Total Renewable Groundwater Resources by Country 1965

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 year 1965 marked a pivotal moment in understanding global water resources, particularly in the realm of Total Renewable Groundwater Resources by Country. As the world grappled with burgeoning environmental concerns, this statistic became crucial in evaluating how nations harness and manage their natural water reserves. Total renewable groundwater resources encompass the naturally replenished volume of groundwater that a country has at its disposal, measured in cubic meters per year. This metric provides insight into a nation's capacity for sustainable water use, impacting agriculture, industry, and daily life.

Global Resource Landscape in 1965

In 1965, the dataset for total renewable groundwater resources covered 163 countries, showcasing a broad spectrum of water availability. The United States led the pack with an impressive 1,383 cubic meters per year, highlighting its abundant natural endowments. China followed with 828.8 cubic meters, while Brazil recorded 645.6 cubic meters. These figures underscore the significant groundwater potential of these vast nations, which are characterized by diverse climates and extensive geographical areas. In contrast, some countries, such as Antigua and Barbuda, the Bahamas, and Tuvalu, recorded zero renewable groundwater resources, illustrating stark disparities in global water distribution.

Regional Disparities and Their Implications

The data from 1965 reveals significant regional disparities in groundwater resources, with implications for development and resource management. For instance, South America, represented by Brazil, Colombia (510 cubic meters), and Peru (303 cubic meters), showed a substantial capacity for groundwater renewal, which supports their rich biodiversity and agricultural productivity. Conversely, island nations and territories like Niue and the Cook Islands reported no renewable groundwater resources, possibly due to limited landmass and aquifer capacity. These disparities necessitate tailored water management strategies that consider both the availability and sustainability of groundwater resources.

Influence of Geo-Climatic Factors

The distribution of renewable groundwater resources is heavily influenced by geo-climatic factors, such as rainfall patterns, soil permeability, and geological formations. Countries like Indonesia (457.4 cubic meters) and the Democratic Republic of the Congo (421 cubic meters) benefit from tropical climates with abundant rainfall, enhancing their groundwater recharge capabilities. In contrast, arid regions, particularly in the Middle East and North Africa, often face severe water scarcity despite having significant aquifer systems. These variations highlight the need for adaptive management practices that consider the unique climatic conditions of each region.

Policy and Sustainability Considerations

In 1965, the realization of the finite nature of groundwater resources prompted many countries to begin considering policy measures aimed at sustainability. Nations with ample resources, like Canada (370 cubic meters), have the advantage of planning for long-term water security. However, countries with limited or zero renewable groundwater face more immediate challenges, needing to develop innovative policies to conserve and efficiently use their scarce resources. The statistical stability from the previous year shows little change in groundwater levels, suggesting that human impact had yet to significantly alter the natural recharge processes, which might not hold true in later decades as industrialization and climate change accelerated.

Future Projections and Challenges

Looking back at the data from 1965, it is clear that while some countries enjoyed abundant renewable groundwater resources, others faced the challenge of managing their limited supply. As global populations and industrial activities continue to grow, the demand for groundwater is expected to rise, potentially leading to over-extraction and aquifer depletion in many regions. Understanding the historical context of groundwater availability allows for better future planning and emphasizes the need for international cooperation in water management. As policies evolve, the focus will likely shift toward integrated water resource management approaches that balance human needs with ecological sustainability.

The comprehensive analysis of Total Renewable Groundwater Resources by Country in 1965 provides a foundational understanding of how different nations navigated their water resource landscapes. This underscores the importance of sustainable management in ensuring long-term availability for generations to come.

Insights by country

Madagascar

In 1965, Madagascar ranked 34th among 188 countries in terms of total renewable groundwater resources, with a notable value of 55 cubic meters per year. This statistic indicates a relatively moderate availability of groundwater resources, which is crucial for the agricultural and drinking water needs of the population.

The availability of renewable groundwater in Madagascar can be influenced by various factors, including the country's climatic conditions, topography, and land use practices. The island nation, characterized by its diverse ecosystems and varying rainfall patterns, relies heavily on its groundwater resources, especially in rural areas where surface water may be scarce.

Additionally, Madagascar's groundwater resources are vital for sustaining its agriculture, which employs a significant portion of the population. The reliance on these resources underscores the importance of sustainable management practices to ensure their longevity in the face of potential over-extraction and environmental changes.

Afghanistan

In 1965, Afghanistan ranked 71st out of 188 countries in terms of total renewable groundwater resources, with a substantial figure of 10.65 cubic meters per year. This statistic reflects the country's reliance on groundwater for agricultural and domestic use, particularly in rural areas where surface water resources are limited.

The relatively high volume of renewable groundwater resources can be attributed to Afghanistan's mountainous terrain and the presence of numerous aquifers. However, challenges such as seasonal variations in precipitation and ongoing conflict have impacted the sustainable management and extraction of these resources.

Moreover, Afghanistan's dependence on groundwater highlights the importance of effective water management policies to address water scarcity and ensure long-term availability for its population, which is crucial for food security and economic development.

Equatorial Guinea

In 1965, Equatorial Guinea ranked 73rd among 188 countries regarding total renewable groundwater resources, with a reported value of 10 cubic meters per year. This statistic highlights the limited availability of renewable groundwater resources in the country, which can impact agricultural practices and access to clean drinking water.

The relatively low figure can be attributed to several factors, including the country's geographical characteristics and climatic conditions, which may limit rainfall and water recharge rates. Additionally, the historical context of Equatorial Guinea, marked by periods of political instability and economic challenges, may have hindered the development of water resource management systems.

Interestingly, while groundwater resources are limited, Equatorial Guinea is rich in oil and natural gas reserves, which has significant implications for its economy and infrastructure development. However, reliance on hydrocarbon resources can often divert attention and investment away from sustainable water management practices.

