign currency, was B$5,363.2 million.

These figures cover central government only and leave out debt of public corporations. The rest is mainly Bahamian dollar debt held at home. The Prime Minister's fiscal outturn statement said all new borrowing in June 2026 was raised domestically.

Official sources: Central Bank of The Bahamas: Monthly Economic and Financial Developments, August 2026 (PDF) · Office of the Prime Minister: fiscal outturn for 2025/26

What is the Bahamas' debt to GDP ratio?

According to the IMF, general government gross debt in the Bahamas was 71.7% of GDP in 2025. The peak was 90.6% of GDP in 2021 and the low 23.0% of GDP in 2005. Across Latin America & Caribbean the middle value was 65.6% of GDP, and the Bahamas placed 11th highest of 31. Worldwide: 52nd of 185.

What is the Bahamas' budget deficit?

-0.5% of GDP: that is general government net lending or borrowing in the Bahamas for 2025, according to the IMF, which is a deficit. Its high point since 2005 was 2006, at -0.4% of GDP; its low point was 2021, at -11.9% of GDP. Across Latin America & Caribbean the middle value was -2.8% of GDP, and the Bahamas placed 6th highest of 32. Worldwide: 45th of 188.

What is the Bahamas' government revenue?

The IMF puts general government revenue in the Bahamas at 20.4% of GDP in 2025. No year since 2005 has been higher. Latin America & Caribbean median: 24.9% of GDP; the Bahamas is 22nd highest of 32. World rank, highest first: 126th of 187.

How big is the Bahamas' government spending as a share of GDP?

In 2025, general government spending in the Bahamas was 20.9% of GDP, according to the IMF. Since 2005 it has ranged from 12.9% of GDP (2005) to 28.9% of GDP (2021). Across Latin America & Caribbean the middle value was 26.7% of GDP, and the Bahamas placed 26th highest of 32. Of 186 countries with 2025 data, 145th highest.

What is the Bahamas' tax to GDP ratio?

The latest figure from the IMF, for 2024, is 17.3% of GDP. Since 2005 it has ranged from 10.0% of GDP (2005) to 17.9% of GDP (2020). Latin America & Caribbean median: 15.0% of GDP; the Bahamas is 5th highest of 14. Worldwide: 53rd of 92.