Total Renewable Groundwater Resources by Country 1972

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

In 1972, the global landscape of renewable groundwater resources revealed significant insights into how different countries managed and utilized their natural water reserves. Total renewable groundwater resources encompass the cumulative volume of internally generated and externally sourced groundwater that is naturally replenished and available for consumption. Understanding the distribution and availability of these resources is crucial for environmental sustainability, economic development, and geopolitical stability. This analysis highlights the disparities and regional trends in groundwater availability during this pivotal year.

Geographic Distribution of Groundwater Resources

In 1972, the United States emerged as the leading country in terms of renewable groundwater resources, boasting 1,383 cubic meters per year. This substantial figure underscores the country's vast and diverse geographical features that contribute to its groundwater wealth. China followed with 828.8 cubic meters, reflecting its extensive river systems and varied climate zones. Brazil and Colombia also ranked high with 645.6 and 510 cubic meters respectively, indicative of their rich rainforests and abundant rainfall.

Conversely, several countries recorded minimal to no renewable groundwater resources, such as Antigua and Barbuda, the Bahamas, and Tuvalu, each with a value of zero. These nations, primarily small island states, face unique challenges regarding water scarcity and rely heavily on techniques like rainwater harvesting and desalination. The stark contrast between these extremes highlights the importance of geographic and climatic factors in determining groundwater availability.

Climate Influence and Environmental Factors

The availability of renewable groundwater resources is inherently linked to climatic conditions. In 1972, countries with abundant rainfall and robust hydrological systems, such as Indonesia and the Democratic Republic of the Congo, showcased higher groundwater renewability. Indonesia's 457.4 cubic meters and the Democratic Republic of the Congo's 421 cubic meters underscore the positive correlation between tropical climates and groundwater resource replenishment.

The data from this year also reveals the impact of environmental policies on groundwater conservation. Countries with proactive water management strategies tended to maximize their natural resources more effectively. This realization has since prompted many nations to adopt sustainable water usage practices, focusing on conservation and efficient management of water resources as a response to growing environmental awareness.

Socio-Economic Implications of Groundwater Availability

Groundwater resources are not only a vital environmental asset but also a critical component of economic development. In 1972, nations with considerable groundwater availability like India (432 cubic meters) and Canada (370 cubic meters) were better positioned to support agricultural activities, industrial growth, and urbanization efforts. These resources provided a foundation for economic stability, contributing to food security and energy production.

In stark contrast, countries with limited or no groundwater resources faced significant socio-economic challenges. Water scarcity in these regions often impeded development, stunted agricultural productivity, and heightened vulnerability to climate change impacts. This disparity illustrates the significant role groundwater resources play in shaping national economies and highlights the importance of international cooperation and aid to address water scarcity issues.

Historical Context and Trends

The year 1972 marked a period of growing awareness about the importance of groundwater resources amid increasing environmental concerns worldwide. The data from this year provides a baseline for understanding long-term trends in groundwater availability and management. Despite the absence of significant year-over-year changes in the figures, the recognition of groundwater as a critical resource has led to numerous policy initiatives aimed at conservation and sustainable management.

Countries have increasingly recognized the need to balance groundwater extraction with natural replenishment rates. This realization has spurred international dialogues on water resource management, driving efforts to develop integrated water management practices that align with environmental conservation goals.

In conclusion, the total renewable groundwater resources by country in 1972 paint a vivid picture of the global disparities in water availability, influenced by geographic, climatic, and socio-economic factors. As nations continue to grapple with the challenges of sustainable water management, the insights gleaned from historical data remain invaluable for shaping future policies and ensuring the resilience of water resources worldwide. Understanding these dynamics is crucial for adapting to an ever-changing global environment and ensuring equitable access to one of the planet's most vital resources.

Insights by country

Luxembourg

In 1972, Luxembourg ranked 138th out of 188 countries concerning its total renewable groundwater resources, which amounted to 0.08 cubic meters per year. This relatively low figure reflects the country's limited land area and its geographic characteristics, which influence the availability of groundwater resources.

The modest groundwater resources can be attributed to various factors, including the dense urbanization and industrialization in the region, which can lead to increased demand and potential over-extraction of water resources. Additionally, Luxembourg's geology and climate, marked by its temperate seasonal climate, affect the recharge rates of aquifers and natural water bodies.

Interestingly, despite its limited groundwater resources, Luxembourg has made significant investments in water management and sustainable practices, highlighting the country's commitment to environmental protection and resource conservation. This approach is essential for ensuring the long-term sustainability of water resources in a densely populated region.

Bahrain

Bahrain ranked 136th out of 188 countries in terms of total renewable groundwater resources in 1972. The country had an estimated total renewable groundwater resource of 0.112 cubic meters per year, reflecting its limited natural freshwater availability.

This low figure can be attributed to Bahrain's arid climate, characterized by minimal annual rainfall and high evaporation rates. The country's geographical conditions, combined with its rapid population growth and industrial development, have significantly strained its water resources.

Furthermore, Bahrain has historically relied on desalination processes to meet its freshwater needs, which highlights the challenges faced by many nations in arid regions where natural groundwater resources are insufficient for sustainable use.

Brazil

In 1972, Brazil ranked third globally in total renewable groundwater resources, with a significant volume of 645.6 cubic meters per year. This impressive figure highlights Brazil's vast natural resources and its critical role in global water supply.

The country's extensive river systems, including the Amazon, and diverse ecosystems contribute to its substantial groundwater reserves. This ranking can be attributed to Brazil's large geographical area, varied climate zones, and abundant rainfall, particularly in the northern regions, which support the replenishment of groundwater aquifers.

