Total Renewable Groundwater Resources by Country 1981

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 concept of "Total Renewable Groundwater Resources by Country" for 1981 offers a crucial lens through which to understand global water sustainability. This statistic measures the volume of groundwater that is naturally replenished and available for use, combining both internally generated and externally sourced groundwater. As a vital component of the world’s freshwater resources, renewable groundwater plays a significant role in supporting agriculture, industry, and domestic needs, making it an essential metric for countries worldwide.

Global Significance of Renewable Groundwater

In 1981, the comprehension and management of renewable groundwater resources were pivotal for addressing the growing demands of populations and industries. With an average value of 59.38 cubic meters per year among 163 countries, the data reflects significant disparities in water availability. The United States led the chart with a maximum value of 1383 cubic meters per year, highlighting its robust groundwater systems and extensive natural resources. In stark contrast, several island nations, such as Antigua and Barbuda, reported zero renewable groundwater, underscoring the environmental and geographical challenges they face.

Climate and Environmental Influences

Renewable groundwater resources are intrinsically linked to climatic conditions. Regions with high precipitation and extensive river systems, like Brazil (645.6 cubic meters per year) and Indonesia (457.4 cubic meters per year), benefit from substantial renewable groundwater resources. Conversely, arid regions and small island nations often struggle due to limited rainfall and small catchment areas, leading to challenging water security issues. The discrepancies in groundwater resources highlight the critical role of climate in shaping the availability of these essential resources.

Regional Distribution and Patterns

The geographical distribution of renewable groundwater resources in 1981 reveals distinct patterns. North America, represented by the United States and Canada (370 cubic meters per year), demonstrated significant groundwater availability, supporting substantial agricultural and industrial activities. In Asia, countries like China (828.8 cubic meters per year) and India (432 cubic meters per year) showcased strong groundwater reserves, vital for sustaining their large populations and growing economies. Meanwhile, Africa’s Congo, Democratic Republic of the, reported a noteworthy 421 cubic meters per year, indicating the potential for water resource development amidst regional challenges.

Sustainability and Future Trends

The sustainability of groundwater resources was already a concern in 1981, as nations recognized the necessity of managing these vital resources amidst rising environmental pressures. Countries with abundant groundwater, such as Peru (303 cubic meters per year) and Colombia (510 cubic meters per year), began exploring sustainable extraction practices to support long-term use. The period also marked the beginning of international discussions on collaborative water management strategies, particularly in transboundary aquifers, to ensure equitable and sustainable use across borders.

Policy Implications and Global Initiatives

In 1981, the global awareness of water management was gaining momentum, prompting policy initiatives aimed at better resource management. Countries with minimal renewable groundwater resources, like those in the bottom ten, had to implement innovative policies and explore alternative water sources, such as desalination and rainwater harvesting, to meet their needs. International cooperation became increasingly crucial, with countries recognizing the importance of shared information and technology in combating water scarcity and promoting sustainable use of groundwater resources.

The analysis of total renewable groundwater resources by country in 1981 provides essential insights into global water availability and sustainability challenges. As nations strive to balance development with environmental stewardship, understanding these patterns is key to fostering resilient and sustainable water management practices worldwide.

Insights by country

Algeria

In 1981, Algeria ranked 116th out of 188 countries in terms of total renewable groundwater resources, with an estimated availability of 1.517 cubic meters per year. This statistic highlights the challenges faced by the country in managing its water resources, particularly given its vast arid regions and limited rainfall.

The relatively low figure for renewable groundwater resources can be attributed to several factors, including Algeria's climatic conditions, which predominantly feature desert landscapes and high temperatures that lead to significant evaporation rates. Additionally, the over-extraction of groundwater for agricultural and urban use has further strained the already limited water supply.

Interestingly, Algeria's situation contrasts with other countries in the region that may have better access to renewable water sources. The management of water resources remains a critical issue for Algeria, as it directly impacts agriculture, industry, and the livelihoods of its population, underscoring the need for sustainable water management practices.

Faroe Islands

In 1981, the Faroe Islands ranked 160th out of 188 countries regarding total renewable groundwater resources, with a reported value of 0 cubic meters per year. This statistic highlights the unique geographical and climatic conditions of the archipelago, which consists of 18 volcanic islands characterized by rugged terrain and a temperate maritime climate.

The absence of significant groundwater resources can be attributed to the islands' limited land area and steep topography, which restricts the accumulation of freshwater aquifers. Instead, the Faroe Islands rely on rainfall and surface water from streams and lakes to meet their freshwater needs, a situation that is sustainable given the islands' high annual precipitation levels.

Additionally, the reliance on surface water sources aligns with broader trends in small island nations, where groundwater resources may be limited due to geological factors. The situation emphasizes the importance of effective water management strategies, particularly in the context of climate change and potential shifts in precipitation patterns.

Yemen

In 1981, Yemen ranked 118th out of 188 countries regarding total renewable groundwater resources, with a measured availability of 1.5 cubic meters per year. This limited groundwater resource highlights the challenges faced by Yemen in managing its water supply, particularly in a region characterized by arid conditions and scarce rainfall.

The low availability of renewable groundwater can be attributed to several factors, including the country's geography, climate, and increasing water demands due to a growing population and agricultural practices. Yemen's reliance on groundwater for irrigation and domestic use has intensified over the years, leading to significant depletion of these vital resources.

