Total Renewable Groundwater Resources by Country 1979

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 1979 marks a significant point in understanding the distribution and availability of total renewable groundwater resources by country. This environmental metric is crucial as it measures the combined volume of groundwater that is naturally replenished and available for sustainable use. In a world increasingly conscious of its water footprint, understanding these resources helps nations manage their water supply more effectively, ensuring long-term sustainability.

The Global Significance of Renewable Groundwater in 1979

Renewable groundwater resources are a vital component of the hydrological cycle, offering a sustainable source of water for agricultural, industrial, and domestic uses. In 1979, the assessment of these resources provided insight into global water availability, highlighting regions with abundant resources and those facing potential scarcity. The sheer size of these resources, quantified in cubic meters per year, underscores their importance in supporting economic development and maintaining environmental health.

Analysis of Leading Countries in Groundwater Resources

In 1979, the United States led the world with a staggering 1,383 cubic meters of renewable groundwater resources per year. This abundance is attributed to the vast geographic size and diverse climatic regions of the U.S., which contribute to a significant recharge of groundwater reserves. China followed with 828.8 cubic meters, reflecting its extensive river systems and varied topography. Brazil's 645.6 cubic meters highlight the country's rainforests and river networks, which are crucial for maintaining high groundwater levels.

Colombia, Indonesia, and Myanmar also featured prominently, each with over 450 cubic meters of resources. These figures illustrate the connection between dense forestation, high annual precipitation, and substantial groundwater reserves. India's 432 cubic meters reflect its reliance on monsoon rains and river systems, critical for supporting its large agrarian population.

Geographic Distribution and Clustering

Geographic distribution of groundwater resources in 1979 reveals a pattern where tropical and subtropical regions tend to have higher volumes due to consistent rainfall and extensive river networks. In contrast, arid and semi-arid regions often report lower values. The Democratic Republic of the Congo, with 421 cubic meters, exemplifies the influence of lush rainforest ecosystems on groundwater replenishment, while Canada's 370 cubic meters highlight the role of vast freshwater lakes and precipitation in sustaining groundwater levels.

This geographic clustering indicates that regions with abundant groundwater resources often coincide with high biodiversity and rich ecosystems, emphasizing the interconnectedness of natural resource availability and environmental health.

Challenges and Opportunities in Groundwater Management

Despite high volumes in certain countries, equitable distribution and effective management remain challenges. Nations with abundant resources, like Peru with 303 cubic meters, often face logistical issues in accessing and distributing water efficiently across varied terrains. Meanwhile, countries such as Antigua and Barbuda, and others with zero renewable groundwater resources, must contend with scarcity, relying heavily on alternative water sources like desalination or imports.

The 1979 data underscores the need for international cooperation in water management, as well as the development of sustainable practices to harness and protect these vital resources. Advances in technology, such as remote sensing and improved forecasting models, present opportunities to enhance the monitoring and management of groundwater, ensuring its availability for future generations.

Implications of Zero Values for Some Countries

The presence of zero renewable groundwater resources in countries like Tuvalu, Kiribati, and Grenada highlights the vulnerability of small island nations to water scarcity. These nations often depend on rainwater harvesting and imports to meet their freshwater needs. The absence of significant natural aquifers makes them susceptible to environmental changes and underscores the importance of sustainable water management practices.

The 1979 statistics serve as a critical reminder of the disparities in natural resource distribution and the need for tailored strategies that address the unique challenges faced by these countries, promoting resilience against climatic and environmental perturbations.

The data from 1979 provides a foundational understanding of global groundwater distribution, offering insights into the environmental and geopolitical factors influencing water availability. As the world continues to grapple with climate change and population growth, these insights become increasingly valuable in formulating policies that ensure the sustainable use and equitable distribution of this essential resource.

