Total Renewable Groundwater Resources by Country 1963

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

The concept of "Total Renewable Groundwater Resources by Country" in 1963 represents a crucial component of environmental sustainability. This measure quantifies the volume of groundwater that is naturally replenished, taking into account both internally generated and externally sourced water. Groundwater resources are vital for agriculture, industry, and personal consumption, making their study essential for understanding environmental patterns and resource management globally.

Global Overview of Groundwater Resources in 1963

In 1963, the total renewable groundwater resources data covered 163 countries, with astounding variability in water availability. The United States topped the list with 1,383 cubic meters per year, followed by China and Brazil, with 828.8 and 645.6 cubic meters respectively. These figures underscore the substantial natural endowments these countries enjoyed, crucial for supporting their large populations and expanding economies. Conversely, several countries, including Antigua and Barbuda, Bahamas, and Tuvalu, reported no measurable renewable groundwater resources, highlighting the stark contrast in water availability across the globe.

Regional Disparities and Environmental Implications

Regional disparities in renewable groundwater resources were profound in 1963, reflecting both climatic conditions and geographical variations. For instance, the substantial resources in nations like Brazil and Indonesia can be attributed to their tropical climates that encourage frequent rainfall, which is crucial for groundwater replenishment. However, arid regions such as parts of the Middle East and small island nations faced significant challenges due to limited natural aquifers and scarce rainfall. These disparities necessitated different water management strategies, influencing environmental policies and international agreements aimed at equitable water distribution.

Economic and Societal Impact

The availability of renewable groundwater has direct implications for economic development. Countries like the Democratic Republic of the Congo and Colombia, with substantial groundwater resources of 421 and 510 cubic meters per year respectively, were better positioned to support agricultural productivity and hydro-based industries. In contrast, nations with minimal resources had to rely on costly alternatives such as desalination or importation, impacting their economic stability and growth potential. This scenario underscores the importance of groundwater in sustaining societal needs, influencing migration patterns, and shaping demographic distributions in regions with limited water access.

Sustainability Initiatives and Future Challenges

By 1963, the awareness of groundwater as a finite resource prompted several nations to consider sustainable management practices. Countries with abundant resources like Canada and Peru began to recognize the need for conservation measures to ensure long-term availability. As the world faced burgeoning populations and increasing industrial demands, the potential for over-exploitation loomed large, necessitating international collaboration and governance frameworks to protect these vital resources. The year marked a nascent shift towards recognizing groundwater as a critical component of global sustainability efforts.

Historical Context and Future Trends

Understanding the historical context of groundwater resources in 1963 provides a foundation for predicting future trends. The data from that year reflects a time before widespread environmental degradation took its toll. Today, countries are increasingly aware of the impacts of climate change on water resources, prompting advancements in technology and policy to address these challenges. The historical data serve as a benchmark for evaluating progress and setbacks in groundwater management, encouraging further research and innovation for sustainable utilization in the decades to come.

In conclusion, the "Total Renewable Groundwater Resources by Country" in 1963 offers critical insights into environmental patterns and challenges. As countries navigate the complexities of resource management, understanding past dynamics aids in crafting informed strategies to ensure that groundwater remains a viable asset for future generations. The data not only highlights the disparities in resource distribution but also underscores the global responsibility to protect and optimize these essential natural resources.

Insights by country

Tuvalu

In 1963, Tuvalu ranked 186 out of 188 countries in terms of total renewable groundwater resources, with a reported value of 0 cubic meters per year. This statistic highlights the extreme scarcity of freshwater resources available on the islands, primarily due to their small size and low elevation above sea level.

Tuvalu is composed of nine small islands and atolls in the Pacific Ocean, which are particularly vulnerable to climate change and rising sea levels. The lack of freshwater is largely attributed to limited land area for groundwater recharge and the porous nature of the atoll geology, which allows rainfall to quickly seep into the ocean.

Interestingly, despite its negligible groundwater resources, Tuvalu relies on rainwater harvesting and desalination technologies to meet its freshwater needs. The country’s situation underscores the challenges faced by many small island developing states, which must contend with environmental vulnerabilities and limited natural resources.

Argentina

In 1963, Argentina ranked 18th out of 188 countries in terms of total renewable groundwater resources, with an estimated value of 128 cubic meters per year. This significant ranking reflects the country's extensive aquifer systems and abundant natural resources that support both agricultural and urban water supply.

The availability of renewable groundwater resources in Argentina can be attributed to its diverse geography, which includes vast plains, mountains, and rivers that facilitate the replenishment of aquifers. Additionally, the country's agricultural practices, particularly in regions such as the Pampas, have historically relied on these water resources to support crops and livestock.

Interestingly, while Argentina has substantial groundwater resources, the management and sustainability of these resources have become increasingly important in the face of environmental challenges such as over-extraction and pollution. The reliance on groundwater for irrigation in agricultural practices underscores the need for effective water resource management to ensure the long-term viability of this critical resource.

Indonesia

In 1963, Indonesia ranked fifth among 188 countries in terms of total renewable groundwater resources, with a substantial value of 457.4 cubic meters per year. This significant volume of groundwater highlights Indonesia's rich natural resources, which are essential for agricultural irrigation, drinking water supply, and industrial use.

The country's abundant groundwater resources can be attributed to its extensive archipelagic geography, which includes numerous islands and a diverse range of ecosystems that facilitate the natural replenishment of aquifers. Additionally, Indonesia's tropical climate contributes to high rainfall levels, further augmenting groundwater recharge.