Additionally, Yemen's water management practices historically have struggled to keep pace with the demands placed on its groundwater systems, resulting in over-extraction and unsustainable usage. This situation is further exacerbated by socio-political instability, which hampers effective governance and resource management.

Bulgaria

Bulgaria ranked 84th out of 188 countries in terms of total renewable groundwater resources in the year 1981. The country had a reported volume of 6.4 cubic meters per year, reflecting its availability of groundwater resources during that period.

This statistic is significant as it highlights Bulgaria's reliance on groundwater for agricultural and domestic use, particularly in a region where surface water can be limited. The availability of renewable groundwater resources is crucial for sustaining agricultural productivity and meeting the water needs of the population.

Several factors contribute to the level of groundwater resources in Bulgaria, including geological formations, climate conditions, and historical water management practices. Additionally, the assessment of renewable groundwater resources is essential for effective water resource planning and environmental sustainability.

Armenia

In 1981, Armenia ranked 148th out of 188 countries in terms of total renewable groundwater resources. The actual value of renewable groundwater resources for Armenia during this period was null cubic meters per year, indicating a lack of sufficient data or recognition of measurable groundwater reserves at that time.

This statistic reflects the challenges faced by Armenia in managing its water resources, which are influenced by various factors such as geographical conditions, climate variability, and historical water management practices. The mountainous terrain of Armenia, combined with its continental climate, can lead to significant variations in water availability.

Additionally, the country has experienced periods of economic hardship and political instability, which have further complicated efforts to effectively utilize and conserve water resources. As a result, the management of renewable groundwater resources remains a critical issue for Armenia, particularly in light of increasing demands from agriculture and domestic use.

Azerbaijan

Azerbaijan ranked 149th out of 188 countries in terms of total renewable groundwater resources in the year 1981, with a reported value of null cubic meters per year. This ranking indicates a limited availability of groundwater resources, which can significantly impact agricultural practices and water supply for the population.

The scarcity of renewable groundwater resources in Azerbaijan can be attributed to several factors, including its geographical location, climate conditions, and historical water management practices. The country experiences a semi-arid climate, which can lead to lower rates of groundwater recharge, particularly in the absence of effective water conservation strategies.

Additionally, Azerbaijan has historically faced challenges related to water quality and pollution, which further complicates the management of its water resources. It is noteworthy that the Caspian Sea, bordering Azerbaijan, has been a critical source of water, yet the reliance on surface water may have limited the development of groundwater resources.

Comoros

In 1981, Comoros was ranked 121st out of 188 countries in terms of total renewable groundwater resources, with a reported value of 1 cubic meter per year. This limited availability of groundwater resources reflects the challenges faced by the nation in managing its water supply amidst its geographical characteristics.

The Comoros, an archipelago located off the east coast of Africa, is characterized by volcanic islands with diverse ecosystems but limited freshwater resources. The relatively low groundwater availability can be attributed to several factors, including high population density, which places significant pressure on existing water resources, and climatic conditions that can lead to fluctuations in rainfall and water retention.

In addition to these challenges, the reliance on groundwater for agricultural and domestic use underscores the importance of sustainable water management practices. The situation is compounded by issues such as deforestation and soil erosion, which can further diminish the capacity of the land to retain water. As such, effective water resource management remains a critical area for development in the Comoros.

Sudan

In 1981, Sudan ranked 182nd out of 188 countries in terms of total renewable groundwater resources, with a reported value of null cubic meters per year. This ranking indicates a significant scarcity of renewable groundwater resources in the country, which poses challenges for both agricultural and domestic water supply.

The low availability of groundwater can be attributed to various factors, including the arid and semi-arid climate prevalent in much of Sudan, which limits freshwater replenishment through rainfall. Additionally, the country's ongoing political and social conflicts have historically hindered the development and management of water resources, leading to underinvestment in infrastructure necessary for water extraction and distribution.

It is noteworthy that water scarcity in Sudan exacerbates food insecurity and affects the livelihoods of millions, particularly in rural areas where agriculture is heavily reliant on water availability. This situation underscores the critical need for sustainable water management strategies and investment in water resource development to support the population’s needs.

Tunisia

Tunisia ranked 115th out of 188 countries in terms of total renewable groundwater resources in the year 1981. The country had an estimated total renewable groundwater resource of 1.595 cubic meters per year, reflecting its reliance on groundwater for agricultural and domestic use in a predominantly arid climate.

This statistic highlights the challenges Tunisia faces regarding water scarcity, which is a significant issue in North Africa due to its limited rainfall and high evaporation rates. The reliance on groundwater underscores the importance of sustainable water management practices to ensure long-term availability.

Factors contributing to the low volume of renewable groundwater resources include geological formations that limit aquifer recharge and the increasing demand for water from a growing population and agricultural sector. Furthermore, the country has historically faced challenges related to climate variability, which can exacerbate water scarcity issues.

Angola

In 1981, Angola ranked 32nd out of 188 countries in terms of total renewable groundwater resources, with a reported availability of 58 cubic meters per year. This statistic highlights the significant freshwater resource potential within the country, which is crucial for agriculture and domestic use.

The abundance of groundwater in Angola can be attributed to its varied topography and climate, which includes regions that experience substantial rainfall. However, despite its groundwater resources, Angola has faced challenges related to water management, infrastructure, and access, particularly in rural areas.

It is notable that groundwater resources are vital for sustaining livelihoods in Angola, especially in regions prone to drought. The sustainable management of these resources remains essential to support the country's ongoing development and to address water scarcity issues exacerbated by climate change.

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