Insights by country

Saudi Arabia

In 1979, Saudi Arabia ranked 110th out of 188 countries in terms of total renewable groundwater resources, with a measured value of 2.2 cubic meters per year. This statistic highlights the country's limited water resources in a region characterized by arid climate and scarce rainfall.

The low availability of renewable groundwater is a significant concern for Saudi Arabia, which relies heavily on both natural aquifers and desalination processes to meet its water needs. The harsh desert environment, combined with rapid population growth and industrial demands, exacerbates the challenges related to water sustainability.

Additionally, the reliance on non-renewable groundwater sources has led to significant depletion of aquifers, raising concerns about long-term water security. As a result, the Saudi government has increasingly invested in advanced water management technologies and alternative water sources, including the expansion of desalination facilities, to meet the demands of its growing population and economy.

Maldives

In 1979, the Maldives ranked 142 out of 188 countries in terms of total renewable groundwater resources, with a value of 0.03 cubic meters per year. This limited availability of freshwater resources is particularly significant for an island nation, where reliance on groundwater is crucial for sustaining its population and agriculture.

The Maldives' geographical composition, characterized by low-lying coral atolls, restricts the natural replenishment of groundwater, leading to challenges in water management and sustainability. Additionally, the ongoing impacts of climate change, such as rising sea levels and increased salinity, further exacerbate the already limited freshwater resources.

Despite these challenges, the Maldives has made strides in enhancing water resource management, although the reliance on rainwater harvesting and desalination remains vital. The country's unique environment necessitates innovative solutions to ensure water security for its inhabitants and tourism sector, which is a significant contributor to its economy.

Bangladesh

In 1979, Bangladesh ranked 57th out of 188 countries in terms of total renewable groundwater resources, with an estimated availability of 21.122 cubic meters per year. This substantial figure reflects the country's reliance on groundwater for agricultural irrigation, drinking water, and industrial use, which is critical for supporting its dense population and agricultural economy.

The high availability of groundwater resources can be attributed to the country's geographical features, including its extensive river systems and monsoon climate, which contribute to aquifer recharge. However, this reliance on groundwater also poses challenges, such as over-extraction and contamination, which have raised concerns about sustainability and water quality in the following decades.

Additionally, Bangladesh's vulnerability to climate change, particularly in the context of rising sea levels and increased salinity intrusion, may further impact its groundwater resources. The government and various organizations have been working on sustainable management practices to ensure that these vital resources remain available for future generations.

Guatemala

In 1979, Guatemala ranked 48th out of 188 countries in terms of total renewable groundwater resources, with an estimated 33.7 cubic meters per year available per capita. This statistic highlights the country's relatively significant groundwater resources, which are essential for agricultural, domestic, and industrial use.

Several factors contribute to this level of groundwater availability, including Guatemala's diverse climate and geographical features, which include mountains, valleys, and numerous rivers. The presence of volcanic soil also enhances the country's agricultural productivity, which is highly dependent on groundwater irrigation.

Moreover, Guatemala's reliance on groundwater resources is critical, especially given the challenges posed by climate variability and changes in precipitation patterns. Understanding the management and sustainability of these resources is vital for supporting the country's economic development and ensuring food security for its population.

Afghanistan

In 1979, Afghanistan ranked 71st out of 188 countries in terms of total renewable groundwater resources, with a reported availability of 10.65 cubic meters per year per capita. This statistic highlights the country's reliance on groundwater for agricultural and domestic use, especially in a region where surface water resources can be scarce.

The total renewable groundwater resources in Afghanistan are influenced by various factors, including the country's topography, climate, and historical patterns of water management. The arid and semi-arid conditions prevalent in many parts of Afghanistan necessitate the extraction and use of groundwater, which plays a critical role in sustaining the livelihoods of rural populations.

Additionally, ongoing conflicts and political instability have affected infrastructure development, including water management systems, further complicating the efficient use of groundwater resources. This situation emphasizes the importance of sustainable water resource management, especially in a country where agriculture is a primary economic activity.

