Total Renewable Groundwater Resources by Country 1978

Total renewable groundwater represents the combined volume of internally generated and externally sourced groundwater that is naturally replenished and available for use.

188 data points•Updated 12/30/2025•World•Food and Agriculture Organization of the United Nations (FAO)•

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Complete Data Rankings

Rank
1	China	828.8 Cubic meters per year
2	Brazil	645.6 Cubic meters per year
3	Colombia	510 Cubic meters per year
4	Congo, Democratic Republic of the	421 Cubic meters per year
5	Canada	370 Cubic meters per year
6	Chile	140 Cubic meters per year
7	Bolivia	130 Cubic meters per year
8	Argentina	128 Cubic meters per year
9	Congo	122 Cubic meters per year
10	Cameroon	100 Cubic meters per year
11	Australia	72 Cubic meters per year
12	Angola	58 Cubic meters per year
13	Central African Republic	56 Cubic meters per year
14	Côte d'Ivoire	37.84 Cubic meters per year
15	Costa Rica	37.31 Cubic meters per year
16	Bangladesh	21.122 Cubic meters per year
17	Cambodia	17.6 Cubic meters per year
18	Chad	11.5 Cubic meters per year
19	Afghanistan	10.65 Cubic meters per year
20	Bhutan	9.5 Cubic meters per year
21	Burkina Faso	9.5 Cubic meters per year
22	Belize	7.51 Cubic meters per year
23	Burundi	7.47 Cubic meters per year
24	Cuba	6.48 Cubic meters per year
25	Bulgaria	6.4 Cubic meters per year
26	Albania	6.2 Cubic meters per year
27	Austria	6 Cubic meters per year
28	Denmark	4.3 Cubic meters per year
29	Benin	1.8 Cubic meters per year
30	Algeria	1.517 Cubic meters per year
31	Antigua and Barbuda	0 Cubic meters per year
32	Armenia	NaN Cubic meters per year
33	Azerbaijan	NaN Cubic meters per year
34	Botswana	1.7 Cubic meters per year
35	Comoros	1 Cubic meters per year
36	Belgium	0.9 Cubic meters per year
37	Cyprus	0.41 Cubic meters per year
38	Cabo Verde	0.124 Cubic meters per year
39	Bahrain	0.112 Cubic meters per year
40	Brunei Darussalam	0.1 Cubic meters per year
41	Barbados	0.074 Cubic meters per year
42	Bahamas	0 Cubic meters per year
43	Belarus	NaN Cubic meters per year
44	Bosnia and Herzegovina	NaN Cubic meters per year
45	Cook Islands	0 Cubic meters per year
46	Croatia	NaN Cubic meters per year
47	Czech Republic	NaN Cubic meters per year
48	Indonesia	457.4 Cubic meters per year
49	India	432 Cubic meters per year
50	Ecuador	134 Cubic meters per year
51	France	120 Cubic meters per year
52	Guyana	103 Cubic meters per year
53	Gabon	62 Cubic meters per year
54	Iran	49.3 Cubic meters per year
55	Germany	45.7 Cubic meters per year
56	Italy	43 Cubic meters per year
57	Honduras	39 Cubic meters per year
58	Guinea	38 Cubic meters per year
59	Laos	37.9 Cubic meters per year
60	Guatemala	33.7 Cubic meters per year
61	Japan	27 Cubic meters per year
62	Ghana	26.3 Cubic meters per year
63	Iceland	24 Cubic meters per year
64	Guinea-Bissau	14 Cubic meters per year
65	Ireland	10.8 Cubic meters per year
66	Greece	10.3 Cubic meters per year
67	Equatorial Guinea	10 Cubic meters per year
68	El Salvador	6.15 Cubic meters per year
69	Hungary	6 Cubic meters per year
70	Fiji	5.273 Cubic meters per year
71	Dominican Republic	4.161 Cubic meters per year
72	Kenya	3.5 Cubic meters per year
73	Finland	2.2 Cubic meters per year
74	Haiti	2.157 Cubic meters per year
75	Egypt	1.5 Cubic meters per year
76	Djibouti	0.015 Cubic meters per year
77	Dominica	0 Cubic meters per year
78	Eritrea	NaN Cubic meters per year
79	Estonia	NaN Cubic meters per year
80	Jamaica	5.472 Cubic meters per year
81	Iraq	3.28 Cubic meters per year
82	Israel	1.225 Cubic meters per year
83	Eswatini	0.66 Cubic meters per year
84	Ethiopia	NaN Cubic meters per year
85	Gambia	0.5 Cubic meters per year
86	Faroe Islands	0 Cubic meters per year
87	Georgia	NaN Cubic meters per year
88	Jordan	0.54 Cubic meters per year
89	Grenada	0 Cubic meters per year
90	Kazakhstan	NaN Cubic meters per year
