Total Renewable Groundwater Resources by Country 1968

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

Total Renewable Groundwater Resources by Country in 1968 measures the volume of groundwater that is naturally replenished and available for utilization across various nations. This vital resource supports agricultural, industrial, and domestic water needs, contributing significantly to environmental sustainability and economic stability. Understanding the data from 1968 provides a foundational perspective for evaluating long-term trends and planning future resource management strategies.

Global Scenario of Renewable Groundwater in 1968

In 1968, global renewable groundwater resources varied considerably across the 163 countries for which data was available. The United States emerged as the leader with a substantial 1,383 cubic meters per year, underscoring its vast geographical diversity and significant hydrological systems. China followed with 828.8 cubic meters, reflecting its extensive river networks and monsoonal influence. Brazil, known for the Amazon Basin, registered 645.6 cubic meters, highlighting its rich freshwater ecosystems. Conversely, smaller island nations such as Antigua and Barbuda, Bahamas, and Tuvalu reported no measurable renewable groundwater resources, indicative of their limited freshwater aquifers and reliance on other water sources.

Influence of Climate and Ecosystems on Groundwater Resources

Climate patterns and ecological conditions in 1968 played a pivotal role in shaping renewable groundwater resources. Tropical countries like Colombia and Indonesia, with 510 and 457.4 cubic meters respectively, benefited from abundant rainfall and dense rainforests that facilitated groundwater recharge. In contrast, arid regions experienced limited replenishment due to sparse precipitation. The Democratic Republic of the Congo, with its extensive tropical rainforests, had a significant groundwater volume of 421 cubic meters, supporting diverse ecosystems and agricultural activities. These variations underscore the critical interplay between climate conditions and groundwater availability, influencing water management and conservation strategies.

Regional Disparities in Groundwater Availability

In 1968, the distribution of renewable groundwater resources highlighted distinct regional disparities. North America, led by the United States and Canada with 370 cubic meters, showcased higher resource availability due to expansive river systems and substantial aquifers. South America, represented by Brazil and Peru with 303 cubic meters, benefited from large river basins and rainforest ecosystems. In contrast, several countries in Oceania, including Niue and the Cook Islands, reported no renewable groundwater resources, reflecting their challenges in sourcing freshwater due to geographic isolation and limited aquifer recharge.

Policy Impacts and Sustainability Considerations

During this period, policy decisions and sustainability considerations were increasingly recognized as crucial for managing groundwater resources. Countries with substantial renewable resources, such as India with 432 cubic meters, faced the challenge of balancing consumption with recharge rates to ensure long-term sustainability. Governments were beginning to implement water management policies aimed at promoting efficient use and protecting aquifers from over-extraction and pollution. The data from 1968 underscores the importance of integrated water resource management approaches that consider both current usage levels and future demands to safeguard this critical resource.

Historical Context and Future Implications

Examining the total renewable groundwater resources in 1968 provides a historical context for understanding how countries have managed this vital resource over time. Despite the absence of significant changes from the previous year, as indicated by the zero percent average change, the data serves as a baseline for assessing long-term trends. These trends inform contemporary water management practices and highlight the necessity for adaptive strategies in response to evolving climatic, demographic, and economic conditions. Looking forward, sustainable groundwater management remains a global priority, critical for supporting economic growth, environmental health, and human well-being in the face of increasing challenges posed by climate change and population growth.

Insights by country

Czech Republic

In 1968, the Czech Republic ranked 155th out of 188 countries in terms of total renewable groundwater resources. The country recorded a value of null cubic meters per year, indicating either a lack of comprehensive data collection at the time or negligible renewable groundwater resources accessible for use.

This statistic reflects the broader challenges of water resource management in Central Europe during the period, as the region was undergoing significant industrialization and urbanization. Factors contributing to this ranking may include geological formations, historical land use practices, and the impact of industrial activities on natural aquifers.

Interestingly, the Czech Republic's water management strategies have evolved significantly since 1968, focusing on sustainable practices and the protection of existing water resources, highlighting a growing awareness of water conservation in response to global environmental challenges.

Gabon

In 1968, Gabon ranked 30th out of 188 countries for its total renewable groundwater resources, with a reported value of 62 cubic meters per year. This significant amount of renewable groundwater resources reflects Gabon's abundant rainfall and extensive forested areas, which contribute to the replenishment of aquifers.

The nation's high ranking in groundwater resources can be attributed to its geographical location along the equator, characterized by a humid tropical climate that supports rich biodiversity and substantial freshwater systems. Such resources are essential for both human consumption and agricultural activities in the region.

Additionally, Gabon's natural environment, which includes vast forested regions and river systems, plays a crucial role in maintaining these groundwater resources. In comparison to other countries, Gabon's sustainable management of its water resources remains vital for its economic development and environmental conservation.

Gambia

In 1968, Gambia ranked 130th out of 188 countries in terms of total renewable groundwater resources, with a reported value of 0.5 cubic meters per year. This low figure reflects the country's limited freshwater resources, which are influenced by its geographical characteristics and climate.

The Gambia River, which flows through the country, is a significant source of surface water, but the availability of groundwater is constrained by factors such as seasonal rainfall variations and the over-extraction of water for agricultural purposes. These aspects contribute to challenges in water management and accessibility for the population.

Furthermore, the reliance on agriculture, which represents a substantial part of Gambia's economy, exacerbates the pressure on both surface and groundwater resources. As of the late 1960s, the country was still developing its infrastructure and strategies for sustainable water use, which remains a critical issue for future water security.