As of 1963, this ranking underscored Indonesia's potential for sustainable water management, crucial for supporting its burgeoning population and agricultural needs. The reliance on groundwater resources remains a vital aspect of Indonesia's water supply strategy, especially in rural areas where surface water may be scarce.

Bangladesh

In 1963, Bangladesh ranked 57th out of 188 countries in terms of total renewable groundwater resources, with an estimated availability of 21.122 cubic meters per year. This figure highlights the country's significant reliance on groundwater, especially in a predominantly agrarian society where irrigation is vital for crop production.

The relatively high level of renewable groundwater resources can be attributed to the country's extensive river systems and monsoon climate, which contribute to aquifer recharge. However, challenges such as over-extraction, pollution, and seasonal variations in rainfall have raised concerns about the sustainability of these resources.

Additionally, it is important to note that groundwater serves as a critical source of drinking water for millions of Bangladeshis, particularly in rural areas where surface water may be contaminated. This reliance underscores the importance of effective water management and conservation strategies to protect this vital resource.

Dominica

In 1963, Dominica ranked 156th out of 188 countries in terms of total renewable groundwater resources, with a reported value of 0 cubic meters per year. This statistic indicates that the island's groundwater resources were essentially nonexistent at that time, a situation that can significantly impact agriculture, drinking water supply, and overall economic development.

The lack of renewable groundwater resources in Dominica can be attributed to its small land area, volcanic soil composition, and the high levels of rainfall that typically lead to surface water being the primary water source. Dominica is known for its lush rainforests and abundant rivers, which may have influenced the reliance on surface water rather than groundwater.

Additionally, it is noteworthy that Dominica's unique geography plays a critical role in its water resources; the island is characterized by steep terrain and a high degree of rainfall, which can lead to rapid runoff and limited groundwater recharge. Understanding the dynamics of water resources is essential for sustainable management and environmental conservation in the region.

Barbados

In 1963, Barbados ranked 139th out of 188 countries in terms of total renewable groundwater resources, with a reported value of 0.074 cubic meters per year. This relatively low figure reflects the island's geographical and climatic conditions, which include limited freshwater resources due to its small size and high population density.

The scarcity of renewable groundwater resources in Barbados can be attributed to several factors, including the island's reliance on rainfall and the challenges posed by its karst topography, which affects water retention and aquifer recharge. Additionally, the increasing demand for freshwater, driven by urbanization and tourism, places further stress on the already limited groundwater supplies.

Interestingly, Barbados is considered one of the most water-scarce nations in the Caribbean, leading to the implementation of various water conservation measures and the exploration of alternative sources, such as desalination and rainwater harvesting, to meet the needs of its population and economy.

Angola

In 1963, Angola ranked 32nd out of 188 countries in terms of total renewable groundwater resources, with an estimated availability of 58 cubic meters per year. This statistic reflects the significant freshwater resources available to the country, which is essential for agricultural, domestic, and industrial use.

The relatively high ranking can be attributed to Angola's diverse climatic zones and extensive river systems, which facilitate groundwater recharge. However, the country's groundwater resources are unevenly distributed, often concentrated in certain regions, which can lead to disparities in water access.

Moreover, the reliance on groundwater resources is critical in Angola, particularly during periods of drought or in areas where surface water is scarce. As a result, effective management and conservation of these resources are vital for ensuring water security and supporting the population's needs.

Qatar

In 1963, Qatar ranked 140th out of 188 countries in terms of total renewable groundwater resources, with a recorded value of 0.058 cubic meters per year. This low figure highlights the country's significant water scarcity issues, largely due to its desert climate and minimal annual rainfall.

The limited availability of renewable groundwater resources in Qatar can be attributed to its geographical and climatic conditions, characterized by arid landscapes and high evaporation rates. Additionally, rapid urbanization and population growth during the mid-20th century increased the demand for water, exacerbating the existing scarcity.

As a result, Qatar has historically relied on alternative sources for water supply, such as desalination processes and underground aquifers. By the early 21st century, Qatar emerged as one of the leading countries in desalination technology, reflecting the ongoing challenges posed by its natural water resource limitations.

Armenia

In 1963, Armenia ranked 148th out of 188 countries in terms of total renewable groundwater resources. The reported value for Armenia's groundwater resources was null cubic meters per year, indicating a lack of available data on this vital resource at the time.

This ranking and the absence of quantitative data suggest challenges in assessing water availability and management within the country. Potential factors contributing to this situation could include historical underinvestment in water resource infrastructure, limited hydrological studies, and the impacts of regional conflicts that may have disrupted data collection efforts.

Additionally, Armenia's geographical features, including mountainous terrain and variable climate conditions, can influence groundwater recharge and availability. Understanding Armenia's water resources is crucial, as they play a significant role in agricultural productivity and overall economic sustainability.

Turkmenistan

In 1963, Turkmenistan ranked 185th out of 188 countries in terms of total renewable groundwater resources, with a reported value of null cubic meters per year. This ranking reflects the country's significant challenges in managing its water resources, particularly in arid and semi-arid regions where water scarcity is prevalent.

The low availability of renewable groundwater resources can be attributed to several factors, including the country’s geographical characteristics, which are dominated by the vast Kara-Kum Desert. This environmental context, combined with historical water management practices and reliance on irrigation for agriculture, has severely impacted the natural replenishment of groundwater aquifers.

Additionally, Turkmenistan's economic activities and population growth further strain its already limited water resources. As a result, the country has historically faced water management challenges that affect both agricultural productivity and the overall quality of life for its citizens.

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