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Economy of Kiribati vs Nauru compared: GDP & Debt

Updated on by Georank team

Kiribati has a GDP of $308M compared to $163M for Nauru, ranking 192/197 and 195/197 by economy size, respectively.

Kiribati has $30.5M in government debt (9.92% of GDP), compared to $28.3M (17.4% of GDP) in Nauru.

Kiribati vs Nauru GDP by year

Kiribati
Nauru
1x
Year GDP, current $
Kiribati Nauru
2024 $307,862,564 $162,588,621
2023 $288,610,748 $151,435,610
2022 $270,040,453 $152,373,434
2021 $285,259,881 $175,390,281
2020 $220,898,020 $124,685,688
2019 $216,985,388 $125,160,116
2018 $233,514,717 $130,995,566
2017 $222,875,736 $109,355,639
2016 $206,467,819 $97,541,943
2015 $191,559,399 $84,863,441
2014 $200,287,282 $99,149,244
2013 $201,730,861 $94,385,015
2012 $207,001,546 $101,055,723
2011 $195,970,140 $65,071,880
2010 $165,458,433 $47,562,845
2009 $140,177,384 $44,176,246
2008 $147,017,895 $37,602,265
2007 $138,054,946 $22,766,972
2006 $112,338,353 $29,200,359
2005 $113,895,437 $30,070,666
2004 $104,085,892 $30,587,566
2003 $96,105,619 $24,778,160
2002 $74,743,869 $21,017,424
2001 $64,935,850 $22,613,288
2000 $74,910,527 $26,930,980
1999 $77,323,978 $27,328,613
1998 $74,905,706 $29,664,451
1997 $80,205,807 $37,331,507
1996 $81,456,854 $37,458,801
1995 $68,596,395 $39,969,706
1994 $67,055,334 $39,742,511
1993 $58,953,596 $43,542,088
1992 $61,491,369 $51,133,123
1991 $41,247,792 $52,533,789
1990 $36,534,295 $55,572,376
1989 $37,645,319 $53,736,786
1988 $38,278,810 $45,931,134
1987 $29,554,413 $40,118,410
1986 $25,993,009 $39,939,391
1985 $26,126,615 $41,548,741
1984 $34,394,167 $47,363,231
1983 $31,000,546 $48,439,093
1982 $32,742,713 $52,877,742
1981 $35,267,489 $51,689,637
1980 $33,157,723 $46,947,124
1979 $34,466,197 $44,431,330
1978 $36,563,965 $41,754,147
1977 $31,335,459 $40,444,702
1976 $33,246,817 $40,287,427
1975 $44,547,454 $40,106,776
1974 $69,256,489 $35,994,511
1973 $25,645,040 $26,529,817
1972 $15,314,346 $21,734,269
1971 $12,356,134 $19,009,433
1970 $11,560,877 $17,570,366

Data sources: World Bank | Economy & Growth (1970–2024, retrieved 2026-04-06).