Afghanistan

In 1968, Afghanistan ranked 71st out of 188 countries in terms of total renewable groundwater resources, with a significant value of 10.65 cubic meters per year. This statistic reflects the country's geographical and climatic conditions, which influence its water availability and sustainability.

The relatively moderate ranking indicates that while Afghanistan has access to groundwater resources, challenges such as political instability, infrastructure deficits, and varying climatic conditions can affect the management and utilization of these resources. Moreover, the reliance on groundwater is critical in a country where surface water may be scarce due to the arid and semi-arid environments prevalent in many regions.

Notably, groundwater serves as a vital source for agriculture and drinking water in Afghanistan, highlighting the importance of sustainable management practices to ensure long-term availability. As of the late 20th century, Afghanistan's water resources have faced increasing pressures from population growth, agricultural demands, and climate variability, making sound water resource management imperative for the country's development.

South Sudan

In 1968, South Sudan was ranked 181 out of 188 countries regarding its total renewable groundwater resources, which was recorded at null cubic meters per year. This ranking indicates a significant deficiency in the country's renewable groundwater resources, reflecting a lack of accessible freshwater sources for its population and agricultural needs.

The scarcity of renewable groundwater resources in South Sudan can be attributed to various factors, including the country's geographical characteristics, historical conflicts, and underdeveloped water management infrastructure. The region's reliance on seasonal rainfall and the absence of comprehensive water conservation practices have further exacerbated the situation.

Moreover, this statistic is particularly concerning given that South Sudan is predominantly rural, with a large portion of its population dependent on agriculture, which is highly vulnerable to water scarcity. The challenges faced in water resource management are compounded by the ongoing socio-political instability, which hampers efforts to improve water supply and sanitation systems.

Turkey

In 1968, Turkey ranked 28th among 188 countries for total renewable groundwater resources, with an estimated availability of 67.8 cubic meters per year. This significant resource reflects the diverse geography and climate of Turkey, which includes mountainous regions and fertile plains that contribute to the replenishment of groundwater.

The high rank in renewable groundwater resources can be attributed to Turkey's extensive river systems and aquifers, which are crucial for agricultural irrigation and domestic water supply. However, the sustainability of these resources has been challenged by factors such as rapid population growth, urbanization, and industrial demands, leading to concerns about water management and conservation.

Additionally, Turkey's reliance on groundwater resources highlights the importance of effective water resource policies to address both current and future challenges, ensuring that this vital resource remains available for generations to come.

Trinidad and Tobago

In 1968, Trinidad and Tobago ranked 127th out of 188 countries in terms of total renewable groundwater resources, with a recorded value of 0.614 cubic meters per year. This statistic reflects the limited availability of freshwater resources in the country, which can be influenced by factors such as geographical location, climate, and hydrological cycles.

The relatively low volume of renewable groundwater resources may be attributed to the island's tropical climate, which experiences seasonal rainfall patterns that can vary significantly from year to year. Moreover, urbanization and agricultural practices can exert additional pressure on water resources, potentially leading to depletion or contamination.

Interestingly, Trinidad and Tobago's reliance on groundwater is significant, as it constitutes a vital source of water for both domestic and agricultural use. The country's diverse ecosystems and varying topography also play a crucial role in the hydrology and availability of these water resources, highlighting the importance of sustainable management practices to ensure long-term water security.

Suriname

In 1968, Suriname ranked 24th out of 188 countries in terms of total renewable groundwater resources, with an impressive availability of 90 cubic meters per year per capita. This statistic highlights Suriname's significant freshwater resources, which are crucial for both agricultural and domestic use.

The abundance of groundwater resources in Suriname can be attributed to its geographical features, including extensive rainforests and a tropical climate that contributes to high levels of precipitation. Furthermore, the country's low population density allows for a sustainable utilization of these water resources.

Interestingly, Suriname's rich biodiversity and extensive forests play a vital role in maintaining its water cycle, which is essential for replenishing groundwater. The management of these resources is critical for ensuring long-term water security in the face of potential environmental changes.

Syrian Arab Republic

In 1968, the Syrian Arab Republic ranked 86th out of 188 countries regarding its total renewable groundwater resources. The country had an estimated total of 6.174 cubic meters per year available for use, positioning it within a context of varying water availability across the globe.

This relatively modest figure reflects a combination of geographical and climatic factors, including the presence of arid and semi-arid regions that dominate much of Syria's landscape. The reliance on groundwater resources is critical for agricultural practices and domestic water supply, especially given the limited surface water sources available.

Additionally, the management and sustainability of these groundwater resources have been a significant concern, influenced by factors such as population growth, agricultural demands, and industrial usage. Understanding the dynamics of groundwater resources is essential for formulating effective water management policies, particularly in light of Syria's ongoing environmental challenges.

State of Palestine

The State of Palestine had a total renewable groundwater resource of 0.75 cubic meters per year in 1968, ranking 125th out of 188 countries. This figure reflects the limited availability of freshwater resources in the region, which is critical for sustaining the population and agricultural activities.

Several factors contribute to this low statistic, including the geographic and climatic conditions of the area, which features arid and semi-arid landscapes with limited rainfall. Additionally, political and socio-economic challenges have historically hindered effective water management and infrastructure development.

It is noteworthy that the scarcity of water resources has profound implications for food security and public health in the State of Palestine, highlighting the need for sustainable water management practices and international cooperation to address water scarcity issues in the region.

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