Total Renewable Groundwater Resources by Country 1977

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 by country in 1977 provide critical insights into the availability and sustainability of water resources on a global scale. This metric measures the naturally replenished groundwater available for use within a nation, encompassing both internally generated and externally sourced supplies. As a pivotal environmental measure, understanding the distribution of these resources highlights regional disparities and informs policy decisions on water management. In 1977, data from 163 countries revealed substantial variations, from nations with abundant groundwater resources like the United States and China to those with minimal or nonexistent renewable groundwater reserves such as the Faroe Islands and Tuvalu.

Global Water Distribution in 1977

The data from 1977 shows a stark contrast in renewable groundwater resources among countries. The United States, boasting the highest volume at 1,383 cubic meters per year, serves as a benchmark for substantial groundwater availability. This can be attributed to its extensive river systems and aquifers, which play a crucial role in supporting agricultural, industrial, and domestic needs. Similarly, countries like China, Brazil, and Colombia follow suit, each with significant renewable groundwater resources, which correlates with their vast geographic sizes and varied climates conducive to groundwater recharge.

Conversely, several small island nations such as Antigua and Barbuda, the Bahamas, and Tuvalu reported virtually no renewable groundwater resources. These countries, characterized by limited landmass and geological formations unsuitable for groundwater storage, rely heavily on alternative water sources like rainwater harvesting and desalination. This disparity underscores the need for customized water management strategies based on geographical and climatic conditions.

Environmental Factors Influencing Groundwater Resources

Environmental factors significantly impact the distribution and replenishment of renewable groundwater. Countries with ample rainfall and vast forested areas, such as Brazil and Indonesia, generally exhibit higher groundwater recharge rates. The Amazon rainforest, for instance, acts as a natural regulator, maintaining a balance between precipitation and groundwater levels. In contrast, arid and semi-arid regions face challenges due to limited rainfall and high evaporation rates, reducing the potential for groundwater recharge. This environmental variability necessitates region-specific strategies to optimize the use of available groundwater resources sustainably.

Policy and Management Implications

Understanding the distribution of renewable groundwater resources in 1977 is crucial for the development of effective water management policies. Nations with abundant resources, such as Canada and the Democratic Republic of the Congo, focus on conserving their aquifers while enhancing infrastructure to support expanding populations and industries. Conversely, countries with scarce water resources implement policies geared towards efficiency and alternative water sourcing, such as desalination and water recycling. Global cooperation and knowledge exchange are vital to addressing the challenges faced by water-scarce nations, ensuring equitable access to this essential resource.

Sustainability and Future Projections

As global populations continue to rise, the demand for renewable groundwater resources is expected to increase, intensifying the need for sustainable management practices. The 1977 data serves as a historical benchmark, allowing for the analysis of long-term trends in groundwater availability and usage. Countries with robust data collection mechanisms and adaptive management strategies are better positioned to predict and respond to future shifts in groundwater resources. Encouraging sustainable practices and investing in technologies such as artificial recharge and sustainable agriculture are critical steps toward ensuring the long-term viability of groundwater resources.

Conclusion

Total renewable groundwater resources by country in 1977 highlight the global disparities in water availability and the factors influencing these differences. From the water-rich United States to the resource-scarce islands of the Pacific, the need for tailored water management approaches is evident. By understanding the interplay between environmental factors and policy decisions, nations can better manage their groundwater resources, ensuring a sustainable future for generations to come. This metric not only provides a snapshot of the past but also serves as a guide for future water resource management and policy development.

Insights by country

Maldives

In 1977, the Maldives ranked 142nd out of 188 countries in terms of total renewable groundwater resources, with an estimated resource availability of only 0.03 cubic meters per year. This remarkably low figure highlights the challenges the country faces regarding freshwater availability, a critical resource for its population and agricultural needs.

The limited groundwater resources in the Maldives can be attributed to its unique geological composition, consisting primarily of coral atolls, which naturally have low freshwater storage capacity. Additionally, the high levels of evaporation due to the tropical climate further exacerbate the scarcity of renewable groundwater.

Interestingly, the Maldives has made efforts to address water scarcity through various means, including rainwater harvesting and the development of desalination plants to provide potable water to its residents and tourists. Understanding and managing water resources remain vital for the Maldives, especially in the context of climate change and rising sea levels that threaten its freshwater sources.

Kazakhstan

In 1977, Kazakhstan ranked 163rd out of 188 countries in terms of total renewable groundwater resources. The specific value of total renewable groundwater resources for Kazakhstan during this period was null cubic meters per year, indicating a lack of reliable data or perhaps an absence of significant groundwater resources being reported.

This ranking reflects the challenges Kazakhstan faced regarding water resource management, particularly in arid and semi-arid regions where groundwater sources are crucial for agriculture and drinking water. Factors contributing to this low ranking may include the country's vast and diverse geography, as well as historical water usage practices that may not have prioritized sustainable management of water resources.

Additionally, the reliance on surface water from major rivers, coupled with the impact of Soviet industrial policies, may have led to an underutilization or mismanagement of groundwater resources. Understanding the dynamics of water resources in Kazakhstan is essential, especially considering the country is home to large agricultural areas that depend heavily on effective water management strategies.

Barbados

In 1977, Barbados ranked 139th out of 188 countries in terms of total renewable groundwater resources, with a measured value of 0.074 cubic meters per year. This relatively low figure highlights the limited availability of freshwater resources on the island, which is primarily composed of limestone and has a small land area.

The constrained groundwater resources in Barbados can be attributed to its geographical characteristics and climate, which include a tropical marine climate that influences rainfall patterns. The island's reliance on rainfall for replenishing its aquifers poses challenges, particularly during dry spells or droughts, affecting water supply for domestic and agricultural use.

