Total Renewable Groundwater Resources by Country 1969

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)•

View data for:

Interactive Map

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 1969 reveal significant insights into global water availability and usage patterns. These resources, measured in cubic meters per year, quantify the volume of groundwater that is naturally replenished and available for use. Understanding these statistics is crucial as water resources play a vital role in environmental sustainability, economic development, and social stability. In this analysis, we examine the data patterns from 1969, highlighting key countries with the highest and lowest renewable groundwater resources and exploring the underlying environmental and geographical factors.

Global Context and Importance

In 1969, the global awareness of environmental issues began to grow, marking the early stages of the modern environmental movement. The concept of sustainable water management became increasingly important as nations recognized the need to balance consumption with natural replenishment. Total renewable groundwater resources are a critical component of this balance, as they provide insights into the potential for sustainable water use and the ecological health of a region.

Groundwater resources are influenced by various factors, including climate conditions, geographical formations, and human activities. Countries with abundant renewable groundwater resources have a strategic advantage in agricultural productivity, industrial activities, and overall economic resilience.

Leading Nations in Renewable Groundwater Resources

The 1969 data indicates that the United States led the world with a total renewable groundwater resource of 1,383 cubic meters per year. This substantial resource base supports the country's expansive agricultural sector and industrial activities. China, with 828.8 cubic meters per year, and Brazil, with 645.6 cubic meters per year, also showcase significant groundwater resources, reflecting their vast geographical areas and diverse climatic conditions that facilitate water replenishment.

Interestingly, Colombia and Indonesia, ranking fourth and fifth respectively, illustrate the importance of tropical climates in promoting high levels of groundwater recharge. These countries benefit from dense forest cover and high rainfall, contributing to their robust groundwater resources. Such countries need to manage these resources judiciously to prevent over-exploitation and maintain ecological balance.

Challenges Faced by Countries with Minimal Resources

In stark contrast, several countries reported zero renewable groundwater resources in 1969, including Antigua and Barbuda, the Bahamas, and Tuvalu. These nations, primarily small island states, face inherent limitations due to their geographic size and lack of substantial aquifer systems. The absence of renewable groundwater resources poses significant challenges for sustainable water management, necessitating reliance on alternative water sources such as desalination and rainwater harvesting.

These countries must implement proactive water management strategies to cope with natural limitations and ensure water security for their populations. Additionally, international cooperation and support are crucial for these nations to develop infrastructure and technologies that can mitigate water scarcity.

Geographical and Climatic Influences on Groundwater Resources

The geographical distribution of renewable groundwater resources is closely tied to climatic patterns and land formations. Countries with vast land areas and diverse topographies, such as the United States, China, and Brazil, exhibit significant renewable groundwater resources. These nations benefit from varied climate zones that contribute to consistent groundwater recharge rates.

Conversely, arid and semi-arid regions, as well as small island states, often experience limited renewable groundwater resources due to low precipitation and limited surface area for aquifer development. This highlights the importance of understanding regional climatic conditions and geographical features to develop effective water management policies.

Sustainability and Resource Management

The 1969 data underscores the need for sustainable groundwater resource management to ensure long-term water availability. Countries with abundant resources must focus on conservation practices to prevent over-extraction, which can lead to depletion and environmental degradation. Meanwhile, nations with limited resources should prioritize efficient water use and explore innovative technologies for water augmentation.

International collaboration in sharing best practices and technologies for water management is essential. Additionally, understanding the relationship between renewable groundwater resources and broader environmental factors will aid in crafting more effective global water policies.

The analysis of total renewable groundwater resources by country in 1969 offers valuable insights into the global distribution of these vital resources. As countries continue to grapple with the challenges of population growth, climate change, and water scarcity, these statistics serve as a foundation for developing sustainable water management strategies that ensure the equitable distribution and use of groundwater resources worldwide.

Insights by country

Guinea-Bissau

In 1969, Guinea-Bissau ranked 64th out of 188 countries in terms of total renewable groundwater resources, with a measured value of 14 cubic meters per year. This statistic reflects the country's limited freshwater resources, which are crucial for agriculture, drinking water, and sanitation.