GeoRank.org/economy/kiribati/nauru | CC BY

GDP per capita in Kiribati vs Nauru by year

Kiribati
GDP per capita

GDP per capita, PPP
Nauru
GDP per capita

GDP per capita, PPP
1x
Year Current $
Kiribati Nauru
GDP per capita GDP per capita, PPP GDP per capita GDP per capita, PPP
2024 $2,289 $3,702 $13,609 $14,173
2023 $2,178 $3,486 $12,752 $13,732
2022 $2,070 $3,329 $12,912 $13,245
2021 $2,222 $3,020 $14,979 $12,112
2020 $1,752 $2,711 $10,709 $10,811
2019 $1,751 $2,763 $10,802 $10,555
2018 $1,913 $2,672 $11,414 $9,657
2017 $1,853 $2,562 $9,657 $9,650
2016 $1,743 $2,463 $8,748 $10,281
2015 $1,640 $2,311 $7,747 $9,955
2014 $1,737 $2,084 $9,230 $9,726
2013 $1,772 $2,049 $8,975 $8,429
2012 $1,844 $1,896 $9,843 $8,153
2011 $1,771 $1,786 $6,444 $6,544
2010 $1,522 $1,724 $4,736 $5,620
2009 $1,317 $1,718 $4,411 $5,568
2008 $1,411 $1,735 $3,757 $5,863
2007 $1,353 $1,792 $2,272 $4,789
2006 $1,123 $1,728 $2,910 $5,975
2005 $1,162 $1,617 $2,992 $5,336
2004 $1,083 $1,579 $3,041 $5,169
2003 $1,021 $1,578 $2,463 $5,261
2002 $810 $1,605 $2,085 $5,132
2001 $719 $1,591 $2,232 $5,587
2000 $845 $1,638 $2,649 $5,838
1999 $887 $1,526 $2,683 $6,118
1998 $874 $1,593 $2,909 $6,450
1997 $953 $1,535 $3,661 $7,231
1996 $986 $1,519 $3,679 $7,818
1995 $844 $1,518 $3,932 $8,726
1994 $838 $1,469 $3,921 $9,308
1993 $748 $1,431 $4,310 $9,513
1992 $792 $1,421 $5,103 $11,167
1991 $540 $1,139 $5,333 $13,265
1990 $488 $1,192 $5,776 $16,215
1989 $515 - $5,723 -
1988 $536 - $5,012 -
1987 $424 - $4,485 -
1986 $382 - $4,569 -
1985 $393 - $4,859 -
1984 $527 - $5,654 -
1983 $483 - $5,896 -
1982 $519 - $6,577 -
1981 $568 - $6,594 -
1980 $542 - $6,138 -
1979 $573 - $5,950 -
1978 $611 - $5,721 -
1977 $520 - $5,646 -
1976 $548 - $5,703 -
1975 $730 - $5,740 -
1974 $1,131 - $5,199 -
1973 $422 - $3,864 -
1972 $256.2 - $3,191 -
1971 $210.7 - $2,811 -
1970 $201 - $2,619 -

Data sources: World Bank | Economy & Growth (1970–2024, retrieved 2026-04-06).

GeoRank.org/economy/kiribati/nauru | CC BY

Kiribati's GDP per capita is $2,289, ranking 152/197, compared to $13,609 in Nauru, ranking 74/197. Adjusted for purchasing power (GDP per capita PPP), Kiribati ranks 169th at $3,702, while Nauru ranks 119th at $14,173.

Economic indicators

Kiribati Nauru
Gross domestic product
$308M
2024
$163M
2024
GDP rank
192/197
2024
195/197
2024
GDP growth
5.27%
2023-2024
1.39%
2023-2024
GDP per capita
$2,289
2024
$13,609
2024
GDP per capita rank
152/197
2024
74/197
2024
GDP per capita, PPP
$3,702
2024
$14,173
2024
GDP per capita PPP rank
169/197
2024
119/197
2024
Government debt
$30.5M
2024
$28.3M
2024
Debt-to-GDP ratio
9.92%
2024
17.4%
2024
Government debt per person
$226.9
2024
$2,367
2024
Government debt per person rank
181/185
2024
113/185
2024
Average annual personal income after taxes
$1,967
2026
$8,783
2026
Income share by richest 10%
22.8%
2019
25.3%
2012
Income share by poorest 10%
4%
2019
3.4%
2012
Government expenditure, % of GDP
98.1%
2024
122.1%
2024
Consumer prices inflation
2.5%
2023-2024
9.3%
2023-2024
Unemployment rate
2.79%
2023
5.06%
2021
Population
139020
12125

