Dam capacity per capita 2014
Dam capacity per capita measures the amount of water storage available for each individual in a country, expressed in cubic meters. This statistic highlights water resource management and its impact on sustainability and development. Understanding dam capacity is crucial for addressing water security and supporting agriculture, industry, and communities.
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Complete Data Rankings
Rank | ||
|---|---|---|
1 | Suriname | 34,760.1 cubic meters per inhabitant |
2 | Canada | 23,615.1 cubic meters per inhabitant |
3 | Iceland | 7,041.27 cubic meters per inhabitant |
4 | Zimbabwe | 7,033.68 cubic meters per inhabitant |
5 | Norway | 6,477.97 cubic meters per inhabitant |
6 | Zambia | 6,362.47 cubic meters per inhabitant |
7 | Russia | 5,530.72 cubic meters per inhabitant |
8 | Paraguay | 5,523.9 cubic meters per inhabitant |
9 | Ghana | 5,295.86 cubic meters per inhabitant |
10 | Nicaragua | 5,275.78 cubic meters per inhabitant |
11 | Venezuela | 5,210.06 cubic meters per inhabitant |
12 | Uruguay | 5,110.84 cubic meters per inhabitant |
13 | Kazakhstan | 4,487.29 cubic meters per inhabitant |
14 | Iraq | 4,153.21 cubic meters per inhabitant |
15 | Kyrgyzstan | 3,996.05 cubic meters per inhabitant |
16 | New Zealand | 3,733.75 cubic meters per inhabitant |
17 | Sweden | 3,708.48 cubic meters per inhabitant |
18 | Tajikistan | 3,501.85 cubic meters per inhabitant |
19 | Brazil | 3,500.69 cubic meters per inhabitant |
20 | Finland | 3,406.09 cubic meters per inhabitant |
21 | Australia | 3,296.64 cubic meters per inhabitant |
22 | Argentina | 3,057.91 cubic meters per inhabitant |
23 | Mozambique | 2,874.79 cubic meters per inhabitant |
24 | Panama | 2,347.6 cubic meters per inhabitant |
25 | United States | 2,277.41 cubic meters per inhabitant |
26 | Azerbaijan | 2,236.75 cubic meters per inhabitant |
27 | Uganda | 2,198.09 cubic meters per inhabitant |
28 | Tanzania | 2,069.43 cubic meters per inhabitant |
29 | Turkey | 2,022.47 cubic meters per inhabitant |
30 | Egypt | 1,724.59 cubic meters per inhabitant |
31 | Montenegro | 1,628.19 cubic meters per inhabitant |
32 | Laos | 1,584.32 cubic meters per inhabitant |
33 | Côte d'Ivoire | 1,518.46 cubic meters per inhabitant |
34 | Albania | 1,387.86 cubic meters per inhabitant |
35 | Lesotho | 1,355.9 cubic meters per inhabitant |
36 | Mexico | 1,271.3 cubic meters per inhabitant |
37 | Ukraine | 1,205.04 cubic meters per inhabitant |
38 | Spain | 1,151.85 cubic meters per inhabitant |
39 | North Macedonia | 1,146.19 cubic meters per inhabitant |
40 | Greece | 1,131.17 cubic meters per inhabitant |
41 | Thailand | 1,128.38 cubic meters per inhabitant |
42 | Portugal | 1,117.86 cubic meters per inhabitant |
43 | Guyana | 1,072.82 cubic meters per inhabitant |
44 | Syrian Arab Republic | 969.238 cubic meters per inhabitant |
45 | Turkmenistan | 920.862 cubic meters per inhabitant |
46 | Bulgaria | 902.394 cubic meters per inhabitant |
47 | Georgia | 900.073 cubic meters per inhabitant |
48 | North Korea | 834.001 cubic meters per inhabitant |
49 | Bosnia and Herzegovina | 816.982 cubic meters per inhabitant |