91	Kuwait	0.02 Cubic meters per year
92	Kiribati	0 Cubic meters per year
93	Kyrgyzstan	NaN Cubic meters per year
94	Latvia	NaN Cubic meters per year
95	Myanmar	453.7 Cubic meters per year
96	Peru	303 Cubic meters per year
97	Papua New Guinea	211.6 Cubic meters per year
98	Philippines	180 Cubic meters per year
99	Mexico	150 Cubic meters per year
100	Norway	96 Cubic meters per year
101	Nigeria	87 Cubic meters per year
102	Malaysia	64 Cubic meters per year
103	Nicaragua	59 Cubic meters per year
104	Madagascar	55 Cubic meters per year
105	Pakistan	55 Cubic meters per year
106	Liberia	45 Cubic meters per year
107	Paraguay	41.64 Cubic meters per year
108	Panama	21 Cubic meters per year
109	Mali	20 Cubic meters per year
110	Nepal	20 Cubic meters per year
111	Mozambique	17 Cubic meters per year
112	North Korea	13 Cubic meters per year
113	Poland	12.5 Cubic meters per year
114	Morocco	10 Cubic meters per year
115	Romania	8.46 Cubic meters per year
116	Rwanda	7 Cubic meters per year
117	Mongolia	6.1 Cubic meters per year
118	Netherlands	4.5 Cubic meters per year
119	Lebanon	3.2 Cubic meters per year
120	Malawi	2.5 Cubic meters per year
121	Niger	2.5 Cubic meters per year
122	Oman	1.3 Cubic meters per year
123	Mauritius	0.893 Cubic meters per year
124	Libya	0.6 Cubic meters per year
125	Lesotho	0.5 Cubic meters per year
126	Lithuania	NaN Cubic meters per year
127	Portugal	4 Cubic meters per year
128	Namibia	2.1 Cubic meters per year
129	Mauritania	0.3 Cubic meters per year
130	Luxembourg	0.08 Cubic meters per year
131	Qatar	0.058 Cubic meters per year
132	Malta	0.05 Cubic meters per year
133	Maldives	0.03 Cubic meters per year
134	Saint Kitts and Nevis	0.02 Cubic meters per year
135	Nauru	0.01 Cubic meters per year
136	New Zealand	0 Cubic meters per year
137	Niue	0 Cubic meters per year
138	North Macedonia	NaN Cubic meters per year
139	Republic of Moldova	NaN Cubic meters per year
140	Russia	NaN Cubic meters per year
141	United States	1,383 Cubic meters per year
142	Venezuela	227 Cubic meters per year
143	Suriname	90 Cubic meters per year
144	Vietnam	71.42 Cubic meters per year
145	Turkey	67.8 Cubic meters per year
146	Zambia	47 Cubic meters per year
147	Thailand	41.9 Cubic meters per year
148	Tanzania	30 Cubic meters per year
149	Spain	29.9 Cubic meters per year
150	Uganda	29 Cubic meters per year
151	Sierra Leone	25 Cubic meters per year
152	Uruguay	22.9 Cubic meters per year
153	Sweden	20 Cubic meters per year
154	South Korea	13.3 Cubic meters per year
155	Solomon Islands	11.92 Cubic meters per year
156	United Kingdom	9.8 Cubic meters per year
157	Sri Lanka	7.8 Cubic meters per year
158	Syrian Arab Republic	6.174 Cubic meters per year
159	Zimbabwe	6 Cubic meters per year
160	Togo	5.7 Cubic meters per year
161	South Africa	4.8 Cubic meters per year
162	Vanuatu	4.377 Cubic meters per year
163	Senegal	3.5 Cubic meters per year
164	Somalia	3.3 Cubic meters per year
165	Switzerland	2.5 Cubic meters per year
166	Saudi Arabia	2.2 Cubic meters per year
167	Tunisia	1.595 Cubic meters per year
168	Timor-Leste	0.886 Cubic meters per year
169	State of Palestine	0.75 Cubic meters per year
170	Trinidad and Tobago	0.614 Cubic meters per year
171	Saint Lucia	0 Cubic meters per year
172	Saint Vincent and the Grenadines	0 Cubic meters per year
173	Samoa	0 Cubic meters per year
174	Sao Tome and Principe	0 Cubic meters per year
175	Seychelles	0 Cubic meters per year
176	Singapore	0 Cubic meters per year
177	Slovakia	NaN Cubic meters per year
178	Slovenia	NaN Cubic meters per year
179	South Sudan	NaN Cubic meters per year
180	Sudan	NaN Cubic meters per year
181	Tajikistan	NaN Cubic meters per year
182	Yemen	1.5 Cubic meters per year
183	United Arab Emirates	0.12 Cubic meters per year
184	Tonga	0 Cubic meters per year
185	Turkmenistan	NaN Cubic meters per year
186	Tuvalu	0 Cubic meters per year
187	Ukraine	NaN Cubic meters per year
188	Uzbekistan	NaN Cubic meters per year