The relatively low amount of renewable groundwater resources can be attributed to several factors, including the country's tropical climate, which is characterized by distinct wet and dry seasons, and the prevalence of porous soils that may lead to higher rates of evaporation and runoff. Additionally, the overall geographic and geological conditions of Guinea-Bissau influence groundwater recharge rates.

Access to groundwater is vital for the rural population of Guinea-Bissau, where agriculture remains a significant part of the economy. As such, the management and sustainable use of these limited resources are critical for ensuring food security and improving living conditions in the country.

Senegal

In 1969, Senegal ranked 102nd out of 188 countries regarding total renewable groundwater resources, with an estimated availability of 3.5 cubic meters per year. This figure reflects the country's limited groundwater supply relative to its population and agricultural requirements.

The availability of groundwater in Senegal has significant implications for agriculture, drinking water supply, and overall economic development. Factors contributing to the limited groundwater resources include climatic conditions, regional topography, and the over-extraction of aquifers due to increasing demand.

Moreover, Senegal's reliance on agriculture, which employs a considerable portion of the population, underscores the importance of sustainable water management practices. In this context, understanding groundwater resources is crucial for addressing the challenges posed by population growth, climate variability, and the need for food security.

Suriname

In 1969, Suriname ranked 24th out of 188 countries in terms of total renewable groundwater resources, with a significant total of 90 cubic meters per year. This notable ranking underscores the country's substantial freshwater resources, which are critical for both domestic use and agricultural activities.

The abundance of groundwater in Suriname can be attributed to its geographical features, including extensive rainforests and a tropical climate that supports high levels of precipitation. These natural conditions facilitate the replenishment of groundwater aquifers, making Suriname one of the countries with a favorable water resource situation.

Additionally, the availability of renewable groundwater resources is essential for the country's development, particularly in rural areas where access to clean water is vital for health and economic activities. The management and sustainable use of these resources remain crucial for Suriname's future, especially in light of potential environmental challenges.

United States

The United States held the position of having the largest total renewable groundwater resources in the world in 1969, with a remarkable value of 1,383 cubic meters per year. This significant resource allocation underscored the country's extensive aquifer systems and varied climatic conditions that favor groundwater recharge.

Several factors contributed to this high ranking, including the vast geographical diversity of the United States, which encompasses different climatic zones, allowing for substantial rainfall and snowmelt to replenish groundwater supplies. Additionally, responsible water management practices in many regions have helped maintain sustainable groundwater levels.

In context, the abundant groundwater resources in 1969 played a critical role in supporting agricultural activities, industrial uses, and municipal water supply across various states. As a related statistic, it is noteworthy that groundwater accounts for about 30% of the total freshwater withdrawals in the United States, highlighting its essential role in the nation's water resource management strategy.

Saudi Arabia

In 1969, Saudi Arabia ranked 110th out of 188 countries in terms of total renewable groundwater resources, with a measured availability of 2.2 cubic meters per year. This statistic highlights the country's limited freshwater resources, which are critical for its agricultural and domestic needs.

The arid climate of Saudi Arabia, characterized by high temperatures and low precipitation, significantly influences its groundwater availability. The reliance on aquifers and underground reservoirs is common in the region, as surface water is scarce. Consequently, the country has invested in technologies such as desalination and water recycling to supplement its water supply.

Additionally, the historical context of water management in Saudi Arabia reflects the challenges posed by rapid population growth and economic development, which have increased demand for water resources. As of this period, the country was beginning to implement policies aimed at improving water conservation and sustainable management practices.

Bulgaria

In 1969, Bulgaria ranked 84th out of 188 countries regarding total renewable groundwater resources, with a reported value of 6.4 cubic meters per year. This statistic highlights the relatively limited availability of freshwater resources in the country during this period, which had implications for agricultural practices and water management policies.

Several factors contributed to Bulgaria's groundwater resource status in 1969, including geographic and climatic conditions, as well as the historical development of water infrastructure. The Balkan Peninsula's varied topography and continental climate can lead to uneven distribution of water resources across the region, affecting the recharge rates of aquifers.

