Total Renewable Groundwater Resources by Country 1970

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 are a critical measure of a country's natural water supply resilience and sustainability. In 1970, this metric provided insights into how nations around the world could sustain their water needs through naturally replenished groundwater. This information is instrumental in understanding geographical disparities, policy priorities, and the challenges of managing water resources globally. With data from 163 countries, this analysis uncovers the patterns and implications of groundwater availability worldwide.

The Global Significance of Groundwater Resources in 1970

In 1970, many countries heavily relied on groundwater for agricultural, industrial, and domestic purposes. The total renewable groundwater resources metric captures both internally generated and externally sourced water that replenishes naturally. This was especially crucial in an era where water management strategies were increasingly under the microscope due to rising populations and industrial demands. With a maximum value recorded in the United States at 1,383 cubic meters per year and a minimum of zero in several small island nations, the data displayed significant disparity in water availability. Understanding these resources was essential for both economic development and environmental sustainability.

Continental Comparisons and Disparities

The 1970 data highlights stark differences in groundwater availability across continents. North America, represented by the United States and Canada, featured prominently among the top ten, with the United States having the highest renewable groundwater resources. South America also showcased significant water wealth, with countries like Brazil, Colombia, and Peru making the top ten list. In contrast, small island nations such as Antigua and Barbuda, and Tuvalu, faced challenges due to their absolute lack of renewable groundwater resources. These disparities underscore the varying geographical and climatic conditions that influence groundwater replenishment.

Sustainability Challenges in Groundwater Management

Despite the abundance recorded in some regions, the sustainability of groundwater resources remained a pressing issue in 1970. Over-extraction and pollution were already emerging concerns, with countries like India and China facing significant pressures due to large agricultural demands. The average value of 59.38 cubic meters per year indicates that many countries had limited resources to meet their growing populations' needs. This highlighted the necessity for effective policy measures to ensure sustainable management and protect against overuse and contamination.

Policy and Governance Implications

The data from 1970 informed policy decisions related to water management on both national and international levels. Countries recognized the importance of investing in technology and infrastructure to maximize the efficient use of groundwater resources. For example, nations with substantial resources like Brazil and Indonesia needed to balance use with conservation to prevent depletion. Conversely, countries with minimal or no renewable groundwater resources were driven to explore alternative water sourcing methods, such as desalination or improved rainwater harvesting, to supplement their needs.

Future Projections and Long-term Trends

While the 1970 figures provide a snapshot of groundwater resources at that time, they also serve as a baseline for future projections. As of 1970, there were no significant year-over-year changes, but this stability would not continue indefinitely. Anticipating future demands and climate variability would require adaptive strategies and international cooperation. The data highlighted the urgent need for integrated water resource management approaches, considering both current availability and future demands.

Conclusively, the "Total Renewable Groundwater Resources by Country" data from 1970 delivered critical insights into the global water resource landscape. It emphasized the disparities between nations, the challenges of sustainable management, and the policy imperatives necessary to address future water security. As countries continue to navigate the complexities of water resource management, these historical insights remain vital for understanding the broader context of global water sustainability.

Insights by country

Sierra Leone

In 1970, Sierra Leone ranked 54th out of 188 countries in terms of total renewable groundwater resources, with an estimated 25 cubic meters per year available per capita. This statistic highlights the country's relatively abundant groundwater resources, which are crucial for supporting agriculture, drinking water supply, and sanitation.

Several factors contribute to the availability of groundwater in Sierra Leone, including its geographical features and climate. The country is characterized by a tropical climate with significant rainfall, which facilitates groundwater recharge. Additionally, the country's geology, consisting of sedimentary basins, plays a role in the storage and movement of groundwater resources.

Understanding groundwater availability is vital for Sierra Leone, particularly given its historical context of civil conflict and economic challenges. Effective management of these resources is essential for improving water security and supporting sustainable development initiatives in the nation.

Djibouti

In 1970, Djibouti ranked 145th out of 188 countries in terms of total renewable groundwater resources, with a meager availability of 0.015 cubic meters per year. This low figure reflects the country's challenging geographical and climatic conditions, characterized by arid landscapes and limited rainfall.

The scarcity of groundwater resources in Djibouti can be attributed to several factors, including its predominantly desert environment, high evaporation rates, and a lack of substantial river systems. These environmental challenges necessitate the reliance on alternative water sources, such as desalination and rainwater harvesting, to meet the needs of its population.

Additionally, Djibouti's strategic location near major shipping routes has led to urbanization and increased water demand, further exacerbating the challenges related to water scarcity. As a result, effective water management strategies are critical to ensure sustainable water supply for both human consumption and agricultural purposes in this resource-limited nation.

Iran

In 1970, Iran was ranked 36th out of 188 countries in terms of total renewable groundwater resources, with a notable availability of 49.3 cubic meters per year per capita. This substantial figure reflects the country's reliance on groundwater as a critical resource for agriculture and domestic use, particularly in arid and semi-arid regions where surface water is scarce.

The availability of groundwater resources in Iran has been influenced by various factors, including the country's topography, climate, and historical water management practices. The predominance of dry climate zones necessitates a strong dependence on groundwater to sustain farming and support growing populations.

Additionally, it is important to note that the 1970 figure is indicative of a time when water resource management was less challenged by the stresses of population growth and industrialization, which have since led to increased concerns about groundwater depletion and quality in the region.