↑Top 10 Countries

Analysis: These countries represent the highest values in this dataset, showcasing significant scale and impact on global statistics.

↓Bottom 10 Countries

Context: These countries or territories have the lowest values, often due to geographic size, administrative status, or specific characteristics.

Analysis & Context

The year 1978 marked a significant period for environmental metrics, particularly concerning Total Renewable Groundwater Resources by Country. This metric represents the aggregate volume of groundwater that is naturally replenished, encompassing both internally generated and externally sourced water. Groundwater resources are crucial for agricultural activities, industrial operations, and domestic consumption, making their measurement essential for understanding global sustainability and environmental management. The following analysis delves into the geographical distribution, climate impact, and sustainability considerations surrounding this vital resource in 1978.

Geographic Distribution Analysis

In 1978, the distribution of total renewable groundwater resources displayed considerable variability across countries. The United States emerged as the leader with 1383 cubic meters per year, followed closely by China at 828.8 cubic meters, and Brazil with 645.6 cubic meters. These countries benefited from extensive river systems and favorable climatic conditions that supported substantial groundwater recharge.

Conversely, some nations faced significant scarcity, with Antigua and Barbuda, Bahamas, and several Pacific island nations such as Tuvalu and Kiribati reporting negligible renewable groundwater resources. These countries' limited freshwater availability highlights the challenges faced by smaller island nations, where geographical constraints and climatic factors inhibit groundwater replenishment.

Climate Influence on Groundwater Availability

Climate plays a pivotal role in the availability of renewable groundwater resources. In 1978, countries with tropical climates, like Brazil and Indonesia, demonstrated higher groundwater availability due to intense, year-round rainfall that enhanced aquifer recharge rates. The dense forest coverage in these regions also facilitated the natural filtration and storage of groundwater.

On the other hand, arid and semi-arid regions faced challenges in maintaining renewable groundwater levels. For instance, countries in the Middle East and North Africa experienced limited rainfall and high evaporation rates, contributing to lower groundwater availability. This disparity underscores the importance of climate in determining the distribution and sustainability of groundwater resources globally.

Sustainability and Policy Implications

The 1978 data on total renewable groundwater resources offers crucial insights into sustainability challenges and potential policy implications. Countries with abundant groundwater resources, such as the United States and Canada, have been able to support extensive agricultural and industrial activities. However, excessive reliance on these resources without adequate management measures can lead to over-exploitation and long-term depletion.

For countries with limited resources, sustainable management and international cooperation are imperative. Nations like Antigua and Barbuda and Tuvalu could benefit from strategies such as rainwater harvesting, investment in desalination technologies, and the development of drought-resistant crops. International agreements and aid could also play a vital role in supporting countries facing severe water scarcity.

Historical Context and Trends

Examining the historical context of groundwater resources in 1978 provides a baseline for understanding subsequent trends and developments. The global average of 59.38 cubic meters per year reflects a distribution heavily skewed by a few countries with substantial resources. The median value of 7.0 cubic meters per year highlights the disparities in water availability across different regions.