Additionally, the socio-economic context of Bulgaria at the time, characterized by a centrally planned economy, influenced water usage and conservation practices. It is noteworthy that groundwater resources are crucial for sustaining agriculture and drinking water supplies, making their management vital for the country's development.

Sri Lanka

Sri Lanka ranked 79th out of 188 countries in terms of total renewable groundwater resources in 1969. The country reported a total of 7.8 cubic meters per year of renewable groundwater resources, which reflects the availability of fresh water for agricultural, domestic, and industrial use.

This statistic is significant as it highlights the importance of groundwater in Sri Lanka's water supply, especially given the agricultural nature of its economy, where irrigation is crucial. Factors contributing to this measurement include the country's geographical features, monsoon rainfall patterns, and the geological formations that affect aquifer recharge rates.

Additionally, it is noteworthy that groundwater resources are vital for rural communities in Sri Lanka, where access to surface water can be limited. The reliance on groundwater underscores the need for sustainable management practices to ensure long-term availability amidst challenges such as population growth and climate variability.

Bhutan

In 1969, Bhutan ranked 76th out of 188 countries in terms of total renewable groundwater resources. The country possessed a total of 9.5 cubic meters per year of renewable groundwater resources, a figure reflecting the unique hydrological characteristics of its mountainous terrain.

This statistic is indicative of Bhutan's reliance on natural water sources for agriculture and domestic use, as the country's topography presents challenges for water management and storage. The relatively low groundwater availability can be attributed to the high elevation and steep slopes that limit groundwater recharge, alongside the seasonal nature of precipitation in the region.

Furthermore, Bhutan's commitment to environmental conservation and sustainable resource management has led to a focus on maintaining its water quality and availability amidst increasing demands from both population growth and agricultural practices. Interestingly, Bhutan is also recognized for its efforts to prioritize Gross National Happiness over economic growth, which includes sustainable management of natural resources.

Sao Tome and Principe

Sao Tome and Principe ranked 176th out of 188 countries in terms of total renewable groundwater resources in the year 1969. The country reported a value of 0 cubic meters per year for this statistic, indicating a significant scarcity of groundwater resources.

This lack of renewable groundwater can be attributed to the small land area of the islands and the tropical climate, which limits the availability of freshwater sources. The geography of Sao Tome and Principe, characterized by volcanic landscapes and steep terrain, further complicates the collection and storage of water resources.

The limited groundwater supply has implications for agriculture, drinking water availability, and overall economic development in Sao Tome and Principe. Historically, the islands have relied heavily on rainfall and surface water for their freshwater needs, which makes them vulnerable to fluctuations in weather patterns.

Canada

In 1969, Canada ranked ninth among 188 countries for total renewable groundwater resources, with a substantial volume of 370 cubic meters per year. This significant ranking reflects Canada's vast geographic size and diverse hydrological systems, which contribute to its abundant freshwater resources.

The availability of renewable groundwater in Canada can be attributed to its extensive natural landscapes, including numerous lakes, rivers, and aquifers. Factors such as the country's relatively low population density and effective water management practices have also played a role in sustaining these groundwater resources.

Additionally, Canada is recognized for its commitment to conservation and sustainable use of water resources, which has further ensured the preservation of its renewable groundwater. This resource is crucial for various sectors, including agriculture, industry, and domestic use, highlighting the importance of effective governance in water resource management.

Data Source

Food and Agriculture Organization of the United Nations (FAO)

The Food and Agriculture Organization (FAO) is a specialized agency of the United Nations that leads international efforts to defeat hunger.

Visit Data Source

Historical Data by Year

Explore Total Renewable Groundwater Resources by Country data across different years. Compare trends and see how statistics have changed over time.

More Environment Facts

Agricultural land

Agricultural land measures the area dedicated to farming and cultivation in countries, impacting food production and sustainability. Understanding this statistic is crucial for assessing agricultural capacity and economic development.

View data

Browse All Environment

Explore more facts and statistics in this category

All Categories

Discover more categories with comprehensive global data