Total Renewable Groundwater Resources by Country 1962

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	Afghanistan	10.65 Cubic meters per year
20	Bhutan	9.5 Cubic meters per year
21	Burkina Faso	9.5 Cubic meters per year
22	Belize	7.51 Cubic meters per year
23	Burundi	7.47 Cubic meters per year
24	Cuba	6.48 Cubic meters per year
25	Bulgaria	6.4 Cubic meters per year
26	Albania	6.2 Cubic meters per year
27	Austria	6 Cubic meters per year
28	Denmark	4.3 Cubic meters per year
29	Benin	1.8 Cubic meters per year
30	Algeria	1.517 Cubic meters per year
31	Antigua and Barbuda	0 Cubic meters per year
32	Armenia	NaN Cubic meters per year
33	Azerbaijan	NaN Cubic meters per year
34	Botswana	1.7 Cubic meters per year
35	Comoros	1 Cubic meters per year
36	Belgium	0.9 Cubic meters per year
37	Cyprus	0.41 Cubic meters per year
38	Cabo Verde	0.124 Cubic meters per year
39	Bahrain	0.112 Cubic meters per year
40	Brunei Darussalam	0.1 Cubic meters per year
41	Barbados	0.074 Cubic meters per year
42	Bahamas	0 Cubic meters per year
43	Belarus	NaN Cubic meters per year
44	Bosnia and Herzegovina	NaN Cubic meters per year
45	Cook Islands	0 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	Fiji	5.273 Cubic meters per year
71	Dominican Republic	4.161 Cubic meters per year
72	Kenya	3.5 Cubic meters per year
73	Finland	2.2 Cubic meters per year
74	Haiti	2.157 Cubic meters per year
75	Egypt	1.5 Cubic meters per year
76	Djibouti	0.015 Cubic meters per year
77	Dominica	0 Cubic meters per year
78	Eritrea	NaN Cubic meters per year
79	Estonia	NaN Cubic meters per year
80	Jamaica	5.472 Cubic meters per year
81	Iraq	3.28 Cubic meters per year
82	Israel	1.225 Cubic meters per year
83	Eswatini	0.66 Cubic meters per year
84	Ethiopia	NaN Cubic meters per year
85	Gambia	0.5 Cubic meters per year
86	Faroe Islands	0 Cubic meters per year
87	Georgia	NaN 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	Kuwait	0.02 Cubic meters per year
92	Kiribati	0 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	Papua New Guinea	211.6 Cubic meters per year
98	Philippines	180 Cubic meters per year
99	Mexico	150 Cubic meters per year
100	Norway	96 Cubic meters per year
101	Nigeria	87 Cubic meters per year
102	Malaysia	64 Cubic meters per year
103	Nicaragua	59 Cubic meters per year
104	Madagascar	55 Cubic meters per year
105	Pakistan	55 Cubic meters per year
106	Liberia	45 Cubic meters per year
107	Paraguay	41.64 Cubic meters per year
108	Panama	21 Cubic meters per year
109	Mali	20 Cubic meters per year
110	Nepal	20 Cubic meters per year
111	Mozambique	17 Cubic meters per year
112	North Korea	13 Cubic meters per year
113	Poland	12.5 Cubic meters per year
114	Morocco	10 Cubic meters per year
115	Romania	8.46 Cubic meters per year
116	Rwanda	7 Cubic meters per year
117	Mongolia	6.1 Cubic meters per year
118	Netherlands	4.5 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	Portugal	4 Cubic meters per year
128	Namibia	2.1 Cubic meters per year
129	Mauritania	0.3 Cubic meters per year
130	Luxembourg	0.08 Cubic meters per year
131	Qatar	0.058 Cubic meters per year
132	Malta	0.05 Cubic meters per year
133	Maldives	0.03 Cubic meters per year
134	Saint Kitts and Nevis	0.02 Cubic meters per year
135	Nauru	0.01 Cubic meters per year
136	New Zealand	0 Cubic meters per year
137	Niue	0 Cubic meters per year
138	North Macedonia	NaN Cubic meters per year
139	Republic of Moldova	NaN Cubic meters per year
140	Russia	NaN Cubic meters per year
141	United States	1,383 Cubic meters per year
142	Venezuela	227 Cubic meters per year
143	Suriname	90 Cubic meters per year
144	Vietnam	71.42 Cubic meters per year
145	Turkey	67.8 Cubic meters per year
146	Zambia	47 Cubic meters per year
147	Thailand	41.9 Cubic meters per year
148	Tanzania	30 Cubic meters per year
149	Spain	29.9 Cubic meters per year
150	Uganda	29 Cubic meters per year
151	Sierra Leone	25 Cubic meters per year
152	Uruguay	22.9 Cubic meters per year
153	Sweden	20 Cubic meters per year
154	South Korea	13.3 Cubic meters per year
155	Solomon Islands	11.92 Cubic meters per year
156	United Kingdom	9.8 Cubic meters per year
157	Sri Lanka	7.8 Cubic meters per year
158	Syrian Arab Republic	6.174 Cubic meters per year
159	Zimbabwe	6 Cubic meters per year
160	Togo	5.7 Cubic meters per year
161	South Africa	4.8 Cubic meters per year
162	Vanuatu	4.377 Cubic meters per year
163	Senegal	3.5 Cubic meters per year
164	Somalia	3.3 Cubic meters per year
165	Switzerland	2.5 Cubic meters per year
166	Saudi Arabia	2.2 Cubic meters per year
167	Tunisia	1.595 Cubic meters per year
168	Timor-Leste	0.886 Cubic meters per year
169	State of Palestine	0.75 Cubic meters per year
170	Trinidad and Tobago	0.614 Cubic meters per year
171	Saint Lucia	0 Cubic meters per year
172	Saint Vincent and the Grenadines	0 Cubic meters per year
173	Samoa	0 Cubic meters per year
174	Sao Tome and Principe	0 Cubic meters per year
175	Seychelles	0 Cubic meters per year
176	Singapore	0 Cubic meters per year
177	Slovakia	NaN Cubic meters per year
178	Slovenia	NaN Cubic meters per year
179	South Sudan	NaN Cubic meters per year
180	Sudan	NaN Cubic meters per year
181	Tajikistan	NaN Cubic meters per year
182	Yemen	1.5 Cubic meters per year
183	United Arab Emirates	0.12 Cubic meters per year
184	Tonga	0 Cubic meters per year
185	Turkmenistan	NaN Cubic meters per year
186	Tuvalu	0 Cubic meters per year
187	Ukraine	NaN Cubic meters per year
188	Uzbekistan	NaN 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

