The economy’s gross external debt to abroad is defined as total liabilities to nonresidents through debt instruments in shekels and in foreign exchange.Raising debt from nonresidents increases the economy’s sources of financing, lowers the costs of raising debt, enables the economy to integrate into global markets, and supports economic growth. An analysis of external debt data shows the level of foreign exchange liquidity available to the economy, and the extent of its financial strength vis-a-vis abroad. The Bank of Israel’s Information and Statistics Department publishes data on the Israeli economy’s external debt on a quarterly basis, according to the International Monetary Fund’s guidelines. The Bank of Israel uses this information in its current analyses of trends in economic activity vis-a-vis abroad, and publishes the information as part of Israel’s International Investment Position. This work presents the main terms and definitions concerning external debt data, outlines how debt is measured and reported, and samples the main uses of this information, including an international comparison of main data.