Total Renewable Groundwater Resources by Country 1985

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

In 1985, the global understanding of water resources was progressively deepening, with particular attention to renewable groundwater resources. Total Renewable Groundwater Resources by Country measures the volume of groundwater that is naturally replenished, encompassing both internally generated and externally sourced supplies. This measure is crucial for assessing a country's sustainable water availability, influencing everything from agricultural practices to urban water supply planning.

Regional Disparities in Groundwater Resources

In 1985, a significant disparity existed in the distribution of renewable groundwater resources across different regions of the world. The United States led with a substantial 1,383 cubic meters per year, reflecting its vast geographic diversity and abundant natural resources. China followed with 828.8 cubic meters, benefiting from its extensive river networks and monsoonal climate zones that facilitate groundwater recharge. Brazil’s figure stood at 645.6 cubic meters, highlighting its rich aquifer systems and tropical rainforests, which play a pivotal role in groundwater replenishment.

Conversely, many small island nations such as Antigua and Barbuda, the Bahamas, and Tuvalu recorded values as low as 0 cubic meters per year, emphasizing their vulnerability to water scarcity. Their limited landmass and climatic conditions hinder the accumulation and replenishment of groundwater, presenting significant challenges for sustainable development and necessitating reliance on alternative water sources or desalination technologies.

Climatic Influences on Groundwater Availability

The availability of renewable groundwater resources in 1985 was invariably linked to climatic conditions. Countries with climates conducive to frequent rainfall and robust river systems, such as Colombia (510 cubic meters) and Indonesia (457.4 cubic meters), reported high levels of renewable groundwater. These conditions facilitate the recharge process, where precipitation infiltrates and replenishes aquifers.

In contrast, arid regions faced substantial water challenges. For instance, nations with vast desert landscapes or those experiencing prolonged droughts encountered difficulties in maintaining adequate groundwater levels. The lack of significant year-over-year changes in groundwater statistics suggests that climatic patterns remained relatively stable during this period, preserving the status quo in groundwater availability.

Policy and Management Strategies for Sustainable Use

In response to the varying availability of groundwater resources, countries in 1985 implemented diverse policy and management strategies. Nations with abundant resources like the United States and Brazil focused on optimizing usage through infrastructure development and water conservation programs. These initiatives aimed to balance consumption with natural replenishment rates, ensuring long-term sustainability.

Countries with limited resources explored alternative approaches, including investment in water-efficient technologies and the development of regulatory frameworks to manage demand. For instance, integrating traditional water management practices with modern technology played a crucial role in maximizing efficiency. The emphasis was on creating adaptive policies that could respond to changing environmental conditions and population pressures.

Economic Implications of Groundwater Availability

The economic implications of renewable groundwater resources in 1985 were profound. Countries with abundant groundwater supplies often had a competitive advantage in agriculture and industry, as they could support extensive irrigation systems and maintain stable water supplies for industrial use. Consequently, these countries experienced economic growth driven by agricultural exports and industrial production.

In contrast, nations with scarce groundwater resources faced higher economic pressures. The need to import water or invest in costly water treatment solutions placed additional financial burdens on their economies. As a result, these countries had to prioritize water management in their national development agendas, often seeking international aid and cooperation to bolster their resource management capabilities.

Sustainability and Future Directions

Looking back at 1985, the focus on renewable groundwater resources underscored the importance of sustainable water management practices. As countries recognized the finite nature of groundwater supplies, strategies aimed at conservation, efficient use, and equitable distribution became increasingly critical. The lessons learned from this period emphasized the need for continued innovation in water management technologies and reinforced the importance of international cooperation in addressing global water challenges.

Moving forward, the integration of scientific research with policy-making will be essential in adapting to future climatic and demographic changes. As global water demand continues to rise, the sustainable management of renewable groundwater resources remains a cornerstone of environmental stewardship and economic resilience.

Insights by country

Azerbaijan

Azerbaijan ranked 149th out of 188 countries in terms of total renewable groundwater resources in the year 1985. The country reported null cubic meters per year for its total renewable groundwater resources during this period, indicating a significant limitation in sustainable water resources.

