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Literally every country, corporation and private citizen has debt on their balance sheet at all times.

Definitely not every citizen. Close to 1/4 of US citizens are completely debt free.

Does that include mortgage/car leasing?

yes

If you don't have a credit card, why?

I have a credit card but no balance due ever on it. 1/4 of americans do not have any debt, no card debt, no mortgage, no car loans…