Total Renewable Groundwater Resources by Country 1961

Total renewable groundwater represents the combined volume of internally generated and externally sourced groundwater that is naturally replenished and available for use.

188 data points•Updated 12/30/2025•World•Food and Agriculture Organization of the United Nations (FAO)•

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Complete Data Rankings

Rank
1	China	828.8 Cubic meters per year
2	Brazil	645.6 Cubic meters per year
3	Colombia	510 Cubic meters per year
4	Congo, Democratic Republic of the	421 Cubic meters per year
5	Canada	370 Cubic meters per year
6	Chile	140 Cubic meters per year
7	Bolivia	130 Cubic meters per year
8	Argentina	128 Cubic meters per year
9	Congo	122 Cubic meters per year
10	Cameroon	100 Cubic meters per year
11	Australia	72 Cubic meters per year
12	Angola	58 Cubic meters per year
13	Central African Republic	56 Cubic meters per year
14	Côte d'Ivoire	37.84 Cubic meters per year
15	Costa Rica	37.31 Cubic meters per year
16	Bangladesh	21.122 Cubic meters per year
17	Cambodia	17.6 Cubic meters per year
18	Chad	11.5 Cubic meters per year
19	Burkina Faso	9.5 Cubic meters per year
20	Burundi	7.47 Cubic meters per year
21	Cuba	6.48 Cubic meters per year
22	Bulgaria	6.4 Cubic meters per year
23	Albania	6.2 Cubic meters per year
24	Austria	6 Cubic meters per year
25	Denmark	4.3 Cubic meters per year
26	Benin	1.8 Cubic meters per year
27	Botswana	1.7 Cubic meters per year
28	Algeria	1.517 Cubic meters per year
29	Comoros	1 Cubic meters per year
30	Belgium	0.9 Cubic meters per year
31	Afghanistan	0 Cubic meters per year
32	Antigua and Barbuda	0 Cubic meters per year
33	Armenia	NaN Cubic meters per year
34	Azerbaijan	NaN Cubic meters per year
35	Cyprus	0.41 Cubic meters per year
36	Cabo Verde	0.124 Cubic meters per year
37	Bahrain	0.112 Cubic meters per year
38	Brunei Darussalam	0.1 Cubic meters per year
39	Barbados	0.074 Cubic meters per year
40	Bahamas	0 Cubic meters per year
41	Belarus	NaN Cubic meters per year
42	Belize	0 Cubic meters per year
43	Bhutan	0 Cubic meters per year
44	Bosnia and Herzegovina	NaN Cubic meters per year
45	Cook Islands	NaN Cubic meters per year
46	Croatia	NaN Cubic meters per year
47	Czech Republic	NaN Cubic meters per year
48	Indonesia	457.4 Cubic meters per year
49	India	432 Cubic meters per year
50	Ecuador	134 Cubic meters per year
51	France	120 Cubic meters per year
52	Guyana	103 Cubic meters per year
53	Gabon	62 Cubic meters per year
54	Iran	49.3 Cubic meters per year
55	Germany	45.7 Cubic meters per year
56	Italy	43 Cubic meters per year
57	Honduras	39 Cubic meters per year
58	Guinea	38 Cubic meters per year
59	Laos	37.9 Cubic meters per year
60	Guatemala	33.7 Cubic meters per year
61	Japan	27 Cubic meters per year
62	Ghana	26.3 Cubic meters per year
63	Iceland	24 Cubic meters per year
64	Guinea-Bissau	14 Cubic meters per year
65	Ireland	10.8 Cubic meters per year
66	Greece	10.3 Cubic meters per year
67	Equatorial Guinea	10 Cubic meters per year
68	El Salvador	6.15 Cubic meters per year
69	Hungary	6 Cubic meters per year
70	Dominican Republic	4.161 Cubic meters per year
71	Finland	2.2 Cubic meters per year
72	Haiti	2.157 Cubic meters per year
73	Egypt	1.5 Cubic meters per year
74	Gambia	0.5 Cubic meters per year
75	Djibouti	0.015 Cubic meters per year
76	Dominica	0 Cubic meters per year
77	Eritrea	NaN Cubic meters per year
78	Estonia	NaN Cubic meters per year
79	Eswatini	0.66 Cubic meters per year
80	Ethiopia	NaN Cubic meters per year
81	Faroe Islands	NaN Cubic meters per year
82	Jamaica	5.472 Cubic meters per year
83	Israel	1.225 Cubic meters per year
84	Fiji	0 Cubic meters per year
85	Georgia	NaN Cubic meters per year
86	Kenya	3.5 Cubic meters per year
87	Iraq	3.28 Cubic meters per year
88	Jordan	0.54 Cubic meters per year
89	Grenada	0 Cubic meters per year
90	Kazakhstan	NaN Cubic meters per year
