Total Renewable Groundwater Resources by Country 1980

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)•

View data for:

Interactive Map

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 measure of total renewable groundwater resources by country in 1980 provides a fascinating glimpse into the availability of naturally replenished groundwater across the globe. Groundwater resources are vital for supporting agriculture, drinking water supplies, and sustaining ecosystems. Understanding these resources is crucial for managing water sustainability and addressing global water scarcity issues. This article delves into the data patterns observed in 1980, highlighting significant trends and comparisons across different countries.

Global Leaders in Groundwater Resources

In 1980, the United States emerged as the leader in terms of total renewable groundwater resources, boasting an impressive 1,383 cubic meters per year. This significant volume underscores the vast and varied aquifers that the country possesses, driven by extensive river systems and favorable climatic conditions. Following closely were China with 828.8 cubic meters and Brazil with 645.6 cubic meters. China's vast geographic expanse and diverse climate zones contribute to its substantial groundwater resources. Meanwhile, Brazil's abundant rainfall and expansive Amazon basin play a crucial role in replenishing its groundwater supplies.

Resource Challenges in Small Nations

Conversely, several smaller nations such as Antigua and Barbuda, Bahamas, Tuvalu, Kiribati, and Tonga reported zero cubic meters of renewable groundwater resources in 1980. This lack of groundwater availability presents significant challenges for these countries, often leading them to rely heavily on alternative sources such as rainwater harvesting and desalination. The impact of limited groundwater is further exacerbated by the geographic isolation and climatic conditions that many island nations face, making sustainable water management a critical priority.

Geographical Distribution Patterns

The geographical distribution of renewable groundwater resources in 1980 shows a clear pattern dominated by large, naturally endowed countries. For instance, Colombia and Indonesia, with 510 and 457.4 cubic meters respectively, benefit from their tropical climates and abundant natural water systems, which contribute to groundwater recharge. The Democratic Republic of Congo, with 421 cubic meters, highlights Africa’s potential for groundwater resources, driven by rain-fed systems and the Congo River basin. These patterns emphasize the strong correlation between geography, climate, and groundwater availability.

Sustainability and Resource Management

While the data from 1980 provides a snapshot of groundwater availability, it also points to the pressing need for sustainable resource management. Countries with abundant resources, like the United States and Brazil, are tasked with ensuring that these reserves are managed wisely to prevent over-extraction and contamination. On the other hand, nations with sparse groundwater resources face the dual challenge of securing their water needs while implementing innovative solutions to augment their water supply sustainably.

Historical Context and Future Insights

Reflecting on the total renewable groundwater resources by country in 1980 provides historical context for understanding the evolution of water resource management over the decades. While the data in that year showed no change, maintaining consistency, it set the stage for future efforts in water conservation and technology advancements. In recent years, the importance of groundwater has increased due to growing populations and climate change, pushing nations to rethink and innovate their water management strategies. As we look toward the future, the lessons from 1980 underline the imperative to balance groundwater use with ecological preservation, ensuring that these vital resources remain viable for generations to come.

In conclusion, the total renewable groundwater resources by country in 1980 reveal not only the inequities in resource availability but also the shared challenges in managing this critical resource. By examining these data-driven insights, countries can better appreciate the necessity of sustainable practices and international cooperation in addressing global water security challenges.

Insights by country

North Korea

In 1980, North Korea ranked 66th out of 188 countries in terms of total renewable groundwater resources, with a reported value of 13 cubic meters per year. This statistic reflects the limited availability of groundwater resources in the country, which is critical for agricultural and domestic use.

The relatively low volume of renewable groundwater can be attributed to several factors, including the country’s mountainous terrain and climatic conditions that limit precipitation. Additionally, North Korea's economic challenges and underdeveloped infrastructure have hindered effective water management and distribution.

Interestingly, groundwater resources are vital for sustaining the agricultural sector in North Korea, which has faced food security issues. In this context, the efficient management of these limited resources is essential for ensuring food production and supporting the population's needs.

