Total Renewable Groundwater Resources by Country 1983

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" in 1983 captures the volume of groundwater that is naturally replenished and available for use globally. This metric is crucial as it influences water availability, ecosystem sustainability, and agricultural productivity. Understanding how different countries compare in terms of renewable groundwater resources provides valuable insights into global water resource management and environmental health.

Climate and Hydrology Interplay

In 1983, the interplay between climate and hydrology played a significant role in the distribution of renewable groundwater resources. Regions with high rainfall such as Indonesia and Brazil naturally had abundant groundwater resources, recorded at 457.4 and 645.6 million cubic meters per year respectively. The hydrological cycle in these countries, driven by tropical climates, ensured that aquifers were continuously replenished. Conversely, regions with arid or semi-arid climates, like those found in parts of Africa and the Middle East, experienced more limited renewal rates of groundwater, affecting their overall water security and potentially leading to water stress and increased competition for resources.

Regional Disparities in Groundwater Resources

In an international comparison, significant disparities in groundwater resources were evident. The United States topped the list with 1383 million cubic meters of renewable groundwater, reflecting a diverse climate and vast land area that facilitate significant water recharge. China and India, with 828.8 and 432 million cubic meters respectively, also benefited from extensive river systems and monsoonal rains. However, smaller island nations like Antigua and Barbuda, Bahamas, and Tuvalu reported zero cubic meters, highlighting their dependency on alternative water sources like desalination or imported water. These disparities underline the importance of tailored water management practices and international support to address the needs of water-scarce regions.

Environmental Implications and Sustainability

With an average global renewable groundwater resource of 59.38 million cubic meters per year, the environmental implications were profound. Countries with abundant groundwater had the capacity to support diverse ecosystems and agricultural activities, promoting biodiversity and food security. In contrast, nations with limited groundwater faced challenges such as over-extraction, which can lead to land subsidence and reduced water quality. The data from 1983 suggests a pressing need for sustainable water management practices. Implementing policies that enhance groundwater recharge through rainwater harvesting and protecting watershed areas could preserve these vital resources for future generations.

Historical Context of Groundwater Management

The year 1983 lies in a period when global awareness about environmental conservation and resource management was starting to take significant shape. Groundwater, often less visible than surface water, was gaining attention as a critical component of comprehensive water management strategies. Historical practices of unchecked extraction were being scrutinized, especially in the wake of severe droughts and water shortages experienced in preceding decades. Countries like the United States and India began recognizing the potential of aquifer management and the importance of long-term planning to avoid the pitfalls of unsustainable use.

Policy Impact and International Cooperation

Efforts to manage groundwater resources effectively in 1983 were starting to be reflected in international policy dialogues. The disparities in groundwater resources highlighted the need for international cooperation, especially for nations facing water scarcity. Policies focused on data sharing, technology transfer, and collaborative research emerged as pivotal strategies to foster sustainable management. Countries with abundant resources had the opportunity to lead by example, promoting practices that could be adapted to suit the needs of less-endowed regions. By building frameworks for cooperation, nations worked to mitigate conflicts over water resources, ensuring equitable access and fostering peace and stability.

Overall, the "Total Renewable Groundwater Resources by Country" in 1983 depicts a world with diverse hydrological landscapes and distinct challenges. This period marked the beginning of increased awareness and action towards sustainable water management, which continues to evolve as climate change and population growth present new challenges. The lessons from this historical data underscore the importance of proactive management and international collaboration in ensuring water security for all.

Insights by country

Saudi Arabia

In 1983, Saudi Arabia ranked 110th out of 188 countries regarding total renewable groundwater resources, with a reported value of 2.2 cubic meters per year. This low figure reflects the country's challenging environmental conditions, characterized by arid climates and limited surface water resources.

The scarcity of renewable groundwater in Saudi Arabia can be attributed to various factors, including its predominantly desert landscape, high evaporation rates, and over-extraction of aquifers for agricultural and urban use. As the country has sought to support its growing population and economy, particularly in the agricultural sector, the demand for groundwater has significantly increased, leading to concerns about sustainability and resource depletion.

Additionally, Saudi Arabia has invested heavily in desalination technology to supplement its water supply, given the limited availability of renewable groundwater. This investment underscores the critical nature of water resource management in a country where water scarcity is a persistent challenge.

Tuvalu

In 1983, Tuvalu ranked 186 out of 188 countries in terms of total renewable groundwater resources, with a reported value of 0 cubic meters per year. This statistic highlights the extreme limitations of freshwater resources available on the islands, which are characterized by small land area and low elevation.

The lack of renewable groundwater resources in Tuvalu is largely due to its geography as a low-lying Pacific island nation, where fresh groundwater is scarce and often contaminated by saltwater intrusion. As a result, Tuvalu relies heavily on rainwater harvesting and desalination for its freshwater needs, making the country vulnerable to climate variability and changing precipitation patterns.

Additionally, the small population and limited agricultural needs of Tuvalu contribute to its low demand for groundwater resources. However, the ongoing impacts of climate change pose significant risks to the already fragile freshwater systems, highlighting a critical area for future sustainability efforts.

United Kingdom

In 1983, the United Kingdom ranked 75th out of 188 countries in terms of total renewable groundwater resources, with a reported value of 9.8 cubic meters per year. This statistic highlights the relatively modest groundwater availability in comparison to many other nations, which can be attributed to the country's geographical and climatic conditions.

The UK features a temperate maritime climate that generally supports rainfall as the primary source of freshwater. However, the reliance on surface water bodies and the limited aquifer recharge capabilities may contribute to the lower ranking in groundwater resources. Furthermore, urbanization and agricultural practices have historically impacted groundwater quality and availability.

