This is evidenced by Global Firepower data. External debt includes public and private obligations to external creditors that must be repaid through foreign exchange settlements, goods or services.
The amount of U.S. foreign debt includes funds that U.S. government entities and private companies owe to foreign creditors. Creditors include not only other nations, but also international banks, investment funds, and private investors.
U.S. debt, which is mostly held in the form of U.S. Treasury bonds, is considered a reliable financial instrument. Because of this, foreign governments and organizations willingly invest in it.
In addition to the US, the top 5 countries with the largest debt are the UK, France, Germany and the Netherlands.