In 1962, the global landscape of water resources was marked by a significant focus on "Total Renewable Groundwater Resources by Country." This metric is crucial for understanding the availability of naturally replenished groundwater, an essential component in sustaining agriculture, industry, and everyday life. By evaluating both internally generated and externally sourced groundwater, countries can gauge their water security and manage their environmental resources effectively.

Global Groundwater Overview

The year 1962 provided an intriguing snapshot of how renewable groundwater resources were distributed across the globe. Analyzing data from 163 countries, it is evident that the availability of groundwater resources varied widely. The United States led the ranking with a remarkable 1,383 cubic meters per year, highlighting its substantial natural endowment and potential for extensive agricultural and industrial activities. Close behind were countries like China with 828.8 cubic meters and Brazil with 645.6 cubic meters, underscoring their burgeoning agricultural sectors and large geographic footprints which facilitated significant water capture and storage.

Geographic Distribution of Resources

Examining the data further reveals fascinating geographic patterns. The top performers in terms of renewable groundwater resources like the United States, China, Brazil, and Colombia are characterized by large land areas with diverse climatic zones, allowing for efficient water collection through various hydrological cycles. Conversely, smaller island nations such as Antigua and Barbuda, Bahamas, and Tuvalu reported negligible renewable groundwater resources, primarily due to their limited land mass and reliance on other water sources such as rainwater collection or desalination.

Environmental and Climatic Connections

The disparity in groundwater resources in 1962 can be attributed to multiple environmental and climatic factors. Countries with vast forested areas, such as Brazil and Indonesia, benefitted from substantial rainfall that recharged underground aquifers. Moreover, the tropical climates in countries like Colombia and Myanmar also contributed favorably to the replenishment rates. Meanwhile, arid and semi-arid regions had less available groundwater due to reduced precipitation and higher evaporation rates, posing challenges for sustainable water management.