Moreover, Brazil's rich biodiversity and ecological wealth underline the importance of sustainable water management practices, especially considering the pressures of urbanization and agriculture on these vital resources. In the context of global water resources, Brazil's position as a leader in renewable groundwater underscores the necessity for proactive policies to ensure the conservation and responsible use of water to meet both current and future needs.

Maldives

The Maldives ranked 142nd out of 188 countries in terms of total renewable groundwater resources in the year 1972. The country possesses a meager total of 0.03 cubic meters per year of renewable groundwater resources, highlighting the significant challenges it faces regarding freshwater availability.

This limited groundwater resource is largely due to the Maldives' unique geographic characteristics, consisting of low-lying coral atolls with a fragile freshwater lens that is easily affected by seawater intrusion, pollution, and climate change. Furthermore, the country’s reliance on rainfall for freshwater means that fluctuations in weather patterns can have profound impacts on water availability.

Interestingly, the Maldives has also embraced innovative methods to address its water scarcity, such as rainwater harvesting and desalination technologies, although the reliance on these methods underscores the ongoing challenges related to freshwater sustainability in this island nation.

South Korea

In 1972, South Korea ranked 65th out of 188 countries in terms of total renewable groundwater resources, with an estimated 13.3 cubic meters per year available per capita. This statistic reflects the country's geographic and climatic conditions, which influence the availability of freshwater resources.

The relatively low groundwater resource figure can be attributed to several factors, including the country's rapid industrialization during the 1970s, urbanization, and increased agricultural demands, which placed significant stress on natural water systems. Additionally, the topography of South Korea, characterized by mountainous regions, limits surface water retention and groundwater recharge.

Notably, South Korea's focus on economic development in this period led to a greater emphasis on water management and infrastructure, paving the way for advancements in water conservation and usage efficiency in subsequent decades. The importance of sustainable water resources has become increasingly recognized, as groundwater plays a vital role in supporting both domestic and agricultural needs.

Qatar

In 1972, Qatar ranked 140th out of 188 countries in terms of total renewable groundwater resources, with a meager availability of 0.058 cubic meters per year. This limited resource reflects the country's arid climate and geographic conditions, characterized by low annual rainfall and high evaporation rates, which significantly restrict the replenishment of groundwater aquifers.

The scarcity of renewable groundwater resources in Qatar can be attributed to its desert environment, which receives an average annual rainfall of less than 3 inches, compounded by rapid urbanization and population growth that increase water demand. The reliance on desalination and non-renewable aquifers highlights the challenges the country faces in water sustainability.

As a result of these factors, Qatar has invested heavily in advanced water management and desalination technologies, becoming one of the leading countries in the world for water security solutions. In contrast to its limited renewable resources, the country has developed systems that produce millions of cubic meters of potable water annually, ensuring the needs of its growing population are met.

Mali

Mali ranks 59th out of 188 countries in terms of total renewable groundwater resources as of the year 1972. The country possesses approximately 20 cubic meters of renewable groundwater resources per year, a figure that reflects both the availability of water and its significance to the population's agricultural and domestic needs.

This statistic can be attributed to Mali's geographical features, which include large arid and semi-arid regions where groundwater plays a crucial role in sustaining livelihoods. Additionally, the reliance on groundwater resources is heightened due to the country's limited surface water availability, particularly in the Sahel region, which often experiences drought.

In comparison to other countries, Mali's groundwater resources are essential for irrigation and drinking water supply, particularly in rural areas where access to alternative sources of water is limited. The sustainable management of these resources is vital for the country's economic development and food security.

Thailand

In 1972, Thailand ranked 41st out of 188 countries in terms of total renewable groundwater resources. The country had a total of 41.9 cubic meters per year of renewable groundwater resources, reflecting its significant hydrological capacity to support agricultural and domestic needs.

This statistic underscores Thailand's rich water resources, which are integral to its primarily agricultural economy. The abundance of groundwater can be attributed to the country's varied topography and extensive river systems, which contribute to recharge rates in aquifers.

Factors influencing the availability and sustainability of these resources include the country's monsoonal climate, population growth, and agricultural practices. As of the early 1970s, rapid urbanization and industrialization were beginning to exert pressure on these groundwater supplies, highlighting the importance of sustainable water management practices for future generations.

Ecuador

Ecuador ranks 16th out of 188 countries in terms of total renewable groundwater resources as of 1972. The country boasts a significant total of 134 cubic meters per year of renewable groundwater resources, reflecting its abundant natural water systems.

This substantial figure can be attributed to Ecuador's diverse geography and climate, which include high-altitude mountains and tropical rainforests that contribute to the replenishment of aquifers. The availability of groundwater is crucial for agricultural practices, particularly in rural areas where irrigation is essential for crop production.

Additionally, Ecuador's ranking highlights the importance of sustainable water management in a country that relies heavily on its natural resources for economic activities. The effective utilization of groundwater resources can support various sectors, including agriculture, industry, and domestic use, underscoring the need for policies aimed at conservation and sustainable development.

Eritrea

Eritrea ranks 157th out of 188 countries in terms of total renewable groundwater resources as of 1972, with a value recorded as null cubic meters per year. This ranking indicates a significant scarcity of groundwater resources, reflecting the challenges faced by the country in managing its water supply.

The absence of a measurable amount of renewable groundwater resources can be attributed to various factors, including the arid climate, limited rainfall, and the geological characteristics of the region that restrict aquifer recharge. Additionally, the country's historical socio-economic conditions, including prolonged conflict and lack of infrastructure, have hindered the development and management of water resources.

It is noteworthy that Eritrea's water scarcity issues are exacerbated by a growing population and agricultural demands, which place further stress on any available water sources. This context highlights the critical importance of sustainable water management strategies for the country's future resilience and development.

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