Spending and national debt comparison by year

Kiribati
Spending

Debt
Nauru
Spending

Debt
1x
Year % of GDP
Kiribati Nauru
Government spending Government debt Government spending Government debt
2024 98.1% 9.92% 122.1% 17.4%
2023 95.3% 11.4% 118.1% 20.5%
2022 87.5% 16.3% 134.8% 22.4%
2021 84% 17.3% 93% 20.5%
2020 102.2% 21% 109.4% 56.3%
2019 108.3% 19% 106% 59.6%
2018 108.8% 19% 90.8% 71.1%
2017 92.1% 20.2% 102.3% 78%
2016 99% 21.2% 96% 86.3%
2015 90.9% 18.8% 85.4% 113%
2014 101.2% 8.97% 61.3% 147.7%
2013 78% 8.86% 66% 166.9%
2012 83.9% 8.13% 46% 157.3%
2011 80.9% 8.8% 44.7% 236.8%
2010 75.7% 9.43% 73.8% 298.9%
2009 74.7% 10.3% 68% 295.6%
2008 79.4% 13.9% - -
2007 77.3% 11.1% - -
2006 82.1% 12.9% - -
2005 95.6% 12.1% - -
2004 103.8% 13.6% - -
2003 84.4% 12.3% - -
2002 96.9% 13.3% - -
2001 101.3% 17% - -
2000 66% 12.7% - -
1999 77.6% 11.8% - -
1998 74.7% 9.81% - -
1997 70.9% 10.7% - -
1996 68.4% 11% - -
1995 69.6% 12.3% - -
1994 54.6% 12.3% - -
1993 55.3% 10.9% - -
1992 65.9% 7.31% - -
1991 82.1% 8.43% - -
1990 105.5% 7.72% - -

Data sources: International Monetary Fund (IMF) | Fiscal Monitor (1990–2024, retrieved 2026-02-20).

GeoRank.org/economy/kiribati/nauru | CC BY

In 2024, Kiribati's government spending was $302M, accounting for 98.1% of its GDP, while Nauru spent $199M, or 122.1% of GDP.

Debt-to-GDP ratio is 9.92% in Kiribati and 17.4% in Nauru, ranking 180/185 and 176/185, respectively.

Government deficit by year

Deficit/surplus
Kiribati

Nauru
1x
Year Deficit/surplus, % of GDP
Kiribati Nauru
2024 -22% 29.8%
2023 0.13% 19.4%
2022 -18.3% 24.3%
2021 -10.8% 44.5%
2020 3.57% 42.8%
2019 10.8% 31%
2018 5.18% 29.6%
2017 34.1% 16.2%
2016 20.1% 18.9%
2015 42.5% 10.7%
2014 35% 29.6%
2013 11.8% 1.71%
2012 -5.43% 8.12%
2011 -17.6% 2.73%
2010 -7.8% 0.09%
2009 -8.56% 0.37%
2008 -15.8% -
2007 -12.5% -
2006 -12.3% -
2005 -9.96% -
2004 -19.2% -
2003 -8.93% -
2002 3.13% -
2001 -10.9% -
2000 -0.03% -
1999 -1.81% -
1998 14.6% -
1997 5.92% -
1996 -20.2% -
1995 -5.14% -
1994 0.74% -
1993 6.27% -
1992 0.79% -
1991 3.87% -
1990 -4.62% -

Data sources: International Monetary Fund (IMF) | Fiscal Monitor (1990–2024, retrieved 2026-02-20).

GeoRank.org/economy/kiribati/nauru | CC BY

In 2024, Kiribati's government deficit, the difference between spending and revenue, was $67.7M, equivalent to 22% of GDP. This compares to Nauru's surplus of $48.4M, or 29.8% of GDP.

Over the past 16 years, Kiribati recorded a fiscal deficit in 7 of those years, while Nauru ran a deficit in 0 years. On average, Kiribati posted an annual surplus equal to 4.55% of GDP, compared to surplus of 19.4% of GDP for Nauru.

