Total Renewable Groundwater Resources by Country 1971

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 measurement of "Total Renewable Groundwater Resources by Country" for the year 1971 provides a significant insight into the availability and sustainability of crucial water resources around the world. Total renewable groundwater encompasses the volume of underground water that is naturally replenished, sourced from both internal and external origins. This metric is pivotal for understanding water security and resource management on a global scale, impacting both environmental and economic arenas.

The Global Water Landscape of 1971

In 1971, the landscape of renewable groundwater resources was marked by considerable disparities across nations. With an average value of 59.38 cubic meters per year, the data highlights the uneven distribution of groundwater resources. The United States led the rankings with a substantial 1383 cubic meters per year, followed by China and Brazil with 828.8 and 645.6 cubic meters respectively. These figures underscore the strategic advantage held by countries with abundant groundwater, crucial for sustaining agricultural outputs, supporting industrial activities, and ensuring sufficient drinking water supplies.

Regional Distribution and Clustering

Examining the regional distribution of renewable groundwater resources reveals interesting clustering patterns. In the Americas, nations like the United States, Brazil, and Colombia benefitted from substantial renewable groundwater reserves, with Colombia boasting 510 cubic meters per year. Similarly, Asian giants such as China and India, with 432 cubic meters per year, underline the region's reliance on these resources to support their large populations and burgeoning economies. Conversely, many island nations, including the Bahamas, Tuvalu, and Tonga, reported negligible or zero renewable groundwater resources, highlighting their vulnerability to water scarcity and their dependence on alternative water sources like rainwater harvesting and desalination.

Climate and Environmental Implications

The climate plays a critical role in the natural replenishment of groundwater resources. Regions with high rainfall, such as the Amazon basin in Brazil or tropical Indonesia, enjoy abundant groundwater replenishment. Indonesia, for example, recorded 457.4 cubic meters per year, benefiting from its lush, rainforest-covered islands. On the flip side, arid regions face challenges in maintaining adequate groundwater levels, as minimal rainfall leads to limited natural recharge. This pattern is evident in many Middle Eastern and North African countries, where groundwater resources are not only limited but are also under significant stress from over-extraction.

Policy and Management Strategies

In 1971, the management of groundwater resources was gaining attention on the policy front as nations recognized their strategic importance. Countries with abundant resources like the United States and Canada, which had 370 cubic meters per year, focused on sustainable management practices to ensure long-term availability. This included implementing policies that regulated groundwater extraction and promoted conservation techniques. For nations with limited resources, like those in the bottom 10, strategic planning was essential, often involving international cooperation to develop shared water management frameworks and technologies to optimize existing water use.

Future Outlook and Long-term Trends

Looking beyond 1971, the trends in renewable groundwater resources suggest an increasing need for integrated water resource management. As global populations grow and climate patterns shift, the pressure on renewable water resources is expected to intensify. Countries rich in groundwater, such as Peru with 303 cubic meters per year, are likely to explore sustainable practices further, while those with scarce resources may need to innovate or seek international partnerships to secure their water futures. The data from 1971 sets the stage for understanding the ongoing challenges and opportunities in global water resource management.

The analysis of "Total Renewable Groundwater Resources by Country" in 1971 offers a glimpse into the strategic importance of these resources across different regions. It underscores the need for effective management policies and international cooperation to ensure the sustainability of groundwater resources for future generations.

Insights by country

Mongolia

Mongolia ranks 88th out of 188 countries in terms of total renewable groundwater resources as of 1971. The country has an estimated total of 6.1 cubic meters per year of renewable groundwater resources available for use.

This statistic reflects Mongolia's unique geographical and climatic conditions, characterized by a predominantly arid and semi-arid environment, which limits the availability of freshwater resources. The reliance on groundwater sources is critical for agricultural practices and drinking water supply, particularly in rural areas where surface water is scarce.

Factors contributing to the relatively low groundwater availability include the country's harsh climate, which results in limited precipitation, and the vast expanses of steppe terrain that do not retain moisture effectively. Additionally, Mongolia's rapid urbanization and livestock farming practices have put increasing pressure on these vital water resources.

Liberia

Liberia ranks 39th out of 188 countries in terms of total renewable groundwater resources as of 1971. The country possesses approximately 45 cubic meters per year of renewable groundwater resources per capita, indicating a significant availability of freshwater resources relative to its population.

This statistic reflects Liberia's favorable geographical conditions, which include extensive rainfall and a network of rivers and aquifers that contribute to its groundwater supplies. Factors such as the country's tropical climate and dense forest cover enhance the replenishment of groundwater resources.

However, despite this abundance, challenges such as inadequate infrastructure for water management and pollution from agricultural and urban runoff pose risks to the sustainable use of these resources. Additionally, historical conflicts and economic constraints have impacted the development of water supply systems, which are critical for the effective utilization of groundwater.

Mexico

In 1971, Mexico ranked 14th out of 188 countries in terms of total renewable groundwater resources, with an estimated availability of 150 cubic meters per year. This significant volume of groundwater resources underscores the importance of aquifers in supporting the country's agricultural and domestic water needs.

The relatively high ranking can be attributed to Mexico's diverse geography, which encompasses various climates and hydrological systems, allowing for substantial groundwater recharge. However, this resource is under pressure from factors such as rapid population growth, industrialization, and agricultural expansion, which can lead to over-extraction and depletion of these vital water sources.