91	Kiribati	NaN Cubic meters per year
92	Kuwait	0.02 Cubic meters per year
93	Kyrgyzstan	NaN Cubic meters per year
94	Latvia	NaN Cubic meters per year
95	Myanmar	453.7 Cubic meters per year
96	Peru	303 Cubic meters per year
97	Philippines	180 Cubic meters per year
98	Mexico	150 Cubic meters per year
99	Norway	96 Cubic meters per year
100	Nigeria	87 Cubic meters per year
101	Malaysia	64 Cubic meters per year
102	Nicaragua	59 Cubic meters per year
103	Madagascar	55 Cubic meters per year
104	Pakistan	55 Cubic meters per year
105	Liberia	45 Cubic meters per year
106	Paraguay	41.64 Cubic meters per year
107	Panama	21 Cubic meters per year
108	Mali	20 Cubic meters per year
109	Nepal	20 Cubic meters per year
110	Mozambique	17 Cubic meters per year
111	North Korea	13 Cubic meters per year
112	Poland	12.5 Cubic meters per year
113	Morocco	10 Cubic meters per year
114	Romania	8.46 Cubic meters per year
115	Rwanda	7 Cubic meters per year
116	Mongolia	6.1 Cubic meters per year
117	Netherlands	4.5 Cubic meters per year
118	Portugal	4 Cubic meters per year
119	Lebanon	3.2 Cubic meters per year
120	Malawi	2.5 Cubic meters per year
121	Niger	2.5 Cubic meters per year
122	Oman	1.3 Cubic meters per year
123	Mauritius	0.893 Cubic meters per year
124	Libya	0.6 Cubic meters per year
125	Lesotho	0.5 Cubic meters per year
126	Lithuania	NaN Cubic meters per year
127	Namibia	2.1 Cubic meters per year
128	Mauritania	0.3 Cubic meters per year
129	Luxembourg	0.08 Cubic meters per year
130	Malta	0.05 Cubic meters per year
131	Maldives	0.03 Cubic meters per year
132	Nauru	NaN Cubic meters per year
133	New Zealand	0 Cubic meters per year
134	Niue	NaN Cubic meters per year
135	North Macedonia	NaN Cubic meters per year
136	Qatar	0.058 Cubic meters per year
137	Papua New Guinea	0 Cubic meters per year
138	Republic of Moldova	NaN Cubic meters per year
139	Russia	NaN Cubic meters per year
140	Saint Kitts and Nevis	0.02 Cubic meters per year
141	Saint Lucia	0 Cubic meters per year
142	Saint Vincent and the Grenadines	0 Cubic meters per year
143	Samoa	NaN Cubic meters per year
144	United States	1,383 Cubic meters per year
145	Venezuela	227 Cubic meters per year
146	Suriname	90 Cubic meters per year
147	Vietnam	71.42 Cubic meters per year
148	Turkey	67.8 Cubic meters per year
149	Zambia	47 Cubic meters per year
150	Thailand	41.9 Cubic meters per year
151	Tanzania	30 Cubic meters per year
152	Spain	29.9 Cubic meters per year
153	Uganda	29 Cubic meters per year
154	Sierra Leone	25 Cubic meters per year
155	Uruguay	22.9 Cubic meters per year
156	Sweden	20 Cubic meters per year
157	South Korea	13.3 Cubic meters per year
158	United Kingdom	9.8 Cubic meters per year
159	Sri Lanka	7.8 Cubic meters per year
160	Syrian Arab Republic	6.174 Cubic meters per year
161	Zimbabwe	6 Cubic meters per year
162	Togo	5.7 Cubic meters per year
163	South Africa	4.8 Cubic meters per year
164	Senegal	3.5 Cubic meters per year
165	Somalia	3.3 Cubic meters per year
166	Saudi Arabia	2.2 Cubic meters per year
167	United Arab Emirates	0.12 Cubic meters per year
168	Sao Tome and Principe	0 Cubic meters per year
169	Seychelles	0 Cubic meters per year
170	Singapore	0 Cubic meters per year
171	Slovakia	NaN Cubic meters per year
172	Slovenia	NaN Cubic meters per year
173	State of Palestine	0.75 Cubic meters per year
174	Solomon Islands	0 Cubic meters per year
175	South Sudan	NaN Cubic meters per year
176	Sudan	NaN Cubic meters per year
177	Switzerland	2.5 Cubic meters per year
178	Tajikistan	NaN Cubic meters per year
179	Timor-Leste	NaN Cubic meters per year
180	Tonga	NaN Cubic meters per year
181	Tunisia	1.595 Cubic meters per year
182	Trinidad and Tobago	0 Cubic meters per year
183	Turkmenistan	NaN Cubic meters per year
184	Tuvalu	NaN Cubic meters per year
185	Ukraine	NaN Cubic meters per year
186	Uzbekistan	NaN Cubic meters per year
187	Vanuatu	NaN Cubic meters per year
188	Yemen	1.5 Cubic meters per year

