Economy & finance
Foreign debt pressures remain uneven around the world
Foreign debt and financing trends were mixed: Nicaragua’s overdue debt reached US$1.31 billion in Q2 2026, while Greece’s net borrowing fell 38% in 2025.
Global statistical news
Economy & finance
Countries worldwide build bigger buffers for overseas payments
Countries across the world expanded their foreign exchange reserves in 2025, strengthening buffers for overseas payments. Reserves rose 28.3% in Zambia and 27.5% in New Zealand.
Defence claims more public money in much of the world
Defence took a larger share of public spending in many countries in 2025, reaching 23.53% in Saudi Arabia. The US moved the other way, with its share falling to 8.25%.
Trade gaps widen worldwide despite gains for some exporters
Several economies saw wider trade deficits or smaller surpluses in 2025. The US goods deficit reached $1.24 trillion, while Australia's goods surplus shrank 39%; some exporters still made gains.
Growth worldwide brings uneven gains in output per person
Economic growth brought uneven gains per resident in 2025: inflation-adjusted output per person rose 10.5% in Ireland but fell 0.8% in Luxembourg. More output did not necessarily mean comparable household gains.
Labour market
Health
All 5 storiesYellow fever outbreaks highlight protection gaps around the world
Yellow fever outbreaks highlight vaccination needs in affected countries. Brazil reported 120 cases in 2025, while Burkina Faso confirmed six deaths.
Preventable tetanus remains a risk to newborns worldwide
Newborn tetanus reports rose in Mozambique and Sierra Leone but fell in Angola in 2025. Mozambique reported 139 cases, while Angola reported 79; reporting gaps complicate comparisons.
Measles vaccine gaps leave children at risk worldwide
Measles vaccination fell in many countries in 2025, while some made gains. First-dose coverage dropped to 62% in Haiti, and Indonesia reported 36,590 measles cases.
HIV progress worldwide leaves major gaps in access to treatment
Country estimates for 2025 show fewer HIV infections and deaths in several countries, but uneven access to care. Treatment reached 95% of people living with HIV in Cambodia, compared with 22% in Fiji.