50 | Mali | 765.527 cubic meters per inhabitant |
51 | Chile | 739.795 cubic meters per inhabitant |
52 | Malaysia | 731.368 cubic meters per inhabitant |
53 | Uzbekistan | 728.316 cubic meters per inhabitant |
54 | Cameroon | 707.647 cubic meters per inhabitant |
55 | Honduras | 640.47 cubic meters per inhabitant |
56 | El Salvador | 629.406 cubic meters per inhabitant |
57 | China | 584.632 cubic meters per inhabitant |
58 | South Africa | 557.999 cubic meters per inhabitant |
59 | Romania | 554.002 cubic meters per inhabitant |
60 | Sudan | 546.836 cubic meters per inhabitant |
61 | Netherlands | 542.217 cubic meters per inhabitant |
62 | Iran | 541.852 cubic meters per inhabitant |
63 | Kenya | 538.208 cubic meters per inhabitant |
64 | Morocco | 525.029 cubic meters per inhabitant |
65 | Eswatini | 514.82 cubic meters per inhabitant |
66 | Botswana | 510.904 cubic meters per inhabitant |
67 | Latvia | 503.974 cubic meters per inhabitant |
68 | Cuba | 501.705 cubic meters per inhabitant |
69 | Vietnam | 483.936 cubic meters per inhabitant |
70 | Ecuador | 479.684 cubic meters per inhabitant |
71 | Armenia | 474.576 cubic meters per inhabitant |
72 | Costa Rica | 418.842 cubic meters per inhabitant |
73 | Switzerland | 408.23 cubic meters per inhabitant |
74 | South Korea | 372.673 cubic meters per inhabitant |
75 | Belize | 348.788 cubic meters per inhabitant |
76 | Angola | 347.752 cubic meters per inhabitant |
77 | Republic of Moldova | 337.301 cubic meters per inhabitant |
78 | Belarus | 327.256 cubic meters per inhabitant |
79 | Slovakia | 318.86 cubic meters per inhabitant |
80 | Serbia | 314.077 cubic meters per inhabitant |
81 | Namibia | 306.44 cubic meters per inhabitant |
82 | Myanmar | 306.423 cubic meters per inhabitant |
83 | Czech Republic | 302.77 cubic meters per inhabitant |
84 | Burkina Faso | 292.799 cubic meters per inhabitant |
85 | Cyprus | 277.672 cubic meters per inhabitant |
86 | Sri Lanka | 275.763 cubic meters per inhabitant |
87 | Nigeria | 272.553 cubic meters per inhabitant |
88 | Austria | 248.917 cubic meters per inhabitant |
89 | Japan | 246.877 cubic meters per inhabitant |
90 | Colombia | 242.29 cubic meters per inhabitant |
91 | Tunisia | 238.718 cubic meters per inhabitant |
92 | Togo | 229.84 cubic meters per inhabitant |
93 | Croatia | 227.99 cubic meters per inhabitant |
94 | Dominican Republic | 219.64 cubic meters per inhabitant |
95 | Algeria | 211.816 cubic meters per inhabitant |
96 | Sao Tome and Principe | 198.204 cubic meters per inhabitant |
97 | Peru | 191.688 cubic meters per inhabitant |
98 | Ireland | 186.551 cubic meters per inhabitant |
99 | India | 181.336 cubic meters per inhabitant |
100 | Ethiopia | 172.911 cubic meters per inhabitant |
101 | Lithuania | 168.828 cubic meters per inhabitant |
102 | Italy | 165.627 cubic meters per inhabitant |
103 | Guinea | 160.116 cubic meters per inhabitant |
104 | France | 154.288 cubic meters per inhabitant |
105 | Fiji | 144.985 cubic meters per inhabitant |
106 | Estonia | 138.841 cubic meters per inhabitant |
107 | Mauritania | 129.92 cubic meters per inhabitant |
108 | Pakistan | 129.784 cubic meters per inhabitant |