↑Top 10 Countries

Analysis: These countries represent the highest values in this dataset, showcasing significant scale and impact on global statistics.

↓Bottom 10 Countries

Context: These countries or territories have the lowest values, often due to geographic size, administrative status, or specific characteristics.

Analysis & Context

The year 1961 marked an important period in the understanding of water resources, with "Total Renewable Groundwater Resources by Country" providing key insights into the availability and distribution of this crucial resource worldwide. Groundwater, the water present beneath Earth's surface in soil pore spaces and in the fractures of rock formations, is a vital source of water for both human consumption and ecological balance. This measure represents the total volume of groundwater that is naturally replenished through the hydrological cycle, which is essential for sustainable development and environmental conservation.

Geographic Distribution and Resource Disparities

The distribution of renewable groundwater resources in 1961 showed significant disparities across different regions, highlighting the natural variances in hydrology and climate across the globe. The United States led the world with an astounding 1,383 cubic meters per year, reflecting its vast and diverse geographical landscape that supports large aquifer systems. China and Brazil followed with 828.8 and 645.6 cubic meters per year, respectively, benefiting from extensive river systems and favorable climatic conditions that promote groundwater recharge.

The Democratic Republic of the Congo and Canada also featured prominently with substantial renewable groundwater resources, attributed to their immense land areas and abundant precipitation. In contrast, many smaller island nations such as Bhutan, Saint Lucia, and Singapore registered negligible renewable groundwater resources, with values essentially at zero. This stark difference underscores the impact of geographical scale and natural endowments on groundwater availability, influencing water policy and resource management strategies in these countries.

Climate Influence on Groundwater Recharge

In 1961, climate played a pivotal role in determining the recharge rates of groundwater resources. Countries with high rainfall and humid climates, such as Colombia (510 cubic meters per year) and Indonesia (457.4 cubic meters per year), naturally experienced higher rates of groundwater replenishment. These regions benefit from frequent and intense rainfall patterns, which contribute to the sustainable replenishment of groundwater reserves.

Conversely, arid and semi-arid regions faced challenges due to limited precipitation, resulting in lower renewable groundwater values. This climate impact highlights the critical interplay between meteorological conditions and water resource sustainability, necessitating adaptive water management practices in response to climatic variability and potential changes over time.

Sustainability Challenges and Policy Implications

The data from 1961 also points to the pressing sustainability challenges faced by countries with limited renewable groundwater resources. Nations with minimal groundwater availability, like Afghanistan and Seychelles, confronted significant hurdles in meeting the water demands of their populations and agricultural sectors. This scarcity necessitated the implementation of stringent water management policies and the exploration of alternative water sources, such as desalination and rainwater harvesting, to ensure water security.

Additionally, the need for international cooperation and policy frameworks became apparent, particularly in transboundary groundwater systems, where the actions of one nation could significantly impact the water availability in neighboring countries. Effective governance and equitable resource-sharing agreements are vital in managing shared aquifers and preventing over-exploitation.

