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Economy of Afghanistan vs Guatemala compared: GDP & Debt

Updated on by Georank team

Afghanistan has a GDP of $17.2B compared to $113B for Guatemala, ranking 137/197 and 68/197 by economy size, respectively.

Afghanistan has $1.44B in government debt (8.8% of GDP), compared to $29.8B (26.3% of GDP) in Guatemala.

Afghanistan vs Guatemala GDP by year

Afghanistan
Guatemala
1x
Year GDP, current $
Afghanistan Guatemala
2024 - $113,199,581,158
2023 $17,152,234,637 $104,368,755,055
2022 $14,497,243,872 $95,641,446,501
2021 $14,259,995,441 $86,455,522,273
2020 $19,955,929,052 $77,719,468,248
2019 $18,799,444,490 $77,172,331,693
2018 $18,053,222,687 $73,328,356,008
2017 $18,753,456,498 $71,653,780,740
2016 $18,116,572,395 $66,053,408,206
2015 $19,134,221,645 $62,186,066,548
2014 $20,497,128,556 $57,852,159,008
2013 $20,146,416,758 $52,996,420,177
2012 $19,907,329,778 $49,593,929,487
2011 $17,805,098,206 $46,876,006,272
2010 $15,856,668,556 $40,676,578,423
2009 $12,416,152,732 $37,126,148,265
2008 $10,109,297,048 $38,503,720,224
2007 $9,747,886,187 $33,567,850,824
2006 $6,971,758,282 $29,744,246,827
2005 $6,203,256,539 $26,783,389,294
2004 $5,224,896,719 $23,577,298,095
2003 $4,520,946,819 $21,576,351,799
2002 $3,825,701,439 $20,444,205,991
2001 $2,813,571,754 $18,405,220,247
2000 $3,521,418,060 $19,288,929,030
1999 - $18,318,412,251
1998 - $19,395,491,993
1997 - $17,790,026,222
1996 - $15,674,835,615
1995 - $14,655,404,433
1994 - $12,983,233,311
1993 - $11,400,017,301
1992 - $10,440,781,588
1991 - $9,406,135,143
1990 - $7,650,196,845
1989 - $8,410,724,361
1988 - $7,841,602,824
1987 - $7,084,399,840
1986 - $7,231,963,516
1985 - $9,721,652,087
1984 - $9,470,000,100
1983 - $9,050,000,400
1982 - $8,716,999,700
1981 - $8,607,500,300
1980 - $7,878,700,000
1979 - $6,902,600,200
1978 - $6,070,600,200
1977 - $5,480,500,200
1976 - $4,365,300,200
1975 - $3,645,900,000
1974 - $3,161,499,900
1973 - $2,569,200,100
1972 - $2,101,300,000
1971 - $1,984,800,000
1970 - $1,904,000,000
1969 - $1,715,399,900
1968 - $1,610,500,000
1967 - $1,453,500,000
1966 - $1,390,700,000
1965 - $1,331,399,900
1964 - $1,299,099,900
1963 - $1,262,800,000
1962 - $1,143,600,000
1961 - $1,076,699,900
1960 - $1,043,599,900

Data sources: World Bank | Economy & Growth (1960–2024, retrieved 2026-04-06).