Bahamas

In 1965, the Bahamas ranked 150th out of 188 countries regarding total renewable groundwater resources, with a reported value of 0 cubic meters per year. This statistic highlights the significant challenges the Bahamas faces in terms of freshwater availability, as the archipelagic nature of the country limits the accessibility of groundwater reserves.

The absence of substantial renewable groundwater resources can be attributed to the geological composition of the islands, which consist mainly of porous limestone that allows for rapid drainage of rainwater. Additionally, the tropical climate and limited rainfall further exacerbate the scarcity of freshwater resources, making the islands heavily reliant on rainwater harvesting and desalination for their water supply.

Interestingly, this situation underscores the importance of sustainable water management practices in small island nations. The Bahamas, along with other Caribbean islands, continues to develop strategies to enhance water conservation and explore alternative sources to ensure long-term water security for its population.

Russia

In 1965, Russia ranked 172nd out of 188 countries in terms of total renewable groundwater resources, with a reported value of null cubic meters per year. This ranking indicates a significant limitation in the availability of renewable groundwater resources relative to other nations during this period.

The absence of quantifiable groundwater resources can be attributed to several factors, including the vast geographic expanse of Russia, characterized by diverse climatic zones that impact water availability. Additionally, the country's extensive industrial activities and urbanization may have led to over-extraction and pollution of existing groundwater supplies, further complicating resource management.

Interestingly, despite the low ranking in groundwater resources, Russia possesses some of the largest freshwater reserves in the world, primarily found in its numerous lakes and rivers, such as Lake Baikal, which holds about 20% of the world’s unfrozen surface freshwater. This highlights a complex relationship between surface water and groundwater resources in the country.

Libya

In 1965, Libya ranked 128th out of 188 countries in terms of total renewable groundwater resources, with an available volume of only 0.6 cubic meters per year. This limited resource underscores the challenges faced by the country, particularly in relation to its arid climate and predominantly desert landscape.

The scarcity of renewable groundwater resources in Libya can be attributed to several factors, including high evaporation rates, low annual rainfall, and extensive reliance on fossil aquifers, which are not replenished at sustainable rates. As a result, the management and conservation of existing water resources have become critical for supporting both agriculture and urban populations in the country.

Notably, Libya's situation is a reminder of the broader challenges facing many arid and semi-arid regions around the world, where water scarcity can lead to socio-economic instability and conflicts over limited resources. Efforts to enhance water management and explore alternative water supply solutions remain essential for Libya's future sustainability.

Brunei Darussalam

In 1965, Brunei Darussalam ranked 137th out of 188 countries in terms of total renewable groundwater resources, with a reported value of 0.1 cubic meters per year. This low figure reflects the country's limited freshwater availability and highlights the challenges it faces in managing its water resources.

The scarcity of renewable groundwater resources in Brunei can be attributed to its geographic and climatic conditions, which include a tropical rainforest climate that influences both rainfall patterns and groundwater recharge rates. Additionally, the relatively small land area of Brunei limits the catchment areas available for groundwater replenishment.

Understanding the implications of such limited groundwater resources is crucial for Brunei, particularly in terms of water security and sustainability. The country has invested in infrastructure to manage its water supply, but reliance on groundwater is inherently constrained by these natural limitations.

Albania

In 1965, Albania ranked 85th out of 188 countries in terms of total renewable groundwater resources, with a value of 6.2 cubic meters per year. This statistic indicates the country's availability of freshwater resources, essential for agriculture, drinking water, and industry.

The relatively low volume of renewable groundwater can be attributed to factors such as Albania's geographical features, including its mountainous terrain and the limited capacity of aquifers in certain regions. Additionally, during this period, the country was under a strict communist regime, which affected infrastructure development and water management practices.

Furthermore, Albania's water resources are influenced by its climatic conditions, which include a Mediterranean climate characterized by hot, dry summers and mild, wet winters. This climate variability can impact groundwater recharge rates and overall water availability.

Vanuatu

In 1965, Vanuatu ranked 97 out of 188 countries in terms of total renewable groundwater resources, with an estimated availability of 4.377 cubic meters per year. This ranking reflects the country's limited freshwater resources, which are influenced by its geographic and climatic conditions.

The archipelago of Vanuatu is characterized by its volcanic nature and tropical climate, which can lead to variable rainfall patterns. These environmental factors contribute to the availability of groundwater, making it a critical resource for the population. The reliance on groundwater is particularly significant in remote areas, where surface water sources may be scarce or polluted.

Furthermore, Vanuatu's ranking indicates challenges in water resource management, necessitating sustainable practices to ensure water availability for its growing population and agricultural needs. Interestingly, despite its limited groundwater resources, Vanuatu is known for its rich biodiversity and unique ecosystems, which are heavily dependent on the careful management of both terrestrial and aquatic resources.

Portugal

In 1965, Portugal ranked 100th out of 188 countries in terms of total renewable groundwater resources, with an estimated availability of 4 cubic meters per year. This figure reflects the country's relatively limited groundwater resources during that period, which was influenced by its geographical and climatic conditions.

Several factors contribute to the low volume of renewable groundwater in Portugal, including the country's varied topography, which features both mountainous regions and coastal plains, as well as its Mediterranean climate characterized by dry summers and wet winters. These climatic patterns affect the recharge rates of aquifers, thereby limiting the overall groundwater availability.

The importance of groundwater resources in Portugal has been underscored by the country's agricultural practices, which rely on irrigation due to the seasonal variability in rainfall. Furthermore, the management of water resources has gained increasing attention in subsequent decades, highlighting the significance of sustainable practices in addressing both agricultural needs and environmental conservation.

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