Inter-American Development Bank (2015). Replication Data for: Living with Debt: How to Limit Risks of Sovereign Finance? - IPES 2007. IDB Open Data. https://doi.org/10.60966/co4t7r2x

1. Spanish

Country

What does this dataset measure?

The dataset includes macroeconomic and debt-related indicators such as primary balance, debt-to-GDP ratios, and fiscal outcomes. It was designed to analyze risks associated with sovereign borrowing in Latin America.

Which countries are included?

It covers a wide range of Latin American economies, allowing comparisons of Latin American debt levels and fiscal performance across the region.

What years are covered in this dataset?

The data spans multiple decades, with coverage beginning in the 1980s and extending through the early 2000s, enabling long-term trend analysis.

How does this dataset relate to emerging markets' sovereign debt?

The dataset is particularly relevant for understanding the challenges of emerging markets sovereign debt, including fiscal sustainability, borrowing risks, and exposure to external shocks.

Can I compare Latin American debt trends across countries?

Yes. The data is structured by country and year, allowing comparison of Latin American debt dynamics across economies of different sizes and levels of development.

What sources were used to compile the data?

The indicators are drawn from reliable sources, such as the IDB’s Latin Macro Watch and other international financial databases, ensuring consistency and comparability.

How can researchers and policymakers use this dataset?

The dataset provides evidence to evaluate sovereign finance risks, design fiscal rules, and assess debt sustainability. It also supports regional and global research on emerging-market sovereign debt.

Does the dataset connect to the 2007 IPES report?

Yes. It was created to support the 2007 IPES report “Living with Debt: How to Limit Risks of Sovereign Finance?” and contains the underlying data used in that analysis.

What is the current situation regarding Latin America’s total external debt vs domestic debt?

Dataset notes cover sovereign debt in Latin America, distinguishing between external (foreign-currency) and domestic debt. The IPES 2007 analysis emphasized that external debt had historically been more volatile and risk-prone, while domestic debt grew in importance after the 1990s as countries deepened their local capital markets.

What are the public vs private sector debt trends in Latin America?

Dataset scope: sovereign (public) debt. Private sector debt is not included. Public debt trends show rising levels from the 1980s debt crisis through the early 2000s, with stabilization after reforms.

What is the historical comparison of the 1980s "Lost Decade" vs current Latin American debt levels?

The dataset temporal coverage (1980–2013) includes the 1980s crisis. Sovereign debt burdens were extremely high in the 1980s, leading to defaults and restructurings. By the 2000s, debt-to-GDP ratios had declined, reflecting fiscal reforms and improved macroeconomic management.

Internal debt vs external debt: which poses a greater risk to Brazil’s economy today?

The dataset shows that Brazil’s debt composition has historically shifted toward domestic debt since the 1990s. External debt was the primary risk in the 1980s–1990s, while internal debt became dominant by the 2000s. Current risks (post-2013) are not covered.

What is the current list of Latin American countries in default or at high risk of restructuring?

Dataset historical scope: Argentina, Brazil, Mexico, and others experienced defaults/restructurings in the 1980s–2000s. No defaults from the current period (2024–2025) are included.

What is the correlation between political instability and sovereign bond yields in the Andean region?

Dataset metadata notes coverage of sovereign debt and macroeconomics. Historical evidence (1980–2013) shows that political instability in countries such as Bolivia, Ecuador, and Peru was correlated with higher sovereign spreads and borrowing costs.

What are the transparency levels in Latin American public debt reporting and data accuracy?

Dataset purpose: created to support IPES 2007, highlighting sovereign debt risks and the need for improved transparency. Metadata emphasizes sovereign debt reporting as a key theme, with IDB promoting open data standards.

What is the current state of sovereign debt in Latin America?

The dataset (1980–2013) shows that sovereign debt burdens remained high, but