Thailand

In 1970, Thailand ranked 41st out of 188 countries in terms of total renewable groundwater resources, with a significant value of 41.9 cubic meters per year. This statistic reflects the country's reliance on groundwater for various uses, including agricultural irrigation, drinking water, and industrial processes.

The substantial groundwater resources can be attributed to Thailand's diverse geography, which includes mountainous regions and fertile plains that facilitate aquifer recharge. Additionally, the country's climate features distinct wet and dry seasons, influencing the availability of surface water and subsequently groundwater levels.

Interestingly, the management of these resources has become increasingly critical due to population growth and economic development. The demand for groundwater has intensified, leading to challenges such as over-extraction and contamination, which threaten the sustainability of this vital resource in the long term.

Vanuatu

In 1970, Vanuatu ranked 97th out of 188 countries in terms of total renewable groundwater resources, with a measured value of 4.377 cubic meters per year. This statistic highlights the limited freshwater availability for the nation, which consists of over 80 islands scattered across the South Pacific Ocean.

The relatively low volume of renewable groundwater resources can be attributed to Vanuatu's geographical characteristics, including its volcanic islands and tropical climate, which influence precipitation patterns and groundwater recharge rates. Additionally, the country faces challenges such as population growth and climate change, which could further impact the sustainability of its water resources.

As a point of interest, Vanuatu's reliance on groundwater resources underscores the importance of sustainable water management practices, especially in light of its vulnerability to natural disasters such as cyclones and rising sea levels, which may threaten freshwater availability in the future.

Saudi Arabia

In 1970, Saudi Arabia ranked 110th out of 188 countries in terms of total renewable groundwater resources, with a notably low availability of 2.2 cubic meters per year per capita. This figure reflects the country's arid climate and limited natural freshwater sources, making groundwater a critical resource for agriculture and drinking water.

The scarcity of renewable groundwater resources in Saudi Arabia can be attributed to its geographical features, characterized by vast deserts and minimal rainfall. As a result, the nation has historically relied on groundwater extraction to support its growing population and agricultural needs, leading to concerns about over-extraction and sustainability.

Additionally, the reliance on desalination has increased as a supplementary source of freshwater, with Saudi Arabia becoming one of the world's leaders in desalination technology, further highlighting the challenges associated with limited renewable groundwater resources.

Tunisia

Tunisia ranked 115th out of 188 countries in terms of total renewable groundwater resources in the year 1970. The country had a total of 1.595 cubic meters of renewable groundwater resources per year, reflecting its limited availability of freshwater resources relative to its geographical and climatic conditions.

This modest figure can be attributed to Tunisia's arid climate, characterized by low annual rainfall and high evaporation rates, which significantly impact the replenishment of groundwater aquifers. Additionally, factors such as increasing agricultural demands, urbanization, and population growth have contributed to the stress on these vital water resources.

Interestingly, despite its challenges, Tunisia has made strides in water management practices over the years, focusing on improving irrigation efficiency and promoting water conservation measures to address the scarcity of freshwater resources. This is crucial in a region where groundwater serves as a key lifeline for agriculture and domestic water supply.

Myanmar

In 1970, Myanmar ranked 6th out of 188 countries in terms of total renewable groundwater resources, boasting a substantial volume of 453.7 cubic meters per year. This significant resource availability can be attributed to the country’s diverse geography, which includes extensive river systems and a monsoon climate that contributes to groundwater replenishment.

The high ranking reflects Myanmar's rich natural resources, which are vital for agriculture, drinking water supply, and sustaining the livelihoods of its population. However, the management and preservation of these groundwater resources are crucial, as factors such as urbanization, agricultural practices, and climate variability can directly impact their sustainability.

Additionally, groundwater plays a critical role in Myanmar's economy, especially for rural communities that rely heavily on groundwater for irrigation. Proper management of these resources is essential to ensure long-term availability and to mitigate potential water scarcity issues in the future.

Panama

In 1970, Panama ranked 58th out of 188 countries in terms of total renewable groundwater resources, with an estimated availability of 21 cubic meters per year. This statistic highlights the country's reliance on its groundwater sources for agricultural, domestic, and industrial uses, given its tropical climate and varying rainfall patterns.

Factors contributing to Panama's groundwater resources include its diverse topography and significant rainfall, particularly in the mountainous regions. However, the management of these resources has been crucial in sustaining the environment and meeting the growing demands of its population, which was experiencing economic growth during this period.

Interestingly, Panama's geographical location as a transit hub also impacts its water resource management, as the Panama Canal's operations require substantial water for its locks, further emphasizing the importance of renewable groundwater in the nation's infrastructure and economy.

Ukraine

In 1970, Ukraine ranked 187th out of 188 countries in terms of total renewable groundwater resources, with an estimated value of null cubic meters per year. This statistic indicates a significant scarcity of renewable groundwater resources during that period, which may have profound implications for the country's agricultural and drinking water supply.

The low ranking can be attributed to various factors, including geological conditions, climate variability, and historical water management practices. Ukraine's diverse topography and climate can lead to uneven distribution of water resources, exacerbated by the effects of industrialization and pollution that have historically impacted groundwater quality and availability.

Additionally, during the early 1970s, Ukraine was part of the Soviet Union, where centralized planning often prioritized industrial output over sustainable water management, leading to further depletion of available groundwater resources. This situation has had enduring effects on the region's water security and agricultural productivity.

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