Total Renewable Groundwater Resources by Country 1976

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 indicator of a nation's water sustainability and management practices. This metric, which measures the volume of groundwater naturally replenished and available for use, plays a significant role in shaping environmental policies and water-related strategies. In 1976, the global distribution of renewable groundwater resources revealed stark contrasts between countries, highlighting the diverse hydrological profiles across different regions. This article explores these patterns, the implications for environmental sustainability, and the geographic distribution of groundwater resources in 1976.

Global Distribution of Renewable Groundwater Resources in 1976

The distribution of renewable groundwater resources in 1976 demonstrates significant variability among countries, reflecting diverse climatic and geographic conditions. The United States led the world with 1,383 cubic meters of renewable groundwater per year, underscoring its vast and varied hydrogeological landscape. China followed with 828.8 cubic meters, indicating its considerable scope for freshwater replenishment despite mounting population pressures. Brazil, with its extensive Amazon basin, recorded 645.6 cubic meters, showcasing the country's rich hydrological endowment.

On the other end of the spectrum, several countries registered no renewable groundwater resources in 1976. Nations including Antigua and Barbuda, the Bahamas, and Tuvalu reported zero cubic meters, often due to limited aquifer systems and reliance on alternative water sources such as rainwater harvesting or desalination. This stark contrast between high and low resource availability underscores the importance of tailored water management strategies in different regions.

Implications for Environmental Sustainability

Renewable groundwater resources play a crucial part in supporting environmental sustainability, as they directly impact biodiversity, agricultural productivity, and human consumption. In 1976, countries with substantial groundwater resources, such as Indonesia (457.4 cubic meters) and India (432 cubic meters), faced the challenge of balancing groundwater extraction with natural replenishment rates. Over-exploitation can lead to aquifer depletion, soil degradation, and reduced water quality, highlighting the need for sustainable management practices.

The Democratic Republic of the Congo, with 421 cubic meters per year, illustrates the potential for groundwater to support ecological preservation and community resilience in areas with rich biodiversity. In contrast, regions with limited resources must innovate to enhance their water security and mitigate risks associated with scarcity.

Geographic Patterns and Influences

Geographic factors significantly influenced the distribution of renewable groundwater in 1976. Countries with large river basins or tropical climates, like Brazil and Indonesia, naturally benefited from higher groundwater recharge rates due to abundant rainfall and extensive riverine networks. The Andes mountains in Peru contributed to its 303 cubic meters of renewable groundwater, demonstrating how topography affects water availability through orographic rainfall and glacial runoff.

Conversely, island nations and arid regions often faced challenges in sustaining adequate groundwater levels. The absence of significant river systems in the Caribbean and the Pacific islands restricted natural recharge opportunities, necessitating investment in alternative water supply methods. This geographic disparity in groundwater availability underscores the importance of regional cooperation and knowledge exchange in crafting sustainable water management policies.

Policy Implications and Future Directions

The data from 1976 provides a historical perspective on groundwater availability that has shaped contemporary water management policies. Understanding the distribution and volume of renewable groundwater resources helps governments and organizations formulate strategies to prevent overuse and promote conservation. Countries like Canada, with 370 cubic meters, have leveraged their water wealth to develop robust policies that ensure long-term sustainability and equitable access.

Global trends since 1976, such as climate change and increased agricultural demand, have amplified the need for adaptive management strategies. Policymakers must consider these factors when designing frameworks to protect and optimize groundwater resources. International cooperation and technological advancements in water extraction and conservation will be crucial in addressing future challenges and ensuring water security for all.

Overall, the examination of total renewable groundwater resources by country in 1976 offers valuable insights into the global hydrological landscape and its implications for environmental sustainability. By understanding these dynamics, nations can better prepare for future water-related challenges, ensuring that groundwater remains a viable resource for generations to come.

Insights by country

Thailand

In 1976, Thailand ranked 41st out of 188 countries in terms of total renewable groundwater resources, with a recorded value of 41.9 cubic meters per year. This statistic reflects the country's significant reliance on groundwater as a vital resource for agriculture, drinking water, and industrial uses.

The availability of groundwater in Thailand has been influenced by its geographical features, including a diverse landscape that encompasses mountains, plains, and river systems, which contribute to the replenishment of aquifers. Additionally, the country's monsoon climate plays a crucial role in replenishing these water resources during the rainy season.

As of the mid-1970s, rapid economic development and population growth were beginning to exert pressure on water resources in Thailand, leading to concerns about sustainable management. The reliance on groundwater was particularly pronounced in rural areas where surface water sources were less accessible. This trend has continued to be a significant factor in water resource management in Thailand.

Seychelles

Seychelles ranked 177th out of 188 countries in terms of total renewable groundwater resources in the year 1976, with an astonishing total of 0 cubic meters per year. This statistic highlights the unique geographical and environmental characteristics of the archipelago, which consists of 115 islands in the Indian Ocean.

The absence of renewable groundwater resources can be attributed to several factors, including the small land area of Seychelles and its limited capacity for aquifer recharge. The islands predominantly rely on rainwater harvesting and desalination to meet their freshwater needs, which significantly impacts their water resource management strategies.

In addition, Seychelles faces challenges such as climate change and rising sea levels, which threaten freshwater availability and could exacerbate the already limited groundwater resources. Understanding these dynamics is critical for sustainable development and water resource planning in this island nation.

Central African Republic

The Central African Republic ranks 33rd out of 188 countries in terms of total renewable groundwater resources as of 1976, with a notable value of 56 cubic meters per year. This statistic underscores the country's relatively rich groundwater resources, which are crucial for sustaining agricultural activities and providing drinking water to its population.

