Nepal: public finances

How much public debt does Nepal have?

Nepal's government debt was 47.4% of GDP in 2025 and is projected at 49.4% in 2026, according to the IMF World Economic Outlook.

The figure covers domestic and external debt of the general government. The Public Debt Management Office publishes outstanding debt in rupees and an annual report on public debt, most recently for 2024/25, in Nepali. The Ministry of Finance's website could not be reached on 15 October 2026.

Official sources: IMF DataMapper: General government gross debt, Nepal · Public Debt Management Office

How much does Nepal's government spend and collect?

Nepal's government spent Rs 199.84 billion and raised Rs 183.21 billion in revenue in the first two months of 2026/27, according to Nepal Rastra Bank, using Financial Comptroller General Office data. Tax revenue was Rs 172.43 billion.

Capital spending was only Rs 7.66 billion of the total. For the whole of 2024/25, actual spending was Rs 1,523.11 billion, according to the NSO's Nepal in Figures 2026. Total tax revenue was 16.8% of GDP in 2025/26, according to the national accounts.

Official sources: Nepal Rastra Bank: Current Macroeconomic and Financial Situation, two months of 2026/27 (PDF) · NSO: Nepal in Figures 2026 (PDF) · NSO: National Accounts Statistics of Nepal 2025/26 (PDF)

What is Nepal's budget deficit?

Nepal's government is projected to borrow the equivalent of 1.5% of GDP in 2026, after 1.8% in 2025, according to the IMF World Economic Outlook. It projects a deficit of 4.7% in 2027.

The figure is net lending or borrowing of the general government; a negative value in the IMF series is a deficit. The IMF series uses calendar years, while Nepal's budget runs from mid-July. The budget speech for 2026/27 is published by the Ministry of Finance, whose website could not be reached on 15 October 2026.

Official sources: IMF DataMapper: Net lending/borrowing, Nepal

What is Nepal's debt to GDP ratio?

The latest figure from the IMF, for 2025, is 47.4% of GDP. Since 2005 it has ranged from 25.0% of GDP (2016) to 47.9% of GDP (2024). Across South Asia the middle value was 90.5% of GDP, and Nepal placed 5th highest of 6. Worldwide: 109th of 185.

What is Nepal's fiscal deficit?

In 2025, general government net lending or borrowing in Nepal was -1.8% of GDP, according to the IMF (a deficit). The peak was 1.6% of GDP in 2013 and the low -7.5% of GDP in 2020. It is 1st highest of 6 in South Asia, where the median is -2.9% of GDP. Of 188 countries with 2025 data, 68th highest.

How much revenue does Nepal's government raise?

The latest figure from the IMF, for 2025, is 19.7% of GDP. Its high point since 2005 was 2021, at 23.3% of GDP; its low point was 2006, at 11.4% of GDP. Across South Asia the middle value was 20.3% of GDP, and Nepal placed 4th highest of 6. World rank, highest first: 133rd of 187.

What is Nepal's government spending?

The latest figure from the IMF, for 2025, is 21.5% of GDP. The peak was 28.5% of GDP in 2020 and the low 11.2% of GDP in 2006. Across South Asia the middle value was 24.9% of GDP, and Nepal placed 4th highest of 6. Of 186 countries with 2025 data, 136th highest.

How much tax does Nepal collect?

The latest figure from the IMF, for 2023, is 13.9% of GDP. Its high point since 2005 was 2019, at 19.8% of GDP; its low point was 2006, at 8.8% of GDP. World rank, highest first: 78th of 110.

How much does Nepal spend on its military?

The latest figure from SIPRI, for 2025, is 1.0% of GDP. No year since 2005 has been lower. Worldwide: 111th of 149.