Reserves in months of imports

In brief

The "Reserves in months of imports" ranking covers 177 countries and territories. Lowest value: Equatorial Guinea (0 months). Highest value: Libya (31.6 months). Median: 4.4 months (data: 1982–2025). The top 10% of countries exceed 10.2 months, while the bottom 10% stay below 1.1 months. By continent, the median is highest in Asia (5.8 months) and lowest in Europe (3.1 months).

Median by continent

Why this indicator matters

This indicator shows how long a country could keep paying for its purchases abroad with its reserves if its foreign income stopped. It is a safety net against crises, currency drops or price shocks.

What makes this indicator vary

Reserves increase when the country exports a lot, receives foreign investment or remittances, and its central bank buys foreign currency. They melt away when it must defend the currency, repay debts or finance costly imports.

Reading precautions

The number of months depends on both the stock of reserves and the level of imports: it can fall simply because purchases rise. It does not say whether the reserves can easily be mobilized. The usual prudence threshold is a reference point, not a rule.