Nauru: public finances

How big is Nauru's government budget?

Nauru's 2026–27 budget projects total revenue of A$359.2 million and spending of A$359.0 million, a surplus of A$0.2 million (0.1% of GDP), according to the Department of Finance. It was presented to Parliament on 20 July 2026 by the President, who is also Minister for Finance.

The Budget Paper No. 1 shows revenue equal to 148.2% of GDP in 2025–26, falling to a projected 122.9% in 2026–27. Revenue exceeds GDP because large receipts, such as processing centre fees and fishing licences, are earned from abroad. The Regional Processing arrangement with Australia brought in A$218.9 million in 2025–26, against a budget of A$236.8 million, and fisheries A$60.8 million. Citizenship by investment raised A$3.4 million against an estimate of A$9 million.

Official sources: Department of Finance: 2026–27 Budget released · Department of Finance: 2026–27 Budget Paper No. 1 (PDF) · Department of Finance: 2026–27 budget papers

How much debt does Nauru have?

Nauru's external public debt was an estimated A$2.2 million, 0.8% of GDP, on 30 June 2026, according to the public debt strategy in the Department of Finance's 2026–27 Budget Paper No. 1. Total government liabilities, including amounts owed to Bank of Nauru liquidation creditors, were A$6.5 million (2.2% of GDP), down from A$42.2 million (16.5%) in 2023–24.

The fall reflects the prepayment of the national airline's aircraft loan on 17 May 2026 and payments to Bank of Nauru creditors. The remaining external loan is from the Export-Import Bank of the Republic of China (Taiwan) for phosphate mining equipment. The paper also reports total cash contributions to the Intergenerational Trust Fund of over A$300 million by 31 March 2026.

Official sources: Department of Finance: 2026–27 Budget Paper No. 1 (PDF)

What is Nauru's debt to GDP ratio?

12.2% of GDP: that is general government gross debt in Nauru for 2025, according to the IMF. No year since 2009 has been lower. East Asia & Pacific median: 45.0% of GDP; Nauru is 24th highest of 29. Of 185 countries with 2025 data, 177th highest.

Does Nauru's government borrow more than it raises?

In 2025, general government net lending or borrowing in Nauru was 3.5% of GDP, according to the IMF. The peak was 52.4% of GDP in 2021 and the low 0.1% of GDP in 2010. It is 6th highest of 29 in East Asia & Pacific, where the median is -1.7% of GDP. Worldwide: 11th of 188.

How much revenue does Nauru's government raise?

According to the IMF, general government revenue in Nauru was 132.2% of GDP in 2025. The peak was 161.8% of GDP in 2021 and the low 47.4% of GDP in 2011. Across East Asia & Pacific the middle value was 33.6% of GDP, and Nauru placed 1st highest of 29. World rank, highest first: 1st of 187.

How big is Nauru's government spending as a share of GDP?

In 2025, general government spending in Nauru was 128.7% of GDP, according to the IMF. That is the highest since at least 2009. East Asia & Pacific median: 32.9% of GDP; Nauru is 1st highest of 29. Of 186 countries with 2025 data, 1st highest.

What is tax revenue in Nauru?

According to the IMF, central government tax revenue in Nauru was 21.4% of GDP in 2024. The peak was 47.1% of GDP in 2021 and the low 17.0% of GDP in 2015. Across East Asia & Pacific the middle value was 15.4% of GDP, and Nauru placed 4th highest of 12. World rank, highest first: 31st of 92.