Total Renewable Groundwater Resources by Country 1975

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 1975, the global environmental landscape was significantly shaped by the availability and distribution of renewable groundwater resources. These resources, crucial for sustaining ecosystems, agriculture, and human populations, are the sum of groundwater volumes that are naturally replenished either internally or from external sources. Understanding these resources provides insights into global water security, development potential, and environmental sustainability.

Global Overview of Renewable Groundwater Resources in 1975

During 1975, the total renewable groundwater resources varied significantly across 163 countries, reflecting diverse climatic, geological, and environmental conditions. The United States led with the highest volume of renewable groundwater resources, measuring at 1,383 cubic meters per year. This abundance is largely attributed to the extensive aquifer systems and favorable climatic conditions that facilitate natural replenishment. Following the United States, China, Brazil, and Colombia also ranked highly, with 828.8, 645.6, and 510 cubic meters per year respectively, benefiting from expansive river systems and rainforests that contribute to significant groundwater recharge.

Regional Disparities in Water Availability

The data from 1975 highlights stark disparities in water availability among countries. While some nations, such as Indonesia and Myanmar, boasted substantial groundwater resources due to their tropical climates and high precipitation levels, others faced scarcity. Countries like Antigua and Barbuda, the Bahamas, and Tuvalu reported zero renewable groundwater resources, reflecting their reliance on alternative water sources such as desalination or imports. This unequal distribution underscores the challenges faced by many nations in securing sufficient water resources for development and the need for tailored water management strategies.

Environmental and Climatic Influences on Groundwater Resources

Environmental factors and climate played pivotal roles in shaping the renewable groundwater resources of 1975. Regions with extensive forest cover, such as the Amazon in Brazil and the Congo Basin, benefit from high rates of groundwater recharge due to substantial rainfall and vegetative absorption, which help maintain their water reserves. Conversely, arid and semi-arid regions often struggle with lower natural replenishment rates, necessitating innovative approaches to water management. Understanding these environmental dependencies is crucial for predicting future trends in water availability, especially in the face of climate change.

Sustainability and Policy Implications

The 1975 data also highlights the critical need for sustainable management of groundwater resources. Countries with abundant groundwater must balance usage with conservation to prevent depletion, especially as industrial and agricultural demands grow. Policy frameworks that encourage responsible water use, protect aquifers, and promote research into sustainable practices are essential for ensuring water security. Moreover, international cooperation can play a role in managing transboundary aquifers and sharing best practices, enhancing resilience against water shortages.

Long-term Trends and Projections

While the 1975 dataset provides a snapshot of global groundwater resources, it also invites examination of long-term trends. Historical data can help identify patterns of change in groundwater availability, influenced by factors such as climate change, population growth, and technological advancements. By analyzing these trends, policymakers and researchers can better forecast future challenges and adapt strategies to secure this vital resource. Proactive measures taken today could mitigate potential crises in water-stressed regions and enhance global water sustainability.

In conclusion, the total renewable groundwater resources by country in 1975 reveal not only the disparities in global water availability but also the environmental and policy challenges associated with managing this finite resource. As the world continues to face increasing demands and environmental pressures, understanding and managing groundwater resources remain critical for sustainable development and environmental health.

Insights by country

Ireland

In 1975, Ireland ranked 70th out of 188 countries in terms of total renewable groundwater resources, with a reported value of 10.8 cubic meters per year. This statistic reflects the country's relatively modest groundwater availability compared to other nations, influenced by its geographical and climatic conditions.

The availability of groundwater resources in Ireland can be attributed to several factors, including its wet temperate maritime climate, which contributes to significant rainfall and aquifer recharge. However, the uneven distribution of these resources across the country can lead to localized shortages, particularly in areas with high agricultural or urban water demands.

Additionally, Ireland's landscape, characterized by limestone and karst topography, plays a critical role in groundwater formation and sustainability. This geological framework can enhance aquifer recharge but may also pose challenges related to water quality and contamination.

Latvia

In 1975, Latvia ranked 166th out of 188 countries regarding total renewable groundwater resources, with a reported value of null cubic meters per year. This ranking indicates a severe limitation in the availability of renewable groundwater resources in Latvia during this period.

The null value may reflect a lack of comprehensive data collection or inadequate assessment methodologies at the time, but it also suggests potential challenges in groundwater sustainability. Factors such as historical land use practices, industrial pollution, and insufficient infrastructure for water management could have contributed to this situation.

Latvia's geographical position, characterized by a relatively high level of precipitation, typically provides a natural replenishment of water resources; however, the management and use of these resources have historically been critical issues. As a Baltic state, Latvia's environmental policies and practices have evolved, especially after regaining independence in 1990, underscoring the importance of sustainable water management in recent years.

Benin

In 1975, Benin was ranked 113th out of 188 countries in terms of total renewable groundwater resources, with an estimated 1.8 cubic meters available per year. This figure reflects the country's relatively limited freshwater resources, which are crucial for agricultural activities and drinking water supply.

The low amount of renewable groundwater can be attributed to a combination of factors, including the country's climatic conditions, which feature a tropical savanna climate, leading to seasonal rainfall variability. Additionally, the rapid population growth and urbanization during this period placed increased demand on these water resources, further straining their availability.

It is noteworthy that groundwater plays a vital role in Benin's agricultural sector, which is a significant part of the economy, emphasizing the importance of sustainable management of these resources to support food security and economic development.