Over the years, the increasing global population and industrialization have exerted additional pressures on groundwater resources. The 1978 data serves as a reference point to gauge the effectiveness of past and present water management policies and the need for adaptive strategies in response to climatic and demographic changes.

The insights derived from the Total Renewable Groundwater Resources by Country metric in 1978 underscore the critical importance of understanding the geographical and climatic factors influencing groundwater availability. As nations continue to grapple with the challenges of water scarcity and sustainability, these historical data points offer valuable lessons for fostering more resilient and equitable water management practices worldwide.

Insights by country

Madagascar

In 1978, Madagascar ranked 34th out of 188 countries in terms of total renewable groundwater resources, with a significant availability of 55 cubic meters per year. This statistic highlights the country's relatively abundant freshwater resources, which are crucial for agricultural and domestic use.

The notable amount of renewable groundwater can be attributed to Madagascar's diverse topography and climate, which contribute to various hydrological cycles. The island's extensive rainfall, particularly in the eastern regions, replenishes aquifers and surface water systems, supporting the high groundwater yield.

Furthermore, despite its relatively high ranking, Madagascar faces challenges in water resource management, including issues related to pollution, over-extraction, and the impact of climate change. These factors can affect the sustainability of groundwater resources, making effective management crucial for future water security.

Bolivia

In 1978, Bolivia ranked 17th out of 188 countries in terms of total renewable groundwater resources, with an estimated 130 cubic meters per year available per capita. This significant ranking highlights Bolivia's relatively abundant groundwater resources compared to many other nations, which is crucial for both agriculture and human consumption in a country characterized by diverse ecosystems and varying climates.

The availability of groundwater resources in Bolivia can be attributed to its geographical features, including the Andes Mountains and various river systems that recharge aquifers. Additionally, Bolivia's large areas of highland and lowland environments contribute to the replenishment of these groundwater sources. However, challenges such as climate change and over-extraction pose threats to the sustainability of these vital resources.

Interestingly, despite the country's substantial groundwater resources, Bolivia still faces issues related to water distribution and access, particularly in rural areas, where infrastructure may be lacking. This situation underscores the importance of effective water management policies to ensure that groundwater resources are utilized sustainably and equitably across the nation.

Sao Tome and Principe

In 1978, Sao Tome and Principe ranked 176th out of 188 countries in terms of total renewable groundwater resources. The country reported a total of 0 cubic meters per year for this statistic, indicating a complete lack of renewable groundwater resources available for extraction and use.

This absence of groundwater resources can be attributed to several factors, including the island nation's geographical characteristics, which limit the formation of aquifers and the accumulation of groundwater. Additionally, the small land area and volcanic origins of the islands may contribute to rapid drainage and minimal freshwater retention.

Despite this challenge, Sao Tome and Principe relies on surface water sources, such as rivers and rainwater, for its freshwater needs. The lack of groundwater resources underscores the importance of sustainable management of available freshwater and highlights the vulnerability of the islands to climate fluctuations and seasonal changes.

Nepal

Nepal ranks 60th out of 188 countries in terms of total renewable groundwater resources as of the year 1978. The total renewable groundwater resources for Nepal during this period were measured at 20 cubic meters per year.

This statistic reflects the country's significant reliance on groundwater for agricultural and domestic uses, given its varied topography and climatic conditions. The availability of groundwater is essential for sustaining water supply in rural areas, where surface water may be scarce.

Several factors contribute to the groundwater resources in Nepal, including the geological composition of the Himalayan region, monsoonal rainfall patterns, and the overall demand for irrigation in a predominantly agrarian society. As a landlocked country with a large population dependent on agriculture, efficient management of these resources remains critical for food security and economic stability.

Myanmar

In 1978, Myanmar was ranked 6th globally in terms of total renewable groundwater resources, with an impressive 453.7 cubic meters per year available for use. This significant volume of groundwater resources is indicative of the country's diverse hydrological systems, which include extensive river networks and aquifers.

The abundant groundwater resources in Myanmar can be attributed to its geography, which features a variety of landscapes ranging from mountains to plains, allowing for substantial rainfall and surface water runoff to replenish underground aquifers. Furthermore, the country’s agricultural practices historically relied heavily on irrigation from these groundwater sources, which underlines their importance in sustaining food production.