109 | Luxembourg | 111.455 cubic meters per inhabitant |
110 | Gabon | 111.201 cubic meters per inhabitant |
111 | Brunei Darussalam | 108.01 cubic meters per inhabitant |
112 | Indonesia | 88.925 cubic meters per inhabitant |
113 | Mongolia | 85.821 cubic meters per inhabitant |
114 | United Kingdom | 81.268 cubic meters per inhabitant |
115 | Poland | 77.248 cubic meters per inhabitant |
116 | Mauritius | 71.881 cubic meters per inhabitant |
117 | Philippines | 68.471 cubic meters per inhabitant |
118 | Afghanistan | 61.264 cubic meters per inhabitant |
119 | Libya | 60.662 cubic meters per inhabitant |
120 | Antigua and Barbuda | 56.565 cubic meters per inhabitant |
121 | Bolivia | 54.85 cubic meters per inhabitant |
122 | Liberia | 52.275 cubic meters per inhabitant |
123 | Trinidad and Tobago | 50.291 cubic meters per inhabitant |
124 | Samoa | 49.991 cubic meters per inhabitant |
125 | Germany | 49.155 cubic meters per inhabitant |
126 | Bangladesh | 41.003 cubic meters per inhabitant |
127 | Lebanon | 35.923 cubic meters per inhabitant |
128 | Saudi Arabia | 34.625 cubic meters per inhabitant |
129 | Sierra Leone | 31.994 cubic meters per inhabitant |
130 | Jordan | 31.27 cubic meters per inhabitant |
131 | Guatemala | 29.578 cubic meters per inhabitant |
132 | Haiti | 28.631 cubic meters per inhabitant |
133 | Hungary | 25.997 cubic meters per inhabitant |
134 | Oman | 22.082 cubic meters per inhabitant |
135 | Madagascar | 19.926 cubic meters per inhabitant |
136 | Senegal | 17.665 cubic meters per inhabitant |
137 | Slovenia | 16.275 cubic meters per inhabitant |
138 | Yemen | 15.301 cubic meters per inhabitant |
139 | Saint Lucia | 14.931 cubic meters per inhabitant |
140 | Eritrea | 14.251 cubic meters per inhabitant |
141 | Singapore | 13.723 cubic meters per inhabitant |
142 | Belgium | 12.872 cubic meters per inhabitant |
143 | Seychelles | 9.555 cubic meters per inhabitant |
144 | United Arab Emirates | 7.414 cubic meters per inhabitant |
145 | Niger | 4.873 cubic meters per inhabitant |
146 | Denmark | 3.544 cubic meters per inhabitant |
147 | Nepal | 3.083 cubic meters per inhabitant |
148 | Malawi | 2.512 cubic meters per inhabitant |
149 | Benin | 2.131 cubic meters per inhabitant |
150 | Jamaica | 1.951 cubic meters per inhabitant |
151 | Congo | 1.809 cubic meters per inhabitant |
152 | Congo, Democratic Republic of the | 0.674 cubic meters per inhabitant |
153 | Grenada | 0.193 cubic meters per inhabitant |
154 | Cambodia | 0.065 cubic meters per inhabitant |
155 | Bahrain | 0 cubic meters per inhabitant |
156 | Bhutan | 0 cubic meters per inhabitant |
157 | Cabo Verde | 0 cubic meters per inhabitant |
158 | Guinea-Bissau | 0 cubic meters per inhabitant |
159 | Maldives | 0 cubic meters per inhabitant |
160 | Malta | 0 cubic meters per inhabitant |
161 | Papua New Guinea | 0 cubic meters per inhabitant |
162 | Rwanda | 0 cubic meters per inhabitant |
163 | Somalia | 0 cubic meters per inhabitant |
164 | State of Palestine | 0 cubic meters per inhabitant |
↑Top 10 Countries
Analysis: These countries represent the highest values in this dataset, showcasing significant scale and impact on global statistics.
