World Bank Debt Statistics by Region (1987-2013)

This chart assesses the relative merits of two regions ("Europe & Central Asia" and "East Asia & Pacific"), and compares their relative performance on the basis of their debt expressed as a percentage their gross national income from 1987 through to 2013. Whereas both regions started from relatively similar base points in 1987, the performance of Europe & Central Asia has been more erratic, culminating in an overall increase in debt. In comparison the East Asia & Pacific region has managed to progressively reduce its debt over the same period relative to its gross national income.