GeoRank.org/economy/afghanistan/guatemala | CC BY

GDP per capita in Afghanistan vs Guatemala by year

Afghanistan
GDP per capita

GDP per capita, PPP
Guatemala
GDP per capita

GDP per capita, PPP
1x
Year Current $
Afghanistan Guatemala
GDP per capita GDP per capita, PPP GDP per capita GDP per capita, PPP
2024 - - $6,150 $14,369
2023 $414 $2,202 $5,758 $13,745
2022 $357 $2,123 $5,359 $13,014
2021 $356 $2,144 $4,913 $11,825
2020 $511 $2,562 $4,478 $10,947
2019 $497 $2,583 $4,512 $10,756
2018 $491 $2,432 $4,353 $9,947
2017 $525 $2,336 $4,325 $9,560
2016 $522 $2,213 $4,060 $9,201
2015 $566 $2,284 $3,894 $8,934
2014 $625 $2,224 $3,689 $8,237
2013 $637 $2,133 $3,444 $7,700
2012 $651 $1,988 $3,287 $7,258
2011 $607 $1,744 $3,169 $6,784
2010 $561 $1,766 $2,805 $6,510
2009 $452 $1,571 $2,612 $6,377
2008 $382 $1,334 $2,763 $6,435
2007 $376 $1,287 $2,459 $6,238
2006 $274.2 $1,122 $2,225 $5,833
2005 $254.2 $1,076 $2,046 $5,486
2004 $221.8 $972 $1,841 $5,263
2003 $198.9 $967 $1,723 $5,081
2002 $179 $927 $1,669 $4,969
2001 $138.7 $748 $1,538 $4,822
2000 $174.9 $814 $1,649 $4,715
1999 - - $1,604 $4,557
1998 - - $1,741 $4,437
1997 - - $1,638 $4,287
1996 - - $1,481 $4,143
1995 - - $1,421 $4,055
1994 - - $1,293 $3,886
1993 - - $1,166 $3,756
1992 - - $1,096 $3,626
1991 - - $1,014 $3,473
1990 - - $848 $3,330
1989 - - $958 -
1988 - - $919 -
1987 - - $854 -
1986 - - $896 -
1985 - - $1,238 -
1984 - - $1,241 -
1983 - - $1,220 -
1982 - - $1,204 -
1981 - - $1,216 -
1980 - - $1,142 -
1979 - - $1,026 -
1978 - - $925 -
1977 - - $856 -
1976 - - $697 -
1975 - - $595 -
1974 - - $529 -
1973 - - $441 -
1972 - - $370 -
1971 - - $358 -
1970 - - $353 -
1969 - - $326 -
1968 - - $315 -
1967 - - $291.9 -
1966 - - $287.3 -
1965 - - $283 -
1964 - - $284.2 -
1963 - - $284.4 -
1962 - - $265.2 -
1961 - - $257.2 -
1960 - - $256.8 -

Data sources: World Bank | Economy & Growth (1960–2024, retrieved 2026-04-06).

GeoRank.org/economy/afghanistan/guatemala | CC BY

Afghanistan's GDP per capita is $414, ranking 196/197, compared to $6,150 in Guatemala, ranking 112/197. Adjusted for purchasing power (GDP per capita PPP), Afghanistan ranks 184th at $2,202, while Guatemala ranks 116th at $14,369.

Economic indicators

Afghanistan Guatemala
Gross domestic product
$17.2B
2023
$113B
2024
GDP rank
137/197
2023
68/197
2024
GDP growth
2.27%
2022-2023
3.65%
2023-2024
GDP per capita
$414
2023
$6,150
2024
GDP per capita rank
196/197
2023
112/197
2024
GDP per capita, PPP
$2,202
2023
$14,369
2024
GDP per capita PPP rank
184/197
2023
116/197
2024
Government debt
$1.44B
2023
$29.8B
2024
Debt-to-GDP ratio
8.8%
2024
26.3%
2024
Government debt per person
$34.8
2023
$1,619
2024
Government debt per person rank
185/185
2023
124/185
2024
Average annual personal income after taxes
$1,869
2026
$4,917
2026
Income share by richest 10% n/a
34.1%
2023
Income share by poorest 10% n/a
1.6%
2023
Government expenditure, % of GDP
19.4%
2024
13.4%
2024
Consumer prices inflation
-4.3%
2023-2024
2.87%
2023-2024
Central bank interest rate
6%
2021
4%
2025
Unemployment rate
5.68%
2021
1.9%
2024
Population
45409324
19049936

