Tonga: public finances

Does Tonga's government have a budget surplus?

Tonga's government recorded net lending of about T$5.6 million in the 2024/25 financial year, a small surplus, adding up the four quarters in the Tonga Statistics Department's government finance statistics for 2024/25, sourced from the Ministry of Finance. Revenue was about T$534.0 million and expenditure T$528.3 million.

Taxes brought in about T$327.8 million and grants T$151.5 million, so foreign grants paid for close to three-tenths of revenue. Grants vary widely from quarter to quarter: the April to June 2025 quarter had T$85.4 million. Net lending is revenue minus spending, including investment in buildings and equipment. Wages were the largest expense, at T$182.2 million.

Official sources: TSD: Government finance statistics FY2024/25 (Excel)

What is Tonga's government debt?

The latest figure from the IMF, for 2025, is 26.9% of GDP. That is the lowest since at least 2005. East Asia & Pacific median: 45.0% of GDP; Tonga is 20th highest of 29. World rank, highest first: 162nd of 185.

Does Tonga's government borrow more than it raises?

The IMF puts general government net lending or borrowing in Tonga at 1.2% of GDP in 2025. The peak was 6.9% of GDP in 2009 and the low -6.0% of GDP in 2011. It is 9th highest of 29 in East Asia & Pacific, where the median is -1.7% of GDP. World rank, highest first: 25th of 188.

How much revenue does Tonga's government raise?

The IMF puts general government revenue in Tonga at 49.0% of GDP in 2025. That is the highest since at least 2005. East Asia & Pacific median: 33.6% of GDP; Tonga is 7th highest of 29. Of 187 countries with 2025 data, 18th highest.

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

In 2025, general government spending in Tonga was 47.8% of GDP, according to the IMF. It is the top of the series, which starts in 2005. It is 8th highest of 29 in East Asia & Pacific, where the median is 32.9% of GDP. Of 186 countries with 2025 data, 27th highest.

What is Tonga's tax to GDP ratio?

20.5% of GDP: that is central government tax revenue in Tonga for 2023, according to the IMF. The peak was 21.7% of GDP in 2018 and the low 16.9% of GDP in 2013. It is 6th highest of 17 in East Asia & Pacific, where the median is 15.9% of GDP. World rank, highest first: 38th of 110.