Everything has its own plan and the government that does the planning knows what steps they will take.
For example, in this case the largest debt at the moment is Japan with a total debt of $10.1 trillion (as op said in the thread) if Japan pays off directly it is certain that their financial condition is destroyed at that time but if they do it periodically as is currently happening, of course the results are different and the proof is that Japan is currently one of the most advanced economies in the world.
Every country on the list of the largest debts in the world will not be able to pay it off with one payment but they will pay periodically on the condition that they will not add to other debts. I am surprised that Japan is in first position on the list of the largest debts in the world even though it is said to be the country with the most advanced economy in the world.
However, apart from the countries on the list above, there are several other countries that have high amounts of debt, but the government has the worst history because the government wants to improve the country's economy from debt sources for development needs and some of it is used for community assistance so that they do not stage demonstrations against the government, many corruption cases from the main source of debt funds from other countries but they are very arrogant and anti-criticism so that many corruption cases are not tried or many corrupt convicts are free to leave prison.
The list is in the wrong order.
1. Japan $10.1 trillion
2. Greece $415.35 billion
3. Italy $2.94 trillion
4. United States $36.8 trillion
5. Spain $1.74 trillion
6. France $3.478 trillion
7. Portugal $305.45 billion
8. Canada $2.52 trillion
9. Brazil
10. Belgium $640.3 billion
correct is
1) United States $36.8 trillion
2) China $13.75 Trillion
3)Japan $10.1 trillion
4) France $ 3.478 trillion
5) Italy $ 2.94 trillion
6) England/ U.K. 6) Canada $ 2.52 Trillion
7) Spain $ 1.74 Trillion
8 ) Brazil $ 833.6 Billion
9) Belgium $ 640.3 Billion
10 ) Greece $ 415.35 Billion
11) Portugal $ 305.45 Billion
Not sure how to count U.K. debt or Great Britain Or common wealth as I get about six countries mentioned.
So take my correction with a grain of salt.
I think Canada is separate from G.B
the number I get for G.B. is 2.62 trillion
the number I get for Canada is 1.134 CAD not USD
I did bing and google searches .
I am sure there are multiple numbers.
But the high debt countries all have a lot of really rich people that under pay tax. Making both the middle class and the poor shoulder the debt.