The abundance of groundwater in the Central African Republic can be attributed to its geographical and climatic conditions, which include a range of water catchment areas that facilitate the replenishment of aquifers. However, despite this potential, the country faces challenges such as inadequate infrastructure and management practices, which may hinder the effective utilization of these resources.

In addition, the reliance on groundwater is significant in rural areas where surface water sources may be limited or contaminated. As a result, groundwater plays a vital role in supporting the livelihoods of many communities, particularly in agriculture, which is a mainstay of the Central African economy.

Cabo Verde

Cabo Verde ranked 134th out of 188 countries in terms of total renewable groundwater resources in 1976. The country had an estimated 0.124 cubic meters of renewable groundwater resources per year, reflecting its arid climate and geographical challenges.

The limited availability of groundwater in Cabo Verde can be attributed to its volcanic origin and the fact that it is an island nation, where rainfall is scarce and unevenly distributed. Consequently, the reliance on groundwater resources is critical for agriculture and drinking water supply in the region.

In addition to its low groundwater resources, Cabo Verde has faced challenges such as population growth and climate variability, which further strain its water management systems. The country's strategic initiatives focus on improving water resource management and enhancing resilience against droughts.

Poland

In 1976, Poland ranked 67th out of 188 countries in terms of total renewable groundwater resources, with a reported value of 12.5 cubic meters per year. This statistic reflects the country's freshwater availability, which is critical for agricultural, industrial, and domestic use.

Several factors contribute to Poland's groundwater resources, including its geographical features and climate. The presence of numerous rivers and lakes, as well as varying precipitation patterns across the country, influences the recharge of groundwater aquifers. However, Poland also faces challenges such as industrial pollution and agricultural practices that can impact water quality and availability.

Additionally, Poland's focus on sustainable water management has become increasingly important in light of environmental concerns, highlighting the need for conservation efforts to maintain these vital resources. Understanding the dynamics of groundwater resources is essential for ensuring long-term water security in the face of climate change and population growth.

Romania

In 1976, Romania ranked 78th out of 188 countries in terms of total renewable groundwater resources, with an annual availability of 8.46 cubic meters per year. This statistic highlights the country's reliance on groundwater for various uses, including agriculture, drinking water, and industrial processes.

The relatively modest amount of renewable groundwater resources can be attributed to several factors, including Romania's diverse topography and climatic conditions, which influence water availability. Additionally, historical agricultural practices and urbanization have impacted groundwater recharge rates and quality.

It is noteworthy that Romania, like many countries, faces challenges related to water management and environmental sustainability, making the effective utilization of its groundwater resources crucial for long-term development and ecological balance.

Myanmar

In 1976, Myanmar ranked 6th out of 188 countries in terms of total renewable groundwater resources, with a notable availability of 453.7 cubic meters per year. This significant resource plays a crucial role in supporting the agricultural sector and ensuring water supply for various domestic and industrial uses in the country.

The abundance of groundwater in Myanmar can be attributed to its diverse topography and extensive river systems, which facilitate natural replenishment of aquifers. The presence of monsoon rains also contributes to the recharge of these groundwater resources, making them vital for irrigation in a predominantly agrarian economy.

Additionally, it is important to note that the management and utilization of groundwater resources are influenced by factors such as population growth, agricultural practices, and climate variability. As of 1976, the country's reliance on groundwater for agriculture highlighted the need for sustainable practices to maintain this crucial resource for future generations.

South Sudan

In 1976, South Sudan ranked 181 out of 188 countries in terms of total renewable groundwater resources, with a reported value of null cubic meters per year. This ranking indicates a significant scarcity of accessible groundwater resources, which is critical for both agricultural and human consumption.

The absence of measurable renewable groundwater resources in this period can be attributed to a combination of factors, including the country's ongoing conflicts and instability, which hindered proper resource management and infrastructure development. Additionally, the geographical and climatic conditions of the region, characterized by a predominantly arid environment, further limit the availability of groundwater.

Historically, South Sudan's challenges related to water resources have implications for food security and public health, as insufficient access to clean water can lead to increased vulnerability to waterborne diseases. The reliance on surface water sources, which are often polluted, exacerbates these issues, highlighting the importance of sustainable water management strategies for future development.

Samoa

In 1976, Samoa ranked 175th out of 188 countries in terms of total renewable groundwater resources, with a reported value of 0 cubic meters per year. This ranking highlights the limited availability of freshwater resources in the country, which is primarily composed of volcanic islands characterized by steep terrain and a tropical climate.

The absence of renewable groundwater resources can be attributed to several factors, including the island's geology, which may not support significant aquifer systems, and the high levels of rainfall that lead to surface runoff rather than groundwater recharge. Furthermore, the population's reliance on rainwater harvesting and surface water sources has shaped water management practices within the islands.

Interestingly, Samoa's reliance on alternative water sources emphasizes the importance of sustainable water management strategies, particularly as climate change poses challenges to freshwater availability across the Pacific region. These conditions underscore the necessity for continued investment in water conservation and infrastructure to ensure the resilience of water resources in the face of environmental changes.

Tonga

Tonga ranked 184th out of 188 countries in terms of total renewable groundwater resources in the year 1976, with a reported value of 0 cubic meters per year. This statistic underscores the significant limitations in freshwater resources available for the island nation, which primarily relies on rainwater harvesting and surface water sources for its water supply.

The absence of renewable groundwater resources in Tonga can be attributed to its geological composition, which consists of porous volcanic islands that do not support extensive aquifer systems. Additionally, the islands' small land area and relatively high population density further exacerbate the challenges in water resource management.

In contrast to many other countries, the reliance on rainwater and surface water makes Tonga particularly vulnerable to climate variability, such as droughts or changes in rainfall patterns. This vulnerability emphasizes the importance of sustainable water management practices and the need for investment in alternative water sources, particularly as climate change continues to impact Pacific island nations.

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