system
Given the following post, respond as if you're commenting on Reddit:
human
ELI5: I heard that the world is $217 trillion in debt. Who are we in debt to?

Or is it every country's debt added up together? And do countries forgive debt for a country that they also owe money to?
gpt
That is a rough figure for all of the debt in the entire world.  National debt, private debt, etc.  The federal deficit, your credit card balances; the grand total sum is $217 trillion.  It is owed to everyone and anyone who is a creditor.  Nations owe other nations, businesses owe other businesses and banks, etc. 

That is roughly 30% of the *total GDP*.  Which means the world still produces 70% *more* than it owes. 

Reduced down to tiny numbers, it would be the same as if you *owed* $30,000 dollars total in debt, but made $70,000 per year salary.  It isn't ideal, but you're in a good position when your income outweighs your debts and you can easily pay it.