The true picture of indebtedness only emerges when net debt is worked out – that is, the total debt owed by the private and public sectors, minus the debts owed to them.
Of 163 countries, 127 are net debtors, while only 36 have a surplus.
At any given time countries both owe debts and have them owing to them. Who owes what and what's the bigger crisis – foreign or domestic debt.
The true picture of indebtedness only emerges when net debt is worked out – that is, the total debt owed by the private and public sectors, minus the debts owed to them.
Of 163 countries, 127 are net debtors, while only 36 have a surplus.