Kuwait

Kuwait ranked 143rd out of 188 countries in terms of total renewable groundwater resources in 1980. The country had an estimated 0.02 cubic meters per year of renewable groundwater resources, highlighting its extreme scarcity of freshwater resources.

This low figure can be attributed to Kuwait's arid climate, characterized by very low annual precipitation and high evaporation rates. The limited availability of freshwater has necessitated a heavy reliance on desalination processes to meet the water needs of its population and industries.

In addition to its scarce groundwater resources, Kuwait has invested significantly in water management and infrastructure, with approximately 70% of its drinking water derived from desalination plants. This situation underscores the importance of sustainable water usage practices in a country where natural freshwater resources are critically limited.

Dominica

In 1980, Dominica ranked 156th out of 188 countries in terms of total renewable groundwater resources, with a recorded value of 0 cubic meters per year. This statistic indicates that the country did not have measurable renewable groundwater resources available for use during that period.

The absence of renewable groundwater resources in Dominica can be attributed to its unique geographical and environmental characteristics. The island is predominantly characterized by volcanic terrain, which influences the hydrology and limits the accumulation of groundwater. Instead, Dominica relies heavily on surface water sources, such as rivers and rainfall, to meet its freshwater needs.

Interestingly, despite this lack of groundwater, Dominica is known for its lush rainforests and abundant rainfall, which contribute to its rich biodiversity and natural beauty. The reliance on surface water and rain-fed resources remains a critical aspect of the country's water management strategy, highlighting the importance of protecting its ecological systems.

Kiribati

In 1980, Kiribati ranked 164th out of 188 countries in terms of total renewable groundwater resources, with a reported value of 0 cubic meters per year. This statistic reflects the challenges faced by this Pacific island nation, which consists of 33 atolls and reef islands, where freshwater resources are extremely limited.

The lack of renewable groundwater resources in Kiribati is primarily due to its geographic and climatic conditions. The porous limestone formations that make up much of the islands lead to rapid infiltration of rainwater, limiting the accumulation of freshwater. Additionally, rising sea levels and climate change pose significant threats to the already scarce freshwater supplies, as saltwater intrusion into aquifers becomes more prevalent.

Kiribati's situation underscores the importance of sustainable water management practices, as the nation relies heavily on rainwater harvesting and limited groundwater for its freshwater needs. This scenario highlights the vulnerability of small island developing states to environmental changes and the urgent need for adaptive strategies to ensure water security.

Afghanistan

In 1980, Afghanistan had a total renewable groundwater resource of 10.65 cubic meters per year, ranking it 71st out of 188 countries in terms of groundwater availability. This statistic highlights the significant reliance on groundwater for agricultural and domestic use in a country where surface water resources are limited.

The relatively moderate level of renewable groundwater resources can be attributed to various factors, including the country's topography, climate, and historical management practices. Afghanistan's mountainous terrain contributes to a complex hydrological system, where groundwater recharge occurs mainly in high-altitude areas.

Furthermore, the agricultural practices prevalent in Afghanistan, particularly in rural areas, often depend heavily on groundwater, emphasizing the importance of sustainable management of these resources to address ongoing challenges such as drought and water scarcity.

Brazil

In 1980, Brazil ranked third out of 188 countries in terms of total renewable groundwater resources, with a significant capacity of 645.6 cubic meters per year. This remarkable availability of groundwater resources highlights Brazil's extensive aquifer systems, particularly in the Amazon Basin and the Guarani Aquifer, which are crucial for sustaining agriculture and drinking water supplies.

The country's vast geographical diversity and climate variations contribute to its extensive groundwater reserves. Factors such as abundant rainfall, especially in the northern regions, and the presence of large river systems enhance the replenishment of aquifers. Additionally, Brazil's commitment to sustainable water management practices has historically played a role in preserving these vital resources.