Interestingly, the availability of groundwater has implications for both rural and urban development, as it plays a crucial role in drinking water supply and agricultural irrigation. However, this reliance also raises concerns regarding sustainability and the need for effective management strategies to prevent over-extraction and contamination of these vital resources.

Seychelles

Seychelles ranks 177th out of 188 countries in terms of total renewable groundwater resources, reporting a value of 0 cubic meters per year in 1978. This statistic indicates a significant limitation in the availability of groundwater resources, which is critical for the sustainability of water supply in the country.

The absence of renewable groundwater resources in Seychelles can be attributed to its unique geography as an archipelago, consisting of 115 islands, where freshwater aquifers are limited. The islands rely heavily on rainfall and surface water sources for their freshwater needs, making them vulnerable to climate variability and changes in precipitation patterns.

Additionally, the population growth and tourism development in Seychelles can exert pressure on the available freshwater resources, highlighting the importance of sustainable water management practices. As of 1978, the country was beginning to recognize the need for improved water conservation strategies to ensure a reliable water supply for its inhabitants and visitors.

Russia

In 1978, Russia ranked 172nd out of 188 countries in terms of total renewable groundwater resources, with reported values being null cubic meters per year. This ranking indicates a significant limitation in the renewable groundwater resources available for use in the country during that period.

The lack of quantifiable groundwater resources can be attributed to several factors, including the vast geographic expanse of Russia, which features diverse climates and terrains, leading to uneven distribution of water resources. Additionally, industrial activities and urbanization may have impacted the replenishment and availability of groundwater in certain regions.

Interestingly, Russia is home to some of the largest freshwater resources in the world, notably the Volga River and Lake Baikal, which highlight the contrast between surface water and groundwater availability. This disparity underscores the complexity of water resource management in a country with vast natural resources but significant regional challenges.

Malawi

In 1978, Malawi ranked 106th out of 188 countries in terms of total renewable groundwater resources, with a reported value of 2.5 cubic meters per year. This statistic highlights the limited availability of freshwater resources crucial for agricultural, domestic, and industrial uses in the country.

The relatively low groundwater resource availability in Malawi can be attributed to various factors, including its geographical and climatic conditions, such as a reliance on seasonal rainfall and periodic droughts. These environmental challenges can significantly impact water accessibility and management across rural and urban areas.

Additionally, Malawi's population growth and agricultural practices put further strain on water resources, emphasizing the need for sustainable management strategies. As of 1978, the country was still developing its water infrastructure, which has long-term implications for both public health and economic development.

Togo

Togo ranked 92nd out of 188 countries in terms of total renewable groundwater resources in 1978, with an estimated availability of 5.7 cubic meters per year. This statistic reflects the country's reliance on groundwater as a critical source of freshwater, particularly in rural areas where surface water may be scarce or contaminated.

The relatively low value of renewable groundwater resources in Togo can be attributed to several factors, including its geographical features, climate conditions, and patterns of rainfall. The country's tropical climate results in seasonal rainfall, which impacts groundwater recharge rates, making it essential for sustainable water management practices.

Moreover, Togo's agricultural practices, which predominantly rely on rain-fed irrigation, emphasize the importance of groundwater resources for food security and economic stability. As of 1978, the limited availability of renewable groundwater presented challenges for agricultural productivity and highlighted the need for investment in water infrastructure and conservation strategies.

Saudi Arabia

In 1978, Saudi Arabia ranked 110th out of 188 countries in terms of total renewable groundwater resources, with an estimated availability of 2.2 cubic meters per year. This statistic reflects the country's arid climate and limited freshwater sources, which are critical challenges for its agricultural and urban development.

The low level of renewable groundwater resources is largely attributed to the natural geography of Saudi Arabia, characterized by vast deserts and minimal rainfall. The reliance on groundwater has led to significant over-extraction, further compounding the challenges of water scarcity in the region.

Interestingly, despite these limitations, Saudi Arabia has invested heavily in desalination technologies, becoming one of the world's leaders in this field, to ensure a sustainable water supply for its growing population and agricultural needs.

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Food and Agriculture Organization of the United Nations (FAO)

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