Policy Implications and Sustainability

The data from 1962 also has significant policy implications for water management and sustainability. Countries with abundant groundwater resources, such as the United States and Brazil, needed effective governance frameworks to prevent over-extraction and ensure long-term sustainability. On the other hand, nations with limited resources needed to invest in alternative water strategies, such as desalination or water recycling, to meet their population's needs. These policies were crucial in mitigating risks of water scarcity and promoting efficient utilization of available resources.

Comparative Insights Across Continents

Comparing continents, North America and South America emerged as prominent hubs of renewable groundwater resources, facilitated by their expansive territories and diverse ecosystems. Africa and Asia, despite having significant renewable groundwater in specific countries like the Democratic Republic of the Congo and India, faced greater variability, with some regions experiencing acute water scarcity challenges. This underscored the importance of regional cooperation and technological innovation in optimizing water resource management across varying climatic zones.

In conclusion, the analysis of total renewable groundwater resources in 1962 paints a vivid picture of global water availability, influenced by geographic, climatic, and policy factors. Understanding these dynamics is essential for crafting sustainable water management strategies that address both current and future challenges in ensuring equitable access to this vital resource worldwide.

Insights by country

Indonesia

In 1962, Indonesia ranked fifth out of 188 countries in terms of total renewable groundwater resources, with a substantial volume of 457.4 cubic meters per year. This positioning underscores the country's significant freshwater resources, which are crucial for its agricultural sector and overall water supply.

The high volume of renewable groundwater resources in Indonesia can be attributed to its diverse topography, extensive rainfall, and numerous river systems. Additionally, the archipelagic nature of Indonesia, comprising over 17,000 islands, allows for varied hydrological cycles that contribute to groundwater replenishment.

Moreover, the reliance on groundwater is especially important in regions where surface water is scarce or polluted. As of 1962, Indonesia was in a phase of rapid development, which likely influenced the management and utilization of these water resources for irrigation and domestic use.

Guinea-Bissau

In 1962, Guinea-Bissau ranked 64th out of 188 countries regarding total renewable groundwater resources, with an estimated availability of 14 cubic meters per year. This statistic reflects the country's relatively limited freshwater resources, which are crucial for agricultural and domestic use.

The low figure of groundwater resources can be attributed to several factors, including the country's geographical characteristics, climate conditions, and the prevalence of seasonal rainfall. Guinea-Bissau's landscape is dominated by coastal mangroves and a tropical climate, which affects the recharge rates of aquifers.

Additionally, the reliance on surface water sources and the challenges in managing groundwater sustainably can further complicate water resource availability. Understanding groundwater resources is vital for the nation, as it faces ongoing challenges related to water security and agricultural dependency.

Benin

In 1962, Benin ranked 113th out of 188 countries in terms of total renewable groundwater resources, with an estimated availability of 1.8 cubic meters per year. This figure reflects the country's limited freshwater resources, which are crucial for agricultural, domestic, and industrial activities.

The relatively low level of renewable groundwater resources can be attributed to Benin's geographical features, including its flat terrain and the seasonal nature of rainfall, which affects groundwater recharge rates. Additionally, the country's reliance on traditional farming practices often leads to over-extraction of water resources, further straining the already limited supply.

Interestingly, groundwater plays a vital role in Benin's economy, especially in rural areas where irrigation is essential for sustaining agriculture. Despite the challenges, efforts to manage and protect these vital resources are crucial for the country's development and food security.

Suriname

In 1962, Suriname ranked 24th out of 188 countries in terms of total renewable groundwater resources, boasting a substantial 90 cubic meters per year per capita. This significant figure highlights the country's relatively rich freshwater availability, which is crucial for agriculture, drinking water supply, and overall ecological balance.

The abundance of groundwater resources in Suriname can be attributed to its vast rainforest coverage and extensive river systems, which contribute to the replenishment of aquifers. Additionally, the low population density of the country means that the pressure on these water resources is comparatively lower than in more densely populated nations.

It is important to note that Suriname's renewable groundwater resources play a key role in supporting its largely agrarian economy, which relies on water for crop irrigation and livestock. Furthermore, maintaining sustainable management practices for these resources is vital to ensure their availability for future generations, especially in the context of climate change and potential environmental degradation.

Cameroon

In 1962, Cameroon ranked 22nd out of 188 countries in terms of total renewable groundwater resources, with a significant value of 100 cubic meters per year. This ranking indicates a relatively high capacity for groundwater resources compared to many other nations, highlighting the country’s potential for agricultural and drinking water supply.