Tonga

Tonga ranks 184 out of 188 countries in terms of total renewable groundwater resources, with a reported value of 0 cubic meters per year in 1979. This statistic highlights the severe limitations regarding freshwater availability on the islands, which are primarily composed of volcanic rock and surrounded by ocean.

The absence of renewable groundwater resources can be attributed to several factors, including the geographical characteristics of Tonga, which features limited land area and significant rainfall variability. Additionally, the reliance on surface water sources, primarily from rainfall, further exacerbates the challenges of water supply in this Pacific nation.

Interestingly, despite the low groundwater resources, Tonga has developed various methods to manage its freshwater supply, including rainwater harvesting and the use of desalination technologies. This situation underscores the importance of sustainable water management practices in island nations facing similar geographical constraints.

Mauritius

In 1979, Mauritius ranked 123rd out of 188 countries in terms of total renewable groundwater resources, with an estimated availability of 0.893 cubic meters per year. This low figure reflects the island's limited land area and topographical features, which constrain the potential for groundwater recharge.

The relatively low groundwater resources can be attributed to several factors, including the island’s tropical climate, which influences rainfall patterns, and its geological composition, which may limit the aquifers' capacity. Additionally, urbanization and agricultural practices over the decades have put pressure on available water resources, impacting their sustainability.

Interestingly, Mauritius has been proactive in managing its water resources through various conservation efforts and infrastructure developments, highlighting the importance of sustainable water management in small island nations.

Saint Kitts and Nevis

In 1979, Saint Kitts and Nevis ranked 144th out of 188 countries in terms of total renewable groundwater resources, with a reported value of 0.02 cubic meters per year. This statistic underscores the limited freshwater resources available on the islands, which impacts both agricultural practices and domestic water supply.

The scarcity of renewable groundwater can be attributed to several factors, including the island's small land area, topography, and climatic conditions that limit rainfall and groundwater replenishment. As a result, the country faces challenges in sustaining its water needs, particularly during dry periods.

Notably, the reliance on rainfall and surface water sources for freshwater necessitates careful management of water resources, as well as the implementation of conservation methods to ensure long-term water security for the population and agricultural sectors. This statistic highlights the importance of sustainable water resource management in small island developing states.

Cook Islands

In 1979, the Cook Islands ranked 153rd out of 188 countries in terms of total renewable groundwater resources, with a recorded value of 0 cubic meters per year. This statistic reflects the islands' geographical and climatic conditions, where freshwater aquifers are limited due to their small landmass and porous volcanic rock formations.

The absence of significant groundwater resources can be attributed to the Cook Islands' unique topography and reliance on rainfall for freshwater supply. The islands experience a tropical climate, where rainfall can be variable, leading to challenges in water management and availability during dry periods.

Additionally, the Cook Islands' reliance on rainwater harvesting and desalination processes underscores the importance of sustainable water resource management in ensuring water security for its population. As an interesting note, many Pacific Island nations face similar challenges regarding freshwater resources, highlighting the broader regional issues of water scarcity and environmental sustainability.

Lithuania

In 1979, Lithuania ranked 167th out of 188 countries in terms of total renewable groundwater resources, with a reported value of null cubic meters per year. This low ranking indicates a significant limitation in the country's renewable groundwater capacity, which can be crucial for agricultural, industrial, and domestic uses.

The scarcity of renewable groundwater resources in Lithuania during this period can be attributed to several factors, including the country's geographical and climatic conditions, as well as historical land use practices that may have impacted water availability. Additionally, the political and economic context of the time, particularly under Soviet influence, may have hindered effective water resource management and sustainability efforts.

Understanding Lithuania's water resource challenges is vital, especially considering that renewable groundwater plays a critical role in supporting the country's ecosystems and agricultural productivity. Furthermore, as Lithuania has undergone significant changes since 1979, including its independence and EU membership, it has increasingly focused on sustainable water management practices to enhance water security.

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