Total Renewable Groundwater Resources by Country 1986

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 1986 provides an insightful snapshot of global water availability through naturally replenished groundwater. This metric is vital for understanding the sustainability and management of water resources, which are critical for agriculture, industry, and human consumption. Groundwater resources are composed of both internal renewals through the hydrological cycle and external contributions such as cross-border aquifers, making it a complex but crucial environmental measure.

Global Water Distribution Patterns in 1986

In 1986, groundwater resources exhibited significant variation across the globe, reflecting both geographical and climatic differences. The United States led the list with an impressive renewable groundwater volume of 1383 million cubic meters per year, showcasing its abundant natural resources and diverse climate that supports substantial water recharge. Following closely were China with 828.8 million cubic meters and Brazil with 645.6 million cubic meters, both benefitting from extensive river systems and significant rainfall. This data highlights the disparity in groundwater resources, where countries with large land areas and favorable climates tend to have higher renewable volumes.

Climatic Influences on Water Resources

Climatic conditions play a pivotal role in the availability of renewable groundwater resources. Tropical countries such as Indonesia (457.4 million cubic meters) and Colombia (510 million cubic meters) benefit from high rainfall and dense forest cover, which enhance groundwater recharge. Conversely, arid and semi-arid regions, often found in parts of Africa and the Middle East, face challenges due to limited rainfall and higher evaporation rates, resulting in lower groundwater renewal. For instance, the Democratic Republic of the Congo, despite its vast land area, reported 421 million cubic meters, indicating the importance of climatic and geographical factors over sheer size.

Regional Disparities and Challenges

Examining the data from 1986 reveals stark contrasts between countries with abundant groundwater and those with negligible resources. Several island nations, including Antigua and Barbuda, Bahamas, and Tuvalu, reported zero renewable groundwater, underscoring their vulnerability to water scarcity. These countries rely heavily on rainwater harvesting or desalination technologies to meet their water needs. The lack of renewable groundwater in these regions highlights critical challenges in water management and the need for innovative solutions to ensure sustainable access to water.

Sustainability and Management Implications

The data from 1986 stresses the importance of sustainable water management practices, particularly in regions with limited resources. Efficient use of groundwater and the implementation of policies to protect these vital resources are crucial. Countries like India, with their significant 432 million cubic meters of renewable groundwater, face challenges due to over-extraction, leading to declining water tables. Similarly, managing transboundary water resources requires international cooperation and agreements to prevent conflicts and ensure equitable distribution.

Historical Context and Future Considerations

The static nature of the year-over-year changes in 1986 suggests a baseline from which future trends and policies can be assessed. Groundwater resources are inherently influenced by both natural cycles and human activities. As climate change progresses, the patterns observed in 1986 may shift, highlighting the need for adaptive management strategies. Countries with abundant groundwater must focus on conservation and pollution prevention, while those with scarce resources should invest in technology and infrastructure to augment their water supply.

In conclusion, the "Total Renewable Groundwater Resources by Country" in 1986 provides a comprehensive overview of global water availability and highlights the disparities and challenges associated with groundwater management. By understanding these patterns, policymakers and stakeholders can develop strategies to ensure that these vital resources are preserved and equitably shared for future generations.

Insights by country

Equatorial Guinea

In 1986, Equatorial Guinea ranked 73rd out of 188 countries in terms of total renewable groundwater resources, with a reported value of 10 cubic meters per year. This statistic reflects the country's limited freshwater resources, which can impact agricultural productivity and overall water availability for its population.

The relatively low figure can be attributed to several factors, including the country's geography, climate, and development challenges. Equatorial Guinea experiences a tropical climate, characterized by high rainfall in certain regions; however, the distribution of this rainfall is uneven, leading to varying groundwater recharge rates across the country.

Additionally, the reliance on surface water sources and the underdevelopment of water management infrastructure may further influence the effective utilization of groundwater resources. In comparison, many countries with similar climatic conditions have implemented advanced water conservation and management strategies to optimize their renewable groundwater resources.

Albania

In 1986, Albania ranked 85th out of 188 countries in terms of total renewable groundwater resources, with a measured capacity of 6.2 cubic meters per year. This statistic reflects the availability and sustainability of groundwater resources in a country that has historically faced challenges related to water management and environmental conservation.

The relatively modest amount of renewable groundwater resources in Albania can be attributed to several factors, including its geographical features, climate conditions, and the impact of human activities such as agriculture and urbanization. The mountainous terrain of Albania contributes to the complexity of water resource distribution, while seasonal variations in rainfall affect groundwater recharge rates.

Additionally, it is important to note that groundwater resources are crucial for agricultural practices, drinking water supply, and overall ecological balance in Albania. The management of these resources is essential for