The abundant groundwater resources in Cameroon can be attributed to its diverse climatic zones, which range from coastal to mountainous regions. These varying environments contribute to the replenishment of aquifers and surface water systems, providing a sustainable source of water for its population.

Moreover, the reliance on groundwater resources is critical in regions of Cameroon where surface water may be scarce or contaminated, making it an essential component for rural communities. This statistic also reflects the importance of water management practices in ensuring the longevity of these resources amidst growing demands due to population growth and agricultural expansion.

Kenya

In 1962, Kenya ranked 101st out of 188 countries in terms of total renewable groundwater resources, with a value of 3.5 cubic meters per year. This statistic reflects the availability of groundwater resources that can be replenished naturally within the country.

The relatively low amount of renewable groundwater resources in Kenya can be attributed to several factors, including the country’s varied climatic conditions, topography, and land use practices. The arid and semi-arid regions, which constitute a significant portion of Kenya, experience limited rainfall, leading to challenges in groundwater recharge.

Additionally, the growing population and increasing agricultural demands have put pressure on existing water resources, complicating the sustainable management of groundwater. As a point of interest, Kenya has been actively engaging in water conservation efforts and promoting sustainable practices to enhance its water resource management amidst these challenges.

Czech Republic

In 1962, the Czech Republic ranked 155th out of 188 countries in terms of total renewable groundwater resources, with an official value recorded as null cubic meters per year. This ranking indicates a limited availability of groundwater resources in comparison to other nations during that period.

The low ranking can be attributed to various factors, including the country's geological characteristics and historical land use practices. The Czech Republic's terrain, predominantly consisting of hills and low mountains, along with its diverse geological formations, may have influenced groundwater recharge and availability.

Moreover, industrialization and agricultural practices, particularly during the mid-20th century, likely impacted the sustainability and management of groundwater resources, leading to challenges in maintaining adequate supplies. Notably, the management of water resources has since improved, reflecting a growing awareness of environmental sustainability in contemporary policies.

Australia

In 1962, Australia ranked 26th out of 188 countries in terms of total renewable groundwater resources, with an estimated availability of 72 cubic meters per year. This statistic reflects Australia's significant reliance on groundwater, especially in arid and semi-arid regions where surface water is scarce.

The country's extensive agricultural activities, combined with its diverse climates ranging from tropical in the north to temperate in the south, contribute to the demand for groundwater resources. Factors such as variable rainfall patterns and prolonged droughts have further emphasized the importance of sustainable groundwater management in Australia.

Additionally, Australia has faced challenges related to groundwater depletion and quality due to over-extraction and contamination, highlighting the need for effective water resource policies. As a comparison, the total renewable groundwater resources globally vary widely, reflecting differences in geography, climate, and human activity.

Belarus

In 1962, Belarus ranked 151 out of 188 countries in terms of total renewable groundwater resources. The actual value of renewable groundwater resources for Belarus during this period is recorded as null cubic meters per year, indicating either a lack of data or minimal resources classified under this category at the time.

This low ranking and value can be attributed to various factors, including the country's geographical features, hydrological conditions, and historical water management practices. Belarus is characterized by a large number of rivers, lakes, and wetlands, which may have influenced a focus on surface water resources rather than groundwater.

In contrast to its groundwater resources, Belarus is known for its rich surface water systems, which are a vital part of its ecological and economic landscape. The country's abundant water resources have historically supported agriculture and industry, highlighting the importance of effective water resource management in the region.

Comoros

In 1962, Comoros ranked 121st out of 188 countries in terms of total renewable groundwater resources, with a notably low value of 1 cubic meter per year. This reflects the island nation's limited freshwater resources, which are critical for agricultural and domestic use.

The scarcity of groundwater in Comoros can be attributed to its geographical characteristics, including volcanic soil and a climate that varies significantly across the islands. Additionally, the population's reliance on rain-fed agriculture exacerbates the challenges related to water scarcity, making efficient water management essential for sustainability.

As an archipelago situated in the Indian Ocean, Comoros also faces external pressures such as climate change, which can further impact its groundwater recharge rates and overall water availability. Understanding these statistics is crucial for addressing the challenges related to water resource management and ensuring the well-being of its inhabitants.

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