A debtor country is one that has a cumulative balance of payments deficit as well as a negative net international investment position. After accounting for all of its financial transactions worldwide, a debtor country has a negative net investment. As a result, a debtor country is a net importer.

A debtor nation refers to a country that has accumulated more external debt than it has in foreign exchange reserves. This situation arises when a nation borrows extensively from foreign creditors to fund its expenditures, investments, or trade deficits. Being a debtor nation implies a potential economic vulnerability as it must meet debt obligations and interest payments, often subjecting it to financial pressures. Monitoring a nation's debtor status is crucial for assessing economic stability and understanding its ability to manage debt without compromising overall financial health.

A debtor nation is a country that owes more money to foreign creditors than it is owed by other countries. This imbalance occurs when a nation's total external liabilities exceed its external assets. Such countries often rely on borrowing to finance trade deficits, infrastructure, or budget shortfalls. The U.S. is a notable example, consistently importing more than it exports, resulting in large amounts of foreign debt. Being a debtor nation can weaken a country's currency and increase dependence on foreign investment. However, it doesn't always indicate economic instability; if the borrowed funds are used productively, growth may outweigh debt concerns. Still, long-term reliance on foreign capital may pose risks to financial sovereignty and economic resilience.