Vanuatu

In 1975, Vanuatu ranked 97th out of 188 countries regarding total renewable groundwater resources, with a measured value of 4.377 cubic meters per year. This statistic highlights the limited freshwater availability on the islands, which is crucial for sustaining both the population and agricultural practices.

The relatively low groundwater resources can be attributed to Vanuatu's geographic characteristics, including its volcanic islands and tropical climate, which impact the natural replenishment of aquifers. Additionally, the islands' topography and soil types affect the infiltration and storage of water, making groundwater a vital but scarce resource.

Overall, the sustainable management of these resources is essential for Vanuatu, especially given the potential impacts of climate change, which may exacerbate water scarcity and affect food security. In the context of the Pacific region, Vanuatu's groundwater resources are crucial for local communities that rely heavily on them for drinking water and agriculture.

Fiji

In 1975, Fiji ranked 94th out of 188 countries in terms of total renewable groundwater resources, with a reported value of 5.273 cubic meters per year. This statistic indicates the availability of freshwater resources that can be replenished naturally through precipitation and other hydrological processes, which is crucial for the sustainability of water supply in the region.

The relatively modest level of renewable groundwater resources in Fiji can be attributed to its geographic and climatic conditions, including its tropical climate, which influences rainfall patterns and water recharge rates. Additionally, the island's volcanic geology may affect groundwater aquifer characteristics and storage capacity.

Interesting to note is that Fiji's reliance on groundwater resources is complemented by its abundant surface water, which is fed by its numerous rivers and streams. The country’s overall water resource management is vital for supporting its agricultural sector and meeting the water needs of its population, which was approximately 600,000 in 1975.

Grenada

In 1975, Grenada ranked 162nd out of 188 countries in terms of total renewable groundwater resources, with a recorded value of 0 cubic meters per year. This statistic indicates that the nation had no significant renewable groundwater resources available for use, which is particularly notable for a country reliant on its natural environment for fresh water supply.

The absence of renewable groundwater resources can be attributed to several factors, including Grenada's geographical characteristics, which feature limited aquifer systems and a predominantly hilly terrain that may restrict the accumulation of groundwater. Additionally, the country's reliance on rainfall for its water supply further complicates its overall water resource management.

Interestingly, Grenada's water supply challenges are not unique; many small island developing states face similar issues due to their geographical limitations and vulnerability to climate change impacts, such as droughts and altered precipitation patterns. This context highlights the importance of sustainable water management practices in ensuring water security for Grenada and similar nations.

Guinea

In 1975, Guinea ranked 44th out of 188 countries in terms of total renewable groundwater resources, with a significant availability of 38 cubic meters per year per capita. This statistic highlights Guinea's relatively abundant freshwater resources, which are crucial for agricultural practices and drinking water supply.

The availability of groundwater in Guinea can be attributed to the country's diverse geography, which includes numerous rivers and a tropical climate conducive to water retention. However, despite this potential, the management and infrastructure for utilizing these resources effectively has been a challenge, often leading to issues of water quality and accessibility in rural areas.

Additionally, the reliance on groundwater resources is essential for Guinea's population, particularly in regions where surface water may be less accessible. This reliance underscores the importance of sustainable water management practices to ensure that the groundwater remains a viable resource for future generations.

Gabon

In 1975, Gabon ranked 30th out of 188 countries in terms of total renewable groundwater resources, with an estimated 62 cubic meters per year per capita. This significant availability of groundwater resources is essential for the country's agricultural development, drinking water supply, and industrial uses.

The relatively high groundwater resources can be attributed to Gabon's extensive tropical rainforest ecosystem, which contributes to the replenishment of aquifers through precipitation and natural filtration processes. Additionally, the country's geographical location and climate play a crucial role in maintaining its freshwater supplies.

Furthermore, Gabon's rich biodiversity and abundant natural resources underscore the importance of sustainable management of these groundwater resources to ensure long-term availability for future generations. In comparison, many other countries face challenges related to water scarcity, highlighting Gabon's advantageous position in terms of renewable groundwater resources.

Chad

In 1975, Chad ranked 69th out of 188 countries in terms of total renewable groundwater resources, with an estimated availability of 11.5 cubic meters per year. This statistic reflects the country's reliance on groundwater as a critical source of water for both domestic and agricultural needs, especially given its predominantly arid climate.

The relatively low amount of renewable groundwater resources can be attributed to several factors, including the country's geographical location in the Sahel region, which is characterized by limited rainfall and high evaporation rates. Furthermore, challenges such as inadequate infrastructure and poor water management practices have historically impacted the sustainable use of these resources.

Chad's reliance on groundwater underscores the importance of effective water resource management, particularly in the face of climate change and increasing demands from a growing population. Interestingly, the Sahel region overall has been noted for its vulnerability to climate variability, which can further exacerbate water scarcity issues.

Honduras

In 1975, Honduras ranked 43rd out of 188 countries in terms of total renewable groundwater resources, with an estimated availability of 39 cubic meters per year. This statistic highlights the country's significant reliance on groundwater as a vital resource for agriculture, drinking water, and sanitation.

The relatively high ranking can be attributed to Honduras's geographic and climatic conditions, which include a combination of mountainous terrain and tropical weather patterns that facilitate the replenishment of aquifers. However, factors such as deforestation, urbanization, and inadequate infrastructure can pose challenges to the sustainable management of these resources.

Additionally, the reliance on groundwater is crucial for rural communities, where surface water sources may be scarce. It is important to note that the management of water resources in Honduras has become increasingly critical as the country faces climate change impacts, which may affect both the quantity and quality of water available.

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Food and Agriculture Organization of the United Nations (FAO)

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