Spending and national debt comparison by year

Afghanistan
Spending

Debt
Guatemala
Spending

Debt
1x
Year % of GDP
Afghanistan Guatemala
Government spending Government debt Government spending Government debt
2024 19.4% 8.8% 13.4% 26.3%
2023 17% 8.42% 13.7% 27.2%
2022 16.1% 10.8% 14.3% 29%
2021 17.9% 11.2% 13.5% 30.6%
2020 27.9% 7.33% 15.6% 31.5%
2019 28% 6.14% 13.4% 26.4%
2018 28.9% 7.38% 13.2% 26.4%
2017 27.7% 8% 12.8% 25.1%
2016 28% 8.44% 12.6% 24.9%
2015 25.9% 9.15% 12.6% 24.8%
2014 25.4% 8.7% 13.6% 24.7%
2013 25% 6.92% 14% 25%
2012 25% 6.77% 14.2% 24.6%
2011 21.9% 7.52% 14.5% 23.8%
2010 20.8% 7.71% 14.5% 24%
2009 21.2% 16.2% 14.1% 22.8%
2008 20.9% 19.1% 13.3% 19.6%
2007 21.4% 20.1% 13.9% 20.8%
2006 18.3% 23% 14.2% 20.9%
2005 15.7% 206.4% 13.2% 20%
2004 15.1% 245% 12.9% 20.6%
2003 11.9% 270.6% 14.4% 19.8%
2002 6.94% 346% 13.1% 17.4%
2001 - - 13.8% 19.1%
2000 - - 13.6% 18%
1999 - - 14.6% 22%
1998 - - 13.2% 19%
1997 - - 11.2% 18.5%
1996 - - 9.85% 19.2%
1995 - - 9.77% 21%

Data sources: International Monetary Fund (IMF) | Fiscal Monitor (1995–2024, retrieved 2026-02-20); International Monetary Fund (IMF) | Public Finances in Modern History (1995–1999, retrieved 2026-02-20).

GeoRank.org/economy/afghanistan/guatemala | CC BY

In 2024, Afghanistan's government spending was $2.91B, accounting for 19.4% of its GDP, while Guatemala spent $15.1B, or 13.4% of GDP.

Debt-to-GDP ratio is 8.8% in Afghanistan and 26.3% in Guatemala, ranking 181/185 and 161/185, respectively.

Government deficit by year

Deficit/surplus
Afghanistan

Guatemala
1x
Year Deficit/surplus, % of GDP
Afghanistan Guatemala
2024 -0.54% -0.96%
2023 -1.33% -1.25%
2022 -1% -1.7%
2021 -0.48% -1.16%
2020 -2.24% -4.91%
2019 -1.06% -2.24%
2018 1.63% -1.88%
2017 -0.67% -1.38%
2016 0.13% -1.11%
2015 -1.38% -1.47%
2014 -1.72% -1.92%
2013 -0.63% -2.16%
2012 0.18% -2.42%
2011 -0.67% -2.8%
2010 0.93% -3.28%
2009 -1.76% -3.12%
2008 -3.86% -1.57%
2007 -2.46% -1.4%
2006 0.68% -1.88%
2005 -0.92% -1.67%
2004 -2.39% -1.05%
2003 -2.1% -2.47%
2002 -0.1% -1.03%
2001 - -2%
2000 - -1.88%
1999 - -2.96%
1998 - -2.29%
1997 - -0.79%
1996 - 0.04%
1995 - -0.53%

Data sources: International Monetary Fund (IMF) | Fiscal Monitor (1995–2024, retrieved 2026-02-20).

GeoRank.org/economy/afghanistan/guatemala | CC BY

In 2023, Afghanistan's government deficit, the difference between spending and revenue, was $228M, equivalent to 1.33% of GDP. This compares to Guatemala's deficit of $1.31B, or 1.25% of GDP.

Over the past 22 years, Afghanistan recorded a fiscal deficit in 17 of those years, while Guatemala ran a deficit in 22 years. On average, Afghanistan posted an annual deficit equal to 0.96% of GDP, compared to deficit of 1.99% of GDP for Guatemala.

