ISLAMABAD – As global debt continues to climb, countries around world are feeling pressure of mounting financial obligations. From the US to Japan, the list of the most-indebted nations is long, but where does Pakistan stand?
The latest report from World Population Review has unveiled the jaw-dropping state of global debts, and Pakistan finds itself at a startling 33rd place with a national debt of $260.8 billion—each citizen shouldering an average of $543!
Leading the world in debt, the United States carries an astronomical $32.9 trillion, equivalent to a mind-boggling $76,000 per American. China follows with $15 trillion, while Japan’s debt hits $10.9 trillion.
World’s Heaviest Debt Countries
| Country | National Debt | Debt as % of GDP | Debt Per Capita |
| United States | $32.9T | 88.45% | $75,852 |
| China | $15T | 12.88% | $1,787 |
| Japan | $10.9T | 105.59% | $37,502 |
| United Kingdom | $3.4T | 293.48% | $152,271 |
| France | $3.4T | 249.57% | $119,450 |
| Italy | $3.1T | 118.99% | $49,635 |
| India | $3T | 16.66% | $504 |
| Germany | $2.8T | 144.6% | $85,266 |
| Canada | $2.3T | 136.08% | $76,474 |
| Brazil | $1.8T | 63.91% | $7,056 |
India ranks seventh with $3 trillion in public debt, making every Indian responsible for roughly $504. In Europe, the United Kingdom and France both owe $3.4 trillion, Italy $3.1 trillion, Germany $2.8 trillion, and Canada $2.3 trillion.
Even more striking is the disparity in Muslim-majority nations. Indonesia tops the list with $543 billion in debt, followed by Egypt ($377 billion), Turkey ($330 billion), Saudi Arabia ($280 billion), and Malaysia ($278 billion).
Meanwhile, Afghanistan boasts one of the lowest debt levels globally—just $1.6 billion, or $30 per citizen—highlighting a dramatic contrast with the world’s debt giants.
This new ranking exposes the staggering financial challenges nations face today—and Pakistan’s placement is a wake-up call for urgent economic action.