Inflation comparison by year

Inflation
Kiribati

Nauru
1x
Year Consumer prices inflation
Kiribati Nauru
2024 2.5% 9.3%
2023 9.3% 4.8%
2022 5.3% 1.1%
2021 2.1% 2%
2020 2.6% 0.9%
2019 -1.8% 4.1%
2018 0.6% 1.1%
2017 0.4% 4.5%
2016 1.9% 8.1%
2015 0.6% 9.8%
2014 2.1% 0.3%
2013 -1.5% -1.1%
2012 -3% 0.3%
2011 1.5% -3.4%
2010 -3.9% -2%
2009 9.8% 22.4%
2008 13.7% 1%
2007 3.6% 5.6%
2006 -1% 19.3%
2005 -0.4% 8.7%
2004 -0.7% -
2003 1.6% -
2002 3.2% -
2001 6% -
2000 0.4% -
1999 1.8% -
1998 3.7% -
1997 2.6% -

Data sources: International Monetary Fund (IMF) | World Economic Outlook (1997–2024, retrieved 2026-02-20).

GeoRank.org/economy/kiribati/nauru | CC BY

Over the past 20 years, Kiribati has recorded an average annual inflation rate of 2.22%, compared with 4.84% in Nauru. In 2024, inflation was 2.5% in Kiribati and 9.3% in Nauru.

Top exports between countries

Kiribati
Export category Export value
Animal & marine products $184K
Raw materials & minerals $59K
Machinery & equipment $33K
Nauru
Export category Export value
Machinery & equipment $2K
Raw materials & minerals $1K

Balance of trade

Kiribati Nauru
Current account balance
-$59.5M
2024
$9.73M
2024
Current account balance ranking
85/190
2024
75/190
2024
Current account balance, % of GDP
-19.3%
2024
+5.98%
2024
Goods imports
$227M
2024
$92.7M
2024
Goods exports
$8.49M
2024
$25.5M
2024
Service imports
$108M
2024
$88.2M
2024
Service exports
$7M
2024
$64.6M
2024
Imports of goods and services, % of GDP
94.9%
2024
110.5%
2024
Exports of goods and services, % of GDP
6.27%
2024
55.3%
2024

Economic freedom indices

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

Kiribati Nauru
Economic freedom 50.8 60
Economic freedom ranking 158/197 97/197
Property rights 69.6 n/a
Government integrity 50.5 n/a
Judicial effectiveness 54.6 n/a
Tax burden 72.6 n/a
Government spending 0 n/a
Fiscal health 19.8 n/a
Business freedom 60.2 n/a
Labor freedom 65.3 n/a
Monetary freedom 76.7 n/a
Trade freedom 80 n/a
Investment freedom 30 n/a
Financial freedom 30 n/a

Other economic metrics

Kiribati Nauru
Services, % of GDP
67.1%
2023
n/a
Industry, % of GDP
11.5%
2023
n/a
Agriculture, forestry, and fishing, % of GDP
27.2%
2023
n/a
GNI, Atlas method
$493M
2024
$244M
2024
GNI per capita, PPP
$6,060
2024
$21,970
2024
Net foreign direct investment
-$8.06M
2024
$4.51M
2024
Net inflows of foreign direct investment
$8.07M
2024
-$5.85M
2024
Net outflows of foreign direct investment
$16.4K
2024
-$1.34M
2024
Poverty at national poverty lines
5.5%
2023
n/a
Gross capital formation, % of GDP
25.8%
2023
n/a

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/kiribati/nauru | CC BY

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Data sources:

  1. World Bank | Economy & Growth (1970–2024, retrieved 2026-04-06)
  2. International Monetary Fund (IMF) | Fiscal Monitor (1990–2024, retrieved 2026-02-20)
  3. U.S. Census Bureau (1985–2024, retrieved 2026-02-08)
  4. The Heritage Foundation | Economic Freedom Index (2026, retrieved 2026-03-09)
  5. TradeMap (2020–2021, retrieved 2026-02-08)
  6. United Nations | World Population Prospects (2026, retrieved 2026-03-10)
  7. 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.

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.