Inflation comparison by year

Inflation
Afghanistan

Guatemala
1x
Year Consumer prices inflation
Afghanistan Guatemala
2024 -4.3% 2.87%
2023 -7.7% 6.21%
2022 10.6% 6.89%
2021 7.8% 4.26%
2020 5.6% 3.21%
2019 2.3% 3.7%
2018 0.6% 3.75%
2017 5% 4.42%
2016 4.4% 4.45%
2015 -0.7% 2.39%
2014 4.7% 3.42%
2013 7.4% 4.34%
2012 6.4% 3.78%
2011 11.8% 6.21%
2010 2.2% 3.86%
2009 -6.8% 1.86%
2008 26.4% 11.4%
2007 8.7% 6.82%
2006 6.8% 6.56%
2005 10.6% 9.11%
2004 16.4% 7.58%
2003 35.7% 5.6%
2002 - 8.13%
2001 - 7.29%
2000 - 5.98%
1999 - 5.21%
1998 - 6.61%
1997 - 9.23%

Data sources: World Bank | Economy & Growth (1997–2024, retrieved 2026-04-06); International Monetary Fund (IMF) | World Economic Outlook (2003–2024, retrieved 2026-02-20).

GeoRank.org/economy/afghanistan/guatemala | CC BY

Over the past 22 years, Afghanistan has recorded an average annual inflation rate of 7%, compared with 5.12% in Guatemala. In 2024, inflation was -4.3% in Afghanistan and 2.87% in Guatemala.

Top exports between countries

Afghanistan
Export category Export value
Guatemala
Export category Export value
Raw agricultural goods $2.99M
Machinery & equipment $12K

Balance of trade

Afghanistan Guatemala
Current account balance
-$3.14B
2020
$3.27B
2024
Current account balance ranking
159/190
2020
38/190
2024
Current account balance, % of GDP
-15.7%
2020
+2.89%
2024
Goods imports
$5.88B
2020
$29.1B
2024
Goods exports
$777M
2020
$13.3B
2024
Service imports
$1.11B
2020
$6.45B
2024
Service exports
$700M
2020
$4.65B
2024
Imports of goods and services, % of GDP
50.7%
2023
31.5%
2024
Exports of goods and services, % of GDP
16.9%
2023
15.9%
2024

Economic freedom indices

The indices of economic freedom below are issued by the Heritage Foundation. Higher scores indicate stronger economic health.

Afghanistan Guatemala
Economic freedom 53 63.5
Economic freedom ranking 142/197 79/197
Property rights 3.6 39.1
Government integrity 13.5 25.2
Judicial effectiveness 0 26.1
Tax burden 92 91.3
Government spending 90.8 94.3
Fiscal health 98.4 95.9
Business freedom 33.7 65.7
Labor freedom 44.4 52.5
Monetary freedom 84.9 77.3
Trade freedom 68.6 74.6
Investment freedom 10 70
Financial freedom 10 50

Economic freedom comparison by year

Afghanistan
Guatemala
1x
Year Economic freedom index
Afghanistan Guatemala
2026 - 63.5
2025 - 63.4
2024 - 62.4
2023 - 62.7
2022 - 63.2
2021 53 64
2020 54.7 64
2019 51.5 62.6
2018 51.3 63.4
2017 48.9 63
2016 - 61.8
2015 - 60.4
2014 - 61.2
2013 - 60
2012 - 60.9
2011 - 61.9
2010 - 61
2009 - 59.4
2008 - 59.8
2007 - 60.5
2006 - 59.1
2005 - 59.5
2004 - 59.6
2003 - 62.3
2002 - 62.3
2001 - 65.1
2000 - 64.3
1999 - 66.2
1998 - 65.8
1997 - 65.7
1996 - 63.7
1995 - 62

Data sources: The Heritage Foundation | Economic Freedom Index (1995–2026, retrieved 2026-03-09).

GeoRank.org/economy/afghanistan/guatemala | CC BY

The Economic Freedom Index for Afghanistan is 53, ranking 142/197, compared to 63.5 for Guatemala, ranking 79/197. The chart above displays a comparison of annual changes in economic freedom indexes.