Historical Context and Evolution of Groundwater Management

Analyzing the total renewable groundwater resources in 1961 offers a valuable historical perspective on how groundwater management practices have evolved. During this period, awareness of groundwater sustainability began to grow, particularly in regions experiencing rapid industrialization and population growth. The recognition of groundwater as a finite resource led to increased efforts in monitoring and conserving these reserves, laying the groundwork for more sophisticated management and policy frameworks that emerged in subsequent decades.

The contrast between countries with abundant and scarce groundwater resources highlighted the need for tailored management strategies, taking into account local conditions and long-term sustainability goals. This historical insight provides a foundation for understanding current trends in groundwater management and the ongoing challenges faced by nations in achieving water sustainability.

In conclusion, the "Total Renewable Groundwater Resources by Country" in 1961 offers a snapshot of global hydrological patterns, emphasizing the importance of sustainable water management in addressing disparities and ensuring equitable resource distribution. As climate and socio-economic conditions continue to evolve, these insights remain crucial for informing future groundwater policies and fostering international collaboration in water resource management.

Insights by country

Tajikistan

Tajikistan ranked 180th out of 188 countries in terms of total renewable groundwater resources in 1961. The country reported null cubic meters per year of renewable groundwater resources, indicating either a lack of data or insufficient resources to be measured effectively.

This low ranking can be attributed to various factors, including the country’s mountainous terrain, limited infrastructure for water resource management, and a reliance on surface water from glacial melt rather than groundwater. Furthermore, the historical context of the Soviet era also influenced the development and management of water resources in Tajikistan.

In addition to groundwater resources, Tajikistan is home to some of the largest glaciers in the region, which play a critical role in the hydrology of Central Asia. This geographical characteristic underscores the importance of surface water management in a country where groundwater resources are limited.

Cambodia

Cambodia ranked 61st out of 188 countries in terms of total renewable groundwater resources in the year 1961. The nation reported approximately 17.6 cubic meters per year of renewable groundwater resources, reflecting its natural water availability during that period.

This level of groundwater resources can be attributed to Cambodia's geographical features, including its vast river systems and the monsoon climate that influences rainfall patterns. The Mekong River, which flows through Cambodia, plays a significant role in replenishing groundwater levels.

Interestingly, Cambodia's reliance on groundwater for agricultural and domestic use has historically been significant, especially in rural areas where surface water sources may be limited. The management and sustainability of these groundwater resources are crucial for the country's ongoing development and water security.

Ecuador

Ecuador ranks 15th out of 188 countries in terms of total renewable groundwater resources as of the year 1961. The nation possesses 134 cubic meters of renewable groundwater resources per year, reflecting its significant hydrological potential.

This abundance of groundwater resources can be attributed to Ecuador's diverse geography, which includes mountainous regions and extensive river systems that contribute to aquifer recharge. The country's climate, characterized by a variety of microclimates, also plays a crucial role in maintaining these resources.

Additionally, the management and distribution of renewable groundwater are vital for agricultural practices, which are a cornerstone of Ecuador's economy. The availability of such resources supports crops such as bananas and coffee, which are essential for both domestic consumption and export.

Côte d'Ivoire

Côte d'Ivoire ranks 45th out of 188 countries in terms of total renewable groundwater resources, with an estimated 37.84 cubic meters per year available for use in 1961. This statistic reflects the country's substantial groundwater potential, which is critical for agricultural practices, drinking water supply, and sustaining ecosystems.

The availability of groundwater resources in Côte d'Ivoire can be influenced by several factors, including its geographic location, climate, and rainfall patterns. The country benefits from a humid tropical climate, which contributes to replenishing groundwater aquifers through rainfall infiltration. However, challenges such as population growth, urbanization, and agricultural expansion pose risks to sustainable groundwater management.

Moreover, Côte d'Ivoire's reliance on agriculture, particularly cash crops like cocoa and coffee, underscores the importance of groundwater as a resource. As of 1961, the nation's focus on agricultural productivity, combined with its favorable groundwater resources, positioned it as a vital player in the global agricultural market.

New Zealand

In 1961, New Zealand ranked 163rd out of 188 countries regarding total renewable groundwater resources, with a recorded value of 0 cubic meters per year. This statistic indicates that the country did not have any quantifiable renewable groundwater resources available for use, which is particularly notable given the agricultural and ecological demands of the region.

The absence of renewable groundwater resources may be attributed to various factors, including the geographical and hydrological characteristics of New Zealand, which predominantly rely on surface water sources such as rivers and lakes for freshwater supply. Additionally, the country’s unique rainfall patterns and topography can influence groundwater recharge rates.

