As an expert in finance and economics, I am well-versed in the intricacies of national debt and its implications on a country's fiscal health. The United States, being one of the world's largest economies, has a national debt that is a topic of significant interest and concern.

National debt, also known as public debt, is the total amount of money the federal government has borrowed from various sources, including individuals, corporations, and foreign governments. It is a complex financial instrument that can have both short-term and long-term impacts on a nation's economy. The U.S. national debt is managed by the Department of the Treasury and is influenced by a variety of factors, including government spending, tax revenues, and economic growth.

As of March 2017, the U.S. national debt stood at approximately $19.9 trillion. This figure is not static; it changes regularly as the government issues new debt to finance its operations and pays off existing debt. The national debt is a critical measure of a country's fiscal health and is closely watched by investors, economists, and policymakers.

The significance of the national debt can be better understood when it is broken down into per capita and per household figures. In March 2017, the national debt amounted to **$61,365 for every person living in the U.S.** This means that if the debt were to be divided equally among the population, each individual would owe this amount. Similarly, the debt per household was $158,326. These figures give a more tangible sense of the burden that the national debt represents for the average American.

Another important way to assess the national debt is by comparing it to the country's gross domestic product (GDP). The GDP is the total value of all goods and services produced over a certain period and is a measure of a country's economic performance. In March 2017, the U.S. national debt was 106 percent of the U.S. GDP. This percentage indicates the proportion of the country's total economic output that is made up of debt.

A debt-to-GDP ratio above 100 percent is often a cause for concern among economists, as it suggests that a country's debt is larger than its economy. This can lead to a variety of economic issues, including higher interest rates, reduced investor confidence, and potential difficulties in servicing the debt.

It is important to note that while a high national debt can be problematic, it is not necessarily a sign of poor fiscal management. Many factors can contribute to an increase in national debt, including economic downturns, wars, and large-scale public investment projects. The U.S. government has a range of tools at its disposal to manage the national debt, including raising taxes, cutting spending, and implementing economic policies designed to stimulate growth.

In conclusion, the U.S. national debt as of March 2017 was a significant figure of $19.9 trillion, representing a substantial financial obligation for the country. Understanding the implications of this debt requires analyzing it in terms of per capita, per household, and as a percentage of GDP. While the national debt is a complex issue with many nuances, it is a critical component of the U.S. fiscal landscape that requires careful management and oversight.

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As of March 2017, the U.S. debt is about $19.9 trillion and is constantly changing; it amounts to: $61,365 for every person living in the U.S. $158,326 for every household in the U.S. 106 percent of the U.S. gross domestic product.Apr 13, 2017read more >>