Interestingly, groundwater resources play a critical role in the overall water supply in the UK, accounting for approximately 30% of the total water supply in certain regions. This underscores the importance of sustainable management practices to ensure the longevity and quality of groundwater resources in the face of environmental changes and population growth.

Central African Republic

The Central African Republic ranks 33rd out of 188 countries in terms of total renewable groundwater resources as of 1983. The country boasts a renewable groundwater resource value of 56 cubic meters per year, reflecting its significant potential for water supply through underground aquifers.

This statistic underscores the importance of groundwater in the Central African Republic, where surface water sources may be limited or prone to seasonal fluctuations. The relatively high rank can be attributed to the country's extensive forested regions and abundant rainfall, which contribute to the replenishment of groundwater reserves.

Moreover, the reliance on groundwater is critical for rural communities within the nation, where access to clean drinking water remains a challenge. As of 1983, the Central African Republic's groundwater resources were vital for agriculture, domestic use, and sustaining livelihoods, particularly in remote areas.

Iran

In 1983, Iran was ranked 36th out of 188 countries in terms of total renewable groundwater resources, with a significant amount of 49.3 cubic meters per year per capita. This statistic highlights the country's reliance on groundwater as a crucial resource for agricultural, industrial, and domestic use.

The substantial renewable groundwater resources in Iran can be attributed to its varied climate and topography, which includes mountainous regions that facilitate water accumulation. However, the country faces challenges such as over-extraction of groundwater, leading to depletion of aquifers, and water scarcity in certain regions exacerbated by climatic variations and increased demand.

Additionally, Iran's extensive agricultural practices, which are heavily dependent on irrigation, further impact groundwater levels. Despite the high ranking in renewable groundwater resources, sustainability remains a pressing concern due to overuse and inefficient water management practices.

Czech Republic

In 1983, the Czech Republic ranked 155th out of 188 countries in terms of total renewable groundwater resources, a position indicative of limited water availability for the population and ecosystems. The specific value for total renewable groundwater resources for this year is recorded as null cubic meters per year, suggesting either a lack of data or an absence of significant groundwater replenishment during that period.

This low ranking may be attributed to various factors, including the region's geological characteristics, industrial activities, and historical land use patterns that may have influenced groundwater recharge. The Czech Republic is predominantly characterized by its mountainous terrain and surface water bodies, which may limit the potential for substantial groundwater resources.

Interestingly, while the Czech Republic struggled with groundwater resources in 1983, the country has since made significant advancements in water management and sustainability practices, reflecting an ongoing commitment to preserving its water resources for future generations.

Brazil

In 1983, Brazil ranked third globally in terms of total renewable groundwater resources, with a remarkable total of 645.6 cubic meters per year. This substantial resource availability underscores Brazil's position as a country endowed with abundant natural water resources, which are crucial for agricultural, industrial, and domestic use.

The vast amount of renewable groundwater in Brazil can be attributed to its extensive river systems, diverse ecosystems, and significant rainfall patterns, particularly in the Amazon Basin. The country's geography and climate contribute to high levels of groundwater recharge, making it one of the richest nations in terms of freshwater resources.

Interestingly, while Brazil has ample groundwater resources, the management and distribution of this water can be uneven, influenced by factors such as regional development, urbanization, and environmental policies. Moreover, Brazil's groundwater is essential for sustaining agriculture in areas that experience seasonal droughts, thus playing a vital role in the nation's food security and economic stability.

Barbados

In 1983, Barbados was ranked 139th out of 188 countries in terms of total renewable groundwater resources. The island nation reported a modest total renewable groundwater resource of 0.074 cubic meters per year, reflecting its limited freshwater availability due to its geographical and climatic conditions.

The relatively low figure for renewable groundwater resources in Barbados can be attributed to its small size, high population density, and the challenges posed by its tropical climate, which includes periods of drought and heavy rainfall. The island's limestone geology contributes to its groundwater systems but also limits the replenishment rates due to high evaporation and surface runoff.

Furthermore, the reliance on groundwater for domestic and agricultural use emphasizes the importance of sustainable management practices to ensure that this vital resource is preserved. As a small island developing state, Barbados faces unique challenges in water resource management, necessitating careful planning and conservation efforts to meet the needs of its population.

Vietnam

In 1983, Vietnam ranked 27th out of 188 countries in terms of total renewable groundwater resources, with an impressive availability of 71.42 cubic meters per year. This significant resource indicates the country's reliance on groundwater for various uses, including agriculture, domestic consumption, and industrial activities.

The availability of groundwater in Vietnam can be attributed to its diverse geographical features, including extensive river networks, lakes, and aquifers that contribute to the replenishment of groundwater supplies. Additionally, the country's tropical climate facilitates significant rainfall, further enhancing groundwater recharge.

Interestingly, groundwater is vital for Vietnam's agricultural sector, particularly in the Mekong Delta, where rice cultivation heavily depends on irrigation systems fed by groundwater. However, the over-extraction of groundwater due to increasing population demands and agricultural expansion poses challenges for sustainable management of this critical resource.

Australia

In 1983, Australia ranked 26th out of 188 countries in terms of total renewable groundwater resources. The country had an estimated availability of 72 cubic meters per year per capita, reflecting its significant groundwater resources in relation to its population at that time.

This statistic is indicative of the geographical and climatic conditions in Australia, which includes vast arid and semi-arid regions that rely heavily on groundwater for agricultural and domestic use. The reliance on groundwater is partly due to the variability in rainfall patterns, making it a critical resource for sustaining both rural and urban communities.

Factors contributing to Australia's groundwater availability include its extensive aquifer systems, which are vital for irrigation and drinking water supply, particularly in the inland areas. Additionally, Australia's commitment to resource management and conservation practices has been crucial in maintaining groundwater quality and availability.

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