Vanuatu: public finances

How much debt does Vanuatu have?

Vanuatu's total public debt was VUV 58 billion, equal to 44% of GDP, at the end of December 2024, according to the Department of Finance and Treasury's Quarterly Debt Bulletin for December 2024. External loans made up VUV 39.7 billion, domestic bonds VUV 16.6 billion and government guarantees VUV 1.9 billion.

This is the latest bulletin on the department's debt bulletin page. About 70% of the debt is owed abroad, so a weaker vatu raises its value in local money, which the bulletin names as one cause of the increase.

Official sources: Department of Finance and Treasury: Quarterly Debt Bulletin, December 2024 (PDF) · Department of Finance and Treasury: debt bulletins

What is the Vanuatu government budget?

Vanuatu's 2026 budget targets VT 50,140.6 million in revenue and VT 45,070.7 million in expenses, according to the Department of Finance and Treasury's Treasury Monthly Budget Report for March 2026. By the end of March the Government had collected VT 16,639.5 million, 18.7% more than a year earlier.

The first quarter showed a surplus of VT 5,653.1 million before donor funds, but revenue arrives unevenly, so early-year surpluses do not show the full-year result. VAT is the largest tax, bringing in VT 4,633.9 million by March.

Official sources: Department of Finance and Treasury: Treasury Monthly Budget Report, March 2026 (PDF)

What is Vanuatu's debt to GDP ratio?

The latest figure from the IMF, for 2025, is 36.2% of GDP. Since 2005 it has ranged from 16.4% of GDP (2013) to 46.4% of GDP (2017). It is 17th highest of 29 in East Asia & Pacific, where the median is 45.0% of GDP. Of 185 countries with 2025 data, 137th highest.

What is Vanuatu's budget deficit?

In 2025, general government net lending or borrowing in Vanuatu was 6.2% of GDP, according to the IMF. No year since 2005 has been higher. East Asia & Pacific median: -1.7% of GDP; Vanuatu is 2nd highest of 29. Worldwide: 4th of 188.

What is Vanuatu's government revenue?

The latest figure from the IMF, for 2025, is 39.1% of GDP. The peak was 40.6% of GDP in 2021 and the low 18.2% of GDP in 2005. It is 9th highest of 29 in East Asia & Pacific, where the median is 33.6% of GDP. Of 187 countries with 2025 data, 46th highest.

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

The latest figure from the IMF, for 2025, is 32.9% of GDP. Its high point since 2005 was 2023, at 38.9% of GDP; its low point was 2005, at 16.5% of GDP. Across East Asia & Pacific the middle value was 32.9% of GDP, and Vanuatu placed 15th highest of 29. World rank, highest first: 77th of 186.

How much tax does Vanuatu collect?

The latest figure from the IMF, for 2023, is 16.5% of GDP. The peak was 17.4% of GDP in 2012 and the low 12.6% of GDP in 2020. It is 8th highest of 17 in East Asia & Pacific, where the median is 15.9% of GDP. Worldwide: 62nd of 110.