Other economic metrics

Afghanistan Guatemala
Services, % of GDP
46.4%
2023
61.8%
2024
Industry, % of GDP
13.4%
2023
21.7%
2024
Agriculture, forestry, and fishing, % of GDP
34.7%
2023
9.78%
2024
GNI, Atlas method
$15.5B
2023
$106B
2024
GNI per capita, PPP
$2,210
2023
$14,170
2024
Total reserves including gold
$9.75B
2020
$24.4B
2024
Total reserves ranking
78/177
2020
57/177
2024
Net foreign direct investment
$24.3M
2020
-$983M
2024
Net inflows of foreign direct investment
$0
2024
$1.85B
2024
Net outflows of foreign direct investment
$0
2024
$865M
2024
Servicing debt to the IMF, % of GNI
0.25%
2023
1.75%
2024
Poverty at national poverty lines
47.1%
2019
56%
2023
Gross capital formation, % of GDP
15.3%
2023
16.7%
2024

GDP per capita map

1x

Data sources: World Bank | Economy & Growth (1985–2024, retrieved 2026-04-06); U.S. Census Bureau (1985–2024, retrieved 2026-02-08).

GeoRank.org/economy/afghanistan/guatemala | CC BY

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Data sources:

  1. World Bank | Economy & Growth (1960–2024, retrieved 2026-04-06)
  2. International Monetary Fund (IMF) | Fiscal Monitor (1995–2024, retrieved 2026-02-20)
  3. The Heritage Foundation | Economic Freedom Index (1995–2026, retrieved 2026-03-09)
  4. U.S. Census Bureau (1985–2024, retrieved 2026-02-08)
  5. International Monetary Fund (IMF) | Public Finances in Modern History (1995–1999, retrieved 2026-02-20)
  6. TradeMap (2022–2023, retrieved 2026-02-08)
  7. United Nations | World Population Prospects (2026, retrieved 2026-03-10)
  8. LivingCost (2026, retrieved 2025-10-14)

Creative Commons Attribution (CC BY) — you’re free to copy, share, remix, adapt, and use even commercially as long as you give appropriate credit and clearly indicate if you made changes. Other sources may be subject to different license terms.

The current account balance is the sum of net trade in goods and services, net earnings from cross-border investments, and net transfer payments. It reflects a country's economic transactions with the rest of the world and is a fundamental component of the balance of payments. A surplus indicates that a country exports more than it imports, while a deficit shows the opposite.

Gross National Income (GNI) measures a country's total income. It encompasses income earned by residents, businesses, and foreign sources, defined as employee compensation and investment profits. GNI adds product taxes not included elsewhere and subtracts subsidies. It accounts for income from residents working abroad but excludes earnings from foreigners within the country.

A negative value for Net Foreign Direct Investment indicates a country is a net receiver of investments, as foreign inflows exceed outflows after Balance of Payments adjustments. A positive value indicates a net provider, with outflows exceeding inflows. Inflows are credits (increasing foreign claims on domestic assets), while outflows are debits (increasing domestic assets abroad).

Foreign direct investment (FDI, net inflows) shows how much capital foreign investors bring into a country after accounting for any funds that flow back in the opposite direction. It represents the net value of overseas companies establishing, expanding, or financing businesses in the reporting country. A positive number means more capital entered the country than was withdrawn, while a negative number means foreign investors pulled out more than they invested.

Foreign direct investment (FDI, net outflows) shows how much capital residents of a country invest abroad after accounting for any funds that flow back in the opposite direction. It represents the net value of domestic companies establishing, expanding, or financing businesses in other countries. A positive number means more capital was invested abroad than withdrawn, while a negative number means residents pulled back more than they invested.

Principal and interest payments to the IMF in currency, goods, or services on long-term debt expressed as a share of GNI.

Formerly gross domestic investment, gross capital formation measures the share of a country’s economic output invested in fixed assets, including buildings, machinery, and infrastructure. It indicates how much of the economy is devoted to building productive capacity.