Interestingly, New Zealand is known for its abundant surface water resources, with significant rainfall contributing to its rivers and lakes, which play a critical role in supporting its agriculture and ecosystems. The reliance on surface water highlights the importance of sustainable management practices to ensure water availability for future generations.

Nepal

Nepal ranks 59th out of 188 countries in terms of total renewable groundwater resources as of 1961. The country possesses approximately 20 cubic meters per year of renewable groundwater resources, a figure that reflects both the abundant natural water sources and the geographical features of the region, which include significant mountain ranges and river systems.

This statistic is influenced by several factors, including Nepal's varied topography, which features steep hills and valleys that contribute to groundwater recharge, as well as the monsoon climate that brings substantial rainfall. However, the effective utilization of these resources has historically faced challenges due to infrastructure limitations and population pressures.

Additionally, it is noteworthy that groundwater has been a critical resource for agricultural practices in Nepal, particularly in rural areas where surface water irrigation is less feasible. The reliance on groundwater underscores the importance of sustainable management practices to ensure long-term availability amidst growing demand.

Kuwait

Kuwait ranks 134th out of 188 countries in terms of total renewable groundwater resources. In the year 1961, the country had a notably low value of 0.02 cubic meters per year of renewable groundwater resources. This statistic reflects the arid climate and limited natural freshwater resources available in the region, which is characterized by a predominantly desert landscape.

The scarcity of renewable groundwater in Kuwait can be attributed to several factors, including its geographical location and climatic conditions, which result in low annual rainfall and high evaporation rates. Furthermore, the country relies heavily on desalination and the extraction of non-renewable aquifers to meet its water needs, highlighting the critical importance of sustainable water management practices.

In addition to its low ranking in renewable groundwater resources, Kuwait has invested significantly in water infrastructure, making it one of the leading nations in water desalination technology. This effort is vital for meeting the demands of its growing population and ensuring water security in the face of limited natural freshwater supplies.

Sao Tome and Principe

Sao Tome and Principe ranked 172nd out of 188 countries in terms of total renewable groundwater resources in the year 1961. The country reported a value of 0 cubic meters per year, indicating a significant lack of renewable groundwater resources available for use.

This statistic can be attributed to the country's geographical characteristics, including its volcanic origin and small land area, which limit the availability of groundwater aquifers. Furthermore, the dense tropical rainforest cover may also play a role in influencing hydrological cycles, affecting groundwater recharge rates.

It is noteworthy that Sao Tome and Principe's reliance on surface water sources and rainfall for its freshwater supply is common in many small island nations, where groundwater resources are limited. This lack of groundwater could impact agricultural practices and freshwater availability, highlighting the importance of sustainable water management strategies in the region.

Lithuania

In 1961, Lithuania was ranked 161st out of 188 countries in terms of total renewable groundwater resources, with a recorded value of null cubic meters per year. This ranking indicates a significant scarcity of renewable groundwater resources available for use in the country during that period.

The lack of renewable groundwater resources may have been influenced by several factors, including the geographical characteristics of Lithuania, which features a mix of forests, rivers, and lakes, rather than extensive aquifer systems. Additionally, the historical context of the Soviet era, which included centralized planning and resource management, may have impacted the sustainable development and utilization of water resources.

It is also noteworthy that Lithuania has since made strides in improving its water management practices and policies, reflecting a broader trend in Eastern Europe towards environmental sustainability and resource conservation.

Ukraine

In 1961, Ukraine ranked 186 out of 188 countries in terms of total renewable groundwater resources, with an actual value reported as null cubic meters per year. This suggests that the country had virtually no measurable renewable groundwater resources available during that time period, which raises concerns regarding water availability for agricultural and domestic use.

Several factors could have contributed to this low ranking, including the geographical and climatic conditions prevalent in the region, as well as historical factors such as industrialization and agricultural practices that may have led to over-extraction of available water resources. Additionally, the political landscape of the time, characterized by Soviet policies, could have impacted environmental management and resource allocation.

Interestingly, groundwater is a crucial resource for many countries, especially those with limited surface water supplies. A lack of renewable groundwater resources can lead to significant challenges in sustainability, agriculture, and public health, emphasizing the importance of effective water resource management in ensuring long-term water security.

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