This statistic reflects the broader environmental and geographic challenges faced by Azerbaijan, including its diverse climate zones and varying topography, which can impact water availability. Additionally, the Soviet-era water management practices, combined with the region's geopolitical issues, have historically complicated the sustainable development of water resources.

It is noteworthy that Azerbaijan, which lies at the crossroads of Eastern Europe and Western Asia, has faced ongoing concerns regarding water scarcity and quality. The country has made efforts to address these issues in subsequent years, but the legacy of low groundwater availability from 1985 continues to influence current water resource management strategies.

Kyrgyzstan

Kyrgyzstan ranked 165th out of 188 countries in terms of total renewable groundwater resources in the year 1985. The specific value for Kyrgyzstan's total renewable groundwater resources during this period was recorded as null cubic meters per year, indicating a lack of available data or an absence of significant renewable groundwater sources.

This ranking reflects the country's challenging hydrological situation, which can be attributed to a combination of factors including its mountainous terrain, seasonal variations in precipitation, and the extensive use of water resources for agriculture. Kyrgyzstan's reliance on surface water from glaciers and rivers, especially in a predominantly mountainous region, may also limit the development and accessibility of groundwater resources.

Further context reveals that Kyrgyzstan's water management practices have historically faced challenges, including inefficient irrigation methods and environmental degradation, which can impact both surface and groundwater availability. Additionally, the country is home to significant glacial resources, which are vital for water supply but are threatened by climate change, potentially exacerbating water scarcity issues in the future.

Australia

In 1985, Australia ranked 26th out of 188 countries in terms of total renewable groundwater resources, with a significant volume of 72 cubic meters per year. This statistic underscores the country's reliance on groundwater as a vital resource for agricultural and domestic use, particularly in regions prone to drought.

The relatively high ranking reflects Australia's extensive aquifer systems and the management practices in place to utilize these resources effectively. Factors contributing to the availability of renewable groundwater include the country’s diverse climatic conditions and its geological formations, which support the recharge of aquifers.

Interestingly, the reliance on groundwater is critical given Australia's variable rainfall patterns, and as of 1985, this resource played an essential role in sustaining agricultural productivity in arid and semi-arid regions, which comprise a significant portion of the continent.

Luxembourg

In 1985, Luxembourg ranked 138th out of 188 countries in terms of total renewable groundwater resources, with a notably low value of 0.08 cubic meters per person per year. This statistic reflects the country's limited freshwater resources, which can be attributed to its small geographical size and the dense urban development that characterizes much of Luxembourg.

The low availability of renewable groundwater resources may impact agricultural practices and water supply management in Luxembourg, emphasizing the importance of sustainable water use and conservation strategies. Additionally, the country's economic structure, which relies heavily on services and finance rather than agriculture, may lessen the immediate pressures on water resources compared to more agrarian economies.

Interestingly, despite its limited groundwater resources, Luxembourg boasts a strong commitment to environmental sustainability and has made significant investments in water management and infrastructure to ensure the efficient use of available resources.

Mauritius

Mauritius ranked 123rd out of 188 countries in terms of total renewable groundwater resources in the year 1985. The country had a total renewable groundwater resource of 0.893 cubic meters per year, indicating a relatively limited availability of this crucial resource compared to other nations.

This statistic reflects the geographical and climatic conditions of Mauritius, an island nation in the Indian Ocean characterized by a volcanic topography and a tropical climate. The limited land area and high population density contribute to significant pressure on water resources, leading to challenges in sustainable management and access.

Factors influencing the groundwater resource levels in Mauritius include the island's reliance on rainfall for replenishment, the effects of urbanization, and agricultural practices that may impact the aquifers. Furthermore, the integration of water conservation measures and efficient usage practices has become increasingly vital as the country faces challenges related to water scarcity and environmental sustainability.

Somalia

In 1985, Somalia ranked 103rd out of 188 countries regarding total renewable groundwater resources, with an estimated availability of 3.3 cubic meters per year. This statistic reflects the country's challenging environmental conditions, particularly in its arid and semi-arid regions, where water scarcity poses significant challenges for agriculture and human consumption.