Interestingly, Brazil's groundwater resources are vital not only for domestic consumption but also for agricultural activities, which are a key component of the national economy. As of 1980, the availability of such a high volume of groundwater underscores the importance of water resource management in addressing future challenges related to population growth and climate change.

Panama

In 1980, Panama ranked 58th out of 188 countries in terms of total renewable groundwater resources, with a reported value of 21 cubic meters per year. This statistic highlights the country's relatively significant freshwater resources, which are vital for both agricultural and domestic use.

The availability of groundwater in Panama can be attributed to its tropical climate and abundant rainfall, which contribute to the recharge of aquifers. Additionally, the presence of extensive forested areas helps in maintaining the hydrological cycle, thereby supporting groundwater sustainability.

Despite this resource, Panama faces challenges related to water management, including pollution and over-extraction in some regions. Understanding the dynamics of groundwater resources is essential for ensuring long-term water security in a country that is strategically significant for global trade due to the Panama Canal.

Colombia

In 1980, Colombia ranked fourth out of 188 countries in total renewable groundwater resources, with a significant volume of 510 cubic meters per year. This remarkable statistic highlights Colombia's abundant freshwater resources, which are essential for both agricultural and domestic use.

The country's extensive river systems and diverse ecosystems contribute to its high groundwater availability. Factors such as the Andean mountain range, which influences rainfall patterns and watershed dynamics, play a crucial role in sustaining these resources. Additionally, Colombia's varied climate, ranging from tropical in the lowlands to temperate in the highlands, supports diverse water catchment areas.

Furthermore, the management and preservation of these groundwater resources are vital for addressing challenges related to water scarcity and environmental sustainability. As a country rich in biodiversity, Colombia's groundwater resources also support a variety of ecosystems, enhancing its ecological resilience.

Slovakia

In 1980, Slovakia ranked 179th out of 188 countries in terms of total renewable groundwater resources, with a reported value of null cubic meters per year. This statistic indicates a significant limitation in the availability of groundwater resources during this period, which can be attributed to various environmental and geographical factors.

The scarcity of groundwater resources in Slovakia may have been influenced by the country's geological characteristics, including the predominance of limestone and other formations that affect aquifer recharge. Additionally, post-World War II industrialization and urbanization likely put pressure on natural water resources, exacerbating the challenge of sustainable groundwater management.

It is noteworthy that, despite the low ranking, Slovakia is home to a diverse range of water resources, including rivers and lakes, which play a crucial role in the country’s water supply system. The management of these resources continues to evolve, reflecting broader trends in environmental conservation and water resource sustainability.

Egypt

In 1980, Egypt ranked 117th out of 188 countries in terms of total renewable groundwater resources, with an estimated availability of 1.5 cubic meters per year. This statistic underscores the significant challenges Egypt faces regarding water resource management, particularly given its arid climate and reliance on the Nile River for the majority of its freshwater supply.

The limited renewable groundwater resources can be attributed to several factors, including Egypt's geographic location in a predominantly desert region, which results in low annual rainfall and high evaporation rates. Additionally, the over-extraction of groundwater for agriculture, coupled with increasing population demands, has exacerbated the stress on these already limited resources.

Interestingly, groundwater accounts for a crucial component of Egypt's water supply, especially in rural areas where surface water is less accessible. The reliance on both renewable and non-renewable groundwater sources remains vital for agricultural practices and domestic use, making effective management and conservation strategies essential for sustainable development.

Data Source

Food and Agriculture Organization of the United Nations (FAO)

The Food and Agriculture Organization (FAO) is a specialized agency of the United Nations that leads international efforts to defeat hunger.

Visit Data Source

Historical Data by Year

Explore Total Renewable Groundwater Resources by Country data across different years. Compare trends and see how statistics have changed over time.

More Environment Facts

Agricultural land

Agricultural land measures the area dedicated to farming and cultivation in countries, impacting food production and sustainability. Understanding this statistic is crucial for assessing agricultural capacity and economic development.

View data

Browse All Environment

Explore more facts and statistics in this category

All Categories

Discover more categories with comprehensive global data