↓Bottom 10 Countries
- #164
State of Palestine
- #163
Somalia
- #162
Rwanda
- #161
Papua New Guinea
- #160
Malta
- #159
Maldives
- #158
Guinea-Bissau
- #157
Cabo Verde
- #156
Bhutan
- #155
Bahrain
Context: These countries or territories have the lowest values, often due to geographic size, administrative status, or specific characteristics.
Analysis & Context
In 2014, the measure of "Dam capacity per capita" emerged as a critical indicator of global water resource management. This statistic, expressed in cubic meters per inhabitant, provides invaluable insights into the sustainability and development capabilities of various nations. By evaluating the dam capacity available to each person, countries can assess their preparedness for water security challenges and their ability to support agriculture, industry, and communities amidst changing environmental conditions.
Global Overview of Dam Capacity per Capita in 2014
The global landscape of dam capacity per capita revealed significant disparities in 2014, highlighting both achievements and challenges in water resource management. With data available from 164 countries, the figures ranged widely, from a maximum of 34,760.10 cubic meters per inhabitant in Suriname to several countries with no measurable capacity, such as Guinea-Bissau and Bahrain. On average, the worldwide dam capacity per person was 1,326.69 cubic meters, indicating a distinct variation in water storage capability across different regions.
Regional Disparities and Influences
Geographic patterns underscore the disparities in dam capacity per capita. Suriname led the rankings with a staggering 34,760.10 cubic meters per person, followed by Canada and Iceland with 23,615.10 and 7,041.27 cubic meters, respectively. This reflects the abundant natural water resources and extensive hydroelectric infrastructure in these countries. In contrast, several nations, primarily in Africa and the Middle East, such as Somalia and the State of Palestine, reported a capacity of zero, emphasizing the acute challenges they face in water resource management.
Sustainability and Water Security Trends
Sustainability trends in 2014 were heavily influenced by a country's ability to manage its water resources effectively. Countries with high dam capacity per capita, such as Norway and Zambia, showcased their commitment to sustainable water management practices, ensuring their populations had ample water security. These nations are often well-equipped to mitigate the impacts of climate change and seasonal variability, supporting both agriculture and industrial activities. Conversely, countries with minimal or no capacity, like Bhutan and Rwanda, faced significant obstacles in ensuring water security for their populations, posing risks to their economic stability and growth.
Notable Changes and Yearly Comparisons
Comparing year-over-year changes in dam capacity per capita provides insights into the dynamic nature of water resource management. In 2014, the average global change was a decrease of 18.05 cubic meters per inhabitant, representing a 1.4% decline. Suriname and Canada, despite their high capacities, experienced notable decreases of 388.00 and 228.00 cubic meters, respectively, highlighting challenges in maintaining or expanding existing infrastructure. In contrast, the Syrian Arab Republic and Cyprus saw significant increases in their capacities, with boosts of 62.33 (6.9%) and 25.36 (10.1%) cubic meters per inhabitant, respectively, reflecting efforts to enhance water storage capabilities amid regional challenges.
Policy Implications and Future Directions
The data on dam capacity per capita in 2014 underscores the importance of robust water policies and international cooperation. Countries with limited water storage capabilities must prioritize investments in infrastructure and explore alternative solutions, such as rainwater harvesting and desalination, to enhance their water security. Additionally, international collaborations could facilitate technology transfers and funding to help nations with low capacities bolster their water management systems. As the global climate continues to change, understanding and improving dam capacity per capita will be crucial for ensuring sustainable development and resilience against water-related challenges.
In conclusion, the 2014 statistics of dam capacity per capita provide a revealing snapshot of global water resource management, highlighting both the achievements of countries with robust systems and the urgent needs of those with limited capacities. By actively addressing these disparities and investing in sustainable water solutions, the international community can work towards a future where water security is a reality for all.
Insights by country
Norway
In 2014, Norway ranked fifth globally in terms of dam capacity per capita, with a remarkable capacity of 6477.97 cubic meters per inhabitant. This statistic reflects the country's extensive investment in hydroelectric power, which is a significant source of energy for Norway, contributing to over 95% of its electricity production.