The relatively low volume of renewable groundwater resources in Somalia can be attributed to a combination of factors, including climate variability, over-extraction of water, and limited infrastructure for water management. These challenges are exacerbated by the ongoing impacts of conflict and instability, which hinder effective resource management and development.

Moreover, Somalia's reliance on groundwater resources is critical, as surface water sources are limited. The country’s pastoralist communities and agricultural sectors heavily depend on these groundwater reserves, highlighting the importance of sustainable management practices to ensure future water security.

Saint Vincent and the Grenadines

In 1985, Saint Vincent and the Grenadines ranked 174 out of 188 countries concerning total renewable groundwater resources, with a reported value of 0 cubic meters per year. This statistic indicates that the country lacked significant renewable groundwater resources, which can be critical for agricultural and domestic water supply.

The absence of renewable groundwater resources in Saint Vincent and the Grenadines can be attributed to a combination of its geographic characteristics and climatic conditions. The islands are primarily volcanic in origin, and their relatively small land area limits the capacity for groundwater aquifers to develop. Additionally, the region's tropical climate, while conducive to rainfall, can lead to rapid runoff, minimizing groundwater recharge.

Furthermore, the reliance on surface water sources, such as rivers and reservoirs, for water supply is common in the country. In 1985, the focus on these alternative water sources was vital for sustaining the population and supporting agricultural activities, particularly in the context of a growing tourism sector that demands reliable water supplies.

Singapore

In 1985, Singapore ranked 178th out of 188 countries regarding total renewable groundwater resources, with a reported value of 0 cubic meters per year. This statistic highlights Singapore's unique geographical and environmental challenges, as the city-state lacks significant natural freshwater resources and relies heavily on alternative water sources.

Several factors contribute to this statistic, including Singapore's small land area and high urbanization, which limit the availability of groundwater aquifers. Additionally, the country has implemented an extensive water management strategy, focusing on rainwater harvesting and desalination to meet its water needs effectively. This innovative approach has made Singapore a leader in sustainable water management despite its water scarcity.

Interestingly, Singapore's situation contrasts sharply with many larger countries that possess abundant groundwater supplies. The nation's reliance on advanced technology and infrastructure showcases its commitment to addressing water security, making it a significant case study in urban water sustainability.

Mozambique

In 1985, Mozambique ranked 63rd out of 188 countries regarding total renewable groundwater resources, boasting a volume of 17 cubic meters per year. This ranking reflects the country's reliance on groundwater as a critical source of freshwater, particularly in rural areas where surface water may be scarce.

The relatively low figure for renewable groundwater resources can be attributed to various factors, including the country's geographic and climatic conditions, which feature distinct wet and dry seasons. Additionally, the impact of deforestation, land use changes, and inadequate infrastructure for water management have further influenced the availability and sustainability of these water resources.

Interestingly, despite the challenges, Mozambique is endowed with significant potential for groundwater development, which, if managed sustainably, could support agricultural practices, drinking water supply, and overall socioeconomic development. The importance of groundwater becomes even more pronounced in the context of climate variability, where reliable water sources are vital for resilience and adaptation.

South Sudan

In 1985, South Sudan ranked 181 out of 188 countries in terms of total renewable groundwater resources, with a reported value of null cubic meters per year. This ranking reflects the country's significant challenges in groundwater availability, which is critical for agricultural, domestic, and industrial uses.

The scarcity of renewable groundwater resources in South Sudan can be attributed to various factors, including geological conditions, climate variability, and the impact of prolonged conflict on infrastructure development. The country's hydrology is influenced by its location in a region characterized by seasonal rainfall patterns, which further complicates the availability of groundwater.

Moreover, South Sudan's struggles with governance and economic stability have hindered effective management and investment in water resource development, exacerbating the challenges faced by its population. The lack of access to safe water sources remains a pressing issue, as approximately 60% of the population is estimated to rely on surface water, which poses significant health risks.

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