A government bond is a type of debt instrument issued by a government which allows the government to raise funds to cover government spending. Unlike other forms of debt, government bonds are typically seen as the safest form of debt since the government guarantees the debt. Government bonds have traditionally provided investors with a secure and stable store of value, as well as a reliable source of periodic income in the form of regular coupon payments and later, redemption of face value on maturity.

Government bonds come in various maturities — short, medium and long-term — and may have varying payment and taxation terms according to the terms of the issue. In addition, different governments may issue bonds with different denominations, coupon rates, and credit ratings.

Generally, the lower the risk of a given bond, the lower its return or interest rate. As governments are generally considered to be safe and secure investments, the interest rates offered on government bonds tend to be lower than those offered on other debt instruments.

Government bonds also provide an important source of liquidity for governments, as funds raised through the sale of bonds may be used for a variety of purposes, such as infrastructure investment, loan repayment, and currency stabilization. Similarly, government bond funds may provide investors with a secure and easy way to invest in government debt, as well as access to those countries and regions considered to have sound macroeconomic policies.

All in all, government bonds offer investors and governments alike several advantages. The low-risk nature of government bonds makes them a safe investment option with steady income and the potential for capital gains depending on the direction of interest rates. Government bonds also provide governments with a source of capital to fund economic and infrastructure projects, which can act as a form of economic stimulus for local, regional, or national economies.