Additionally, Barbados has implemented various water conservation strategies and policies to manage its water resources effectively. As a small island developing state, it faces ongoing challenges related to water scarcity, necessitating the exploration of alternative water sources, including desalination and rainwater harvesting.

Iran

In 1977, Iran ranked 36th out of 188 countries in terms of total renewable groundwater resources, with an estimated 49.3 cubic meters per year per capita. This position highlights the country's significant reliance on groundwater as a vital resource for agriculture and domestic use, particularly in arid and semi-arid regions where surface water is limited.

The relatively high ranking can be attributed to a combination of factors, including Iran's geographical diversity, which encompasses mountains and plains that contribute to groundwater recharge. However, the over-extraction of water resources, coupled with climate variability, has posed challenges to sustainable management, leading to concerns about the long-term viability of these resources.

It is noteworthy that Iran's dependence on groundwater has continued to evolve, with increasing demand due to population growth and industrialization, prompting ongoing discussions about water conservation and management strategies to ensure future availability.

Paraguay

In 1977, Paraguay ranked 42nd out of 188 countries in terms of total renewable groundwater resources, with an estimated 41.64 cubic meters per year per capita. This significant availability of groundwater resources is essential for the country's agricultural sector, which is a vital part of its economy.

The abundance of groundwater in Paraguay can be attributed to its geographical features, including the presence of substantial aquifers such as the Guaraní Aquifer System, which spans several countries in the region. This natural resource supports not only agriculture but also the growing needs of urban populations in cities like Asunción.

Moreover, Paraguay's relatively low population density allows for sustainable management of its groundwater resources. However, challenges such as climate variability and potential over-extraction pose risks to the long-term availability of these resources. In comparison, other countries in the region face greater challenges in balancing water use and conservation.

Oman

In 1977, Oman ranked 119th out of 188 countries in terms of total renewable groundwater resources, with a reported value of 1.3 cubic meters per year. This statistic reflects the country's limited freshwater availability, which is critical for both agricultural and domestic use in a predominantly arid climate.

The relatively low figure can be attributed to several factors, including Oman's geographic features characterized by mountainous terrain and desert landscapes, which influence precipitation patterns and groundwater recharge rates. Additionally, the rapid population growth and increasing water demand during this period have put considerable pressure on these limited resources.

As a country rich in cultural heritage and with a growing economy, Oman faces ongoing challenges related to water management, prompting investments in sustainable water practices and technologies to enhance water conservation and utilization.

Romania

In 1977, Romania ranked 78th out of 188 countries in terms of total renewable groundwater resources, with an estimated availability of 8.46 cubic meters per year. This statistic reflects the country's groundwater potential, which is crucial for agricultural, industrial, and domestic use.

The relatively modest renewable groundwater resources in Romania can be attributed to its geographical and climatic conditions, including a mix of mountainous regions and plains that influence hydrological cycles. Additionally, the country's historical reliance on agriculture has necessitated the careful management of water resources, particularly in the context of increasing industrial demands.

It is noteworthy that Romania's groundwater resources are vital for sustaining its economy, as the agricultural sector heavily depends on irrigation and water supply. The management of these resources has been a focus of environmental policies, especially in light of the pressures from urbanization and industrialization that have intensified since the late 20th century.

Lebanon

In 1977, Lebanon ranked 105th out of 188 countries in terms of total renewable groundwater resources, with a reported value of 3.2 cubic meters per year. This statistic reflects the limited availability of groundwater, which is crucial for agricultural and domestic use in a country with a predominantly Mediterranean climate.

The relatively low figure can be attributed to several factors, including Lebanon's mountainous terrain, which affects precipitation patterns, and the impact of ongoing political instability that has historically hindered effective water resource management. Additionally, urbanization and population growth have placed increasing pressure on existing water supplies.

Interestingly, despite the challenges, Lebanon is home to several significant water sources, including the Litani River and numerous springs, which have historically supported its agriculture and population. However, the sustainability of these resources remains a concern due to environmental degradation and over-extraction.

Qatar

In 1977, Qatar ranked 140th out of 188 countries in terms of total renewable groundwater resources, with a notably low volume of 0.058 cubic meters per year. This limited availability of groundwater resources can be attributed to Qatar's arid desert climate, characterized by extremely low rainfall and high evaporation rates.

The country's reliance on desalination and groundwater extraction for its freshwater supply highlights the challenges it faces in water resource management. As one of the most water-scarce nations in the world, Qatar has implemented advanced technologies and infrastructure to meet its growing water demands, particularly in urban areas and for agricultural purposes.

Interestingly, the issue of water scarcity in Qatar is further compounded by its rapid economic development and population growth, which have led to increased pressure on available water resources. In contrast to its oil wealth, the country’s natural freshwater availability remains critically low, emphasizing the importance of sustainable water management practices.

Morocco

In 1977, Morocco ranked 74th out of 188 countries in terms of total renewable groundwater resources, with an estimated 10 cubic meters per year available per capita. This figure highlights the country's relatively limited freshwater resources, which are essential for supporting agriculture, domestic use, and industrial activities.

The low availability of renewable groundwater can be attributed to a combination of factors, including Morocco's geographical location, climate conditions characterized by arid and semi-arid zones, and increasing water demand due to population growth and agricultural expansion. The country has faced challenges in managing its water resources effectively, leading to concerns over sustainability and water scarcity.

Furthermore, Morocco's reliance on groundwater is significant, as it accounts for a large portion of the total water supply, especially in rural areas. This situation emphasizes the importance of sustainable water management practices to ensure that the available groundwater resources are utilized efficiently and preserved for future generations.

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