Additionally, it is noteworthy that groundwater supports approximately 70% of Mexico's irrigation, highlighting its crucial role in food production and overall economic stability. Sustainable management of these resources remains a critical issue as the country faces ongoing challenges related to water scarcity and climate variability.

Belarus

In 1971, Belarus ranked 151 out of 188 countries regarding its total renewable groundwater resources. The reported value for this statistic was null cubic meters per year, indicating a lack of comprehensive data or potential underreporting of the available groundwater resources.

This ranking suggests that Belarus faced challenges in assessing and managing its groundwater resources during this period. Factors such as historical agricultural practices, industrialization, and environmental policies could have impacted the availability and sustainability of groundwater. Additionally, the country's geographical and climatic conditions may also play a role in influencing groundwater recharge and resource management.

Interestingly, groundwater is a crucial resource for Belarus, particularly in supporting agricultural activities and drinking water supplies. The reliance on this resource underscores the importance of effective water management strategies to ensure long-term sustainability and resilience against potential water scarcity.

Central African Republic

The Central African Republic ranks 33rd out of 188 countries in terms of total renewable groundwater resources as of 1971. The country possesses approximately 56 cubic meters per year of renewable groundwater resources per capita, indicating a significant availability of freshwater resources relative to its population at that time.

This substantial figure can be attributed to the Central African Republic's geographical location, which features extensive river systems and a tropical climate conducive to groundwater recharge. However, despite this potential, the country has historically faced challenges in managing and utilizing these resources effectively due to factors such as political instability, inadequate infrastructure, and limited access to technology.

Moreover, it is essential to note that while groundwater resources are abundant, the country’s capacity to harness and distribute this resource has been hampered by ongoing developmental issues, suggesting a disparity between resource availability and actual usage. In contrast, other countries with similar climates often implement advanced water management practices to optimize their renewable groundwater resources.

Benin

In 1971, Benin ranked 113th out of 188 countries in terms of total renewable groundwater resources, with an estimated 1.8 cubic meters per year available per capita. This figure reflects the country's limited water resources, which can significantly impact agricultural productivity and overall economic development.

The relatively low level of groundwater resources in Benin can be attributed to several factors, including its geographical location, climate conditions, and varying topography. The country experiences a tropical climate, with distinct wet and dry seasons, which influences water availability and accessibility.

Additionally, the reliance on agriculture as a primary economic activity in Benin underscores the importance of sustainable water management practices. With a growing population and increasing demand for water, the challenges surrounding groundwater resources remain pertinent, highlighting the need for effective governance and infrastructure development to enhance water security.

Egypt

In 1971, Egypt ranked 117 out of 188 countries in terms of total renewable groundwater resources, with a reported volume of 1.5 cubic meters per year. This relatively low figure reflects the challenges faced by the country in managing its water resources, particularly in a region characterized by arid and semi-arid climates.

The scarcity of groundwater resources in Egypt can be attributed to several factors, including its geographical location in northeastern Africa, where rainfall is minimal and irregular. The reliance on the Nile River as the primary source of freshwater further complicates the situation, as fluctuations in river flow can significantly impact agricultural and domestic water needs.

Additionally, the growing population and increasing demand for water resources have intensified pressure on existing groundwater supplies. As of the early 1970s, Egypt was facing the dual challenge of meeting the water needs of a rapidly expanding urban and agricultural sector while adhering to conservation measures to protect its limited groundwater reserves.

Luxembourg

In 1971, Luxembourg ranked 138th out of 188 countries in terms of total renewable groundwater resources. The country had a reported value of 0.08 cubic meters per year, indicating limited groundwater availability compared to many other nations.

This relatively low figure can be attributed to Luxembourg's small geographical size and its predominantly urban landscape, which limits the extent of natural water recharge areas. Additionally, the country's industrial and agricultural practices may have influenced groundwater sustainability and availability.

Interestingly, while Luxembourg's groundwater resources are minimal, the country has made significant investments in water management and infrastructure, ensuring that its water quality remains high despite lower quantities. This has positioned Luxembourg as a leader in sustainable water practices within Europe.

Haiti

In 1971, Haiti ranked 111th out of 188 countries in terms of total renewable groundwater resources, with a measured value of 2.157 cubic meters per year. This figure highlights the limited availability of freshwater resources in the country, which is a critical issue for both agricultural and domestic needs.

The relatively low volume of renewable groundwater resources can be attributed to several factors, including geographical and climatic conditions that influence water availability, as well as deforestation and soil erosion that diminish the capacity of aquifers to recharge. Additionally, Haiti's socio-economic challenges, such as poverty and inadequate infrastructure, further complicate water management and access.

Moreover, the situation has historically been exacerbated by natural disasters, including hurricanes and earthquakes, which can disrupt water supply systems and contaminate existing resources. Understanding and addressing the dynamics of Haiti's groundwater resources is crucial for sustainable development and improving the quality of life for its population.

Mozambique

Mozambique ranks 63rd out of 188 countries in terms of total renewable groundwater resources as of 1971. The country possesses a total renewable groundwater resource of 17 cubic meters per year, which is relatively modest compared to many other nations.

This statistic reflects Mozambique's geographic and climatic conditions, where significant portions of the country experience seasonal rainfall patterns and varying hydrological systems. Factors contributing to the groundwater resource levels include the country's topography, vegetation cover, and the impact of historical land use practices.

Furthermore, Mozambique's reliance on groundwater is crucial for agricultural activities, particularly in rural areas where surface water may be limited. Sustainable management of these resources is imperative to ensure water security for its growing population and to support economic development.

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