The high dam capacity per capita can be attributed to Norway's unique topography, characterized by numerous rivers and steep valleys, which are ideal for hydroelectric projects. Additionally, the country's commitment to renewable energy and sustainable practices has led to the construction of a vast network of dams, enhancing its energy security and environmental stewardship.
Interestingly, Norway's focus on renewable energy extends beyond hydropower; it also includes wind and solar energy initiatives, further solidifying its position as a leader in sustainable energy practices globally.
Thailand
In 2014, Thailand ranked 41st out of 164 countries in terms of dam capacity per capita, with a notable value of 1128.38 cubic meters per inhabitant. This statistic reflects the country's significant investment in water management and infrastructure, which is essential for supporting its extensive agricultural sector and addressing seasonal flooding issues.
The high dam capacity per capita can be attributed to Thailand's geographical features, including numerous rivers and a monsoon climate that necessitates effective water storage solutions. Additionally, the government's emphasis on hydropower as a renewable energy source has led to the construction of multiple large-scale dams, further enhancing water storage capabilities.
Moreover, Thailand's strategic focus on dam construction aligns with its broader economic goals, including improving irrigation systems for agriculture and ensuring water availability for urban populations. It is also noteworthy that water management practices in Thailand are critical for mitigating the impacts of climate change and ensuring sustainable development.
State of Palestine
The State of Palestine ranked 164th out of 164 countries in terms of dam capacity per capita in 2014, with a reported value of 0 cubic meters per inhabitant. This statistic highlights a significant lack of water storage infrastructure within the territory, which is critical for managing water resources in a region where water scarcity is a pressing issue.
The absence of dam capacity can be attributed to various factors, including restricted access to water resources, ongoing political conflict, and limited investment in water infrastructure. The geopolitical situation often impedes the development of necessary facilities that could enhance water storage and management.
Moreover, the population of the State of Palestine faces challenges related to water access, with many areas experiencing unreliable supply and quality issues. This situation is compounded by the broader regional context, where water scarcity affects millions and has been a source of tension among neighboring countries.
Saudi Arabia
In 2014, Saudi Arabia ranked 128th out of 164 countries in terms of dam capacity per capita, with a capacity of 34.625 cubic meters per inhabitant. This statistic reflects the country's efforts to manage its water resources in a predominantly arid environment.
The relatively low dam capacity per capita can be attributed to several factors, including the country's vast desert landscape, limited freshwater resources, and high levels of water consumption due to agriculture and domestic use. Saudi Arabia has made significant investments in desalination and water infrastructure to address these challenges, but the reliance on such technologies also underscores the scarcity of natural water sources.
Despite these challenges, Saudi Arabia's water management strategies include the construction of large-scale reservoirs and dams, which are crucial for storing water during periods of rainfall. The nation continues to seek innovative solutions to optimize water usage, given the projected increase in water demand due to population growth and urbanization.
Libya
In 2014, Libya ranked 119 out of 164 countries in terms of dam capacity per capita, with a value of 60.662 cubic meters per inhabitant. This statistic reflects the country's water resource management capabilities and the infrastructure available for water storage and distribution.
The relatively low dam capacity per capita can be attributed to various factors, including Libya's harsh desert climate, limited rainfall, and historical underinvestment in water management infrastructure. Additionally, the political instability and conflict that have characterized Libya in recent years have hindered the development and maintenance of essential water facilities.
As a result, Libya faces challenges regarding water security, which is critical for both agriculture and human consumption. The country relies heavily on its aquifers and desalination plants, which adds pressure to its overall water sustainability.
Sudan
In 2014, Sudan ranked 60th out of 164 countries in terms of dam capacity per capita, with a reported capacity of 546.836 cubic meters per inhabitant. This statistic reflects the country's significant investment in water infrastructure, particularly in the context of the Nile River, which is crucial for irrigation and hydropower generation.
The relatively high dam capacity per capita can be attributed to Sudan's strategic location along the Nile, where various dams, such as the Merowe Dam, have been constructed to harness water resources for agriculture and energy production. However, despite this capacity, challenges such as climate variability, population growth, and governance issues can impact the effective management and distribution of water resources.
Additionally, Sudan's reliance on a limited number of water sources poses risks, particularly during periods of drought or conflict, which can disrupt water supply and agricultural productivity. As a country facing both environmental and socio-political challenges, the effective utilization of its dam capacity remains critical for sustainable development.
Samoa
Samoa ranks 124th out of 164 countries in terms of dam capacity per capita as of the year 2014. The dam capacity per capita for Samoa was recorded at 49.9908 cubic meters per inhabitant, indicating a relatively modest level of water storage infrastructure compared to many other nations.
This statistic reflects Samoa's geographical and climatic conditions, which include a tropical climate that can influence water availability and demand. The country's reliance on rainfall for freshwater resources can limit the need for extensive dam capacity.
Factors contributing to this statistic may include Samoa's small land area, population density, and limited industrial activity, which reduces the overall demand for large-scale water storage solutions. Additionally, the country faces challenges related to climate change, which can impact water supply and management.
Interestingly, while Samoa's dam capacity per capita is lower than many larger countries, it is essential for the nation to prioritize sustainable water management practices to ensure adequate water supply for its population and agricultural needs.
Syrian Arab Republic
In 2014, the Syrian Arab Republic ranked 44th out of 164 countries in terms of dam capacity per capita, with a notable capacity of 969.238 cubic meters per inhabitant. This statistic reflects the country's extensive network of dams and water management systems, which are crucial for agricultural irrigation and providing potable water to its population.
The significant dam capacity per capita can be attributed to Syria's geographic and hydrological features, including major rivers like the Euphrates and the Orontes, which have facilitated the construction of large-scale water retention and management projects. However, ongoing conflict and political instability have severely impacted water infrastructure and management in recent years, potentially undermining the benefits of this capacity.
Additionally, the country's water resources are under increasing pressure from factors such as climate change, population growth, and agricultural demands. This has raised concerns about future water security, despite the relatively high dam capacity per capita recorded in 2014.
Lithuania
Lithuania ranked 101st out of 164 countries in terms of dam capacity per capita in the year 2014, with a reported capacity of 168.828 cubic meters per inhabitant. This statistic indicates the volume of water that can be stored per person, reflecting both the country's water management infrastructure and the availability of natural water resources.
The relatively moderate dam capacity per capita may be influenced by Lithuania's geographical features, which include numerous rivers and lakes, as well as a focus on sustainable water management practices. Additionally, the country's commitment to preserving its natural resources and maintaining ecological balance may affect the development and utilization of dam infrastructure.
As a member of the European Union, Lithuania benefits from various funding and support mechanisms aimed at improving water management and infrastructure. In contrast, other countries with higher dam capacities may have larger populations and more extensive industrial requirements, leading to disparities in water storage capabilities.
Guyana
In 2014, Guyana ranked 43rd out of 164 countries in terms of dam capacity per capita, boasting a significant capacity of 1072.82 cubic meters per inhabitant. This capacity is indicative of the country's substantial investment in water management infrastructure, essential for both agricultural and urban development.
The high dam capacity in Guyana can be attributed to its rich natural resources, particularly its extensive river systems and rainfall patterns. These factors enable the construction and maintenance of large dam facilities that are critical for flood control, irrigation, and hydroelectric power generation.
Additionally, Guyana's commitment to sustainable development and environmental management has led to the implementation of various projects aimed at enhancing water storage and distribution systems. This focus not only supports the population's needs but also aids in mitigating the impacts of climate change, as increased dam capacity can help manage water resources more effectively during periods of extreme weather.
Data Source
Food and Agriculture Organization of the United Nations (FAO)
The Food and Agriculture Organization (FAO) is a specialized agency of the United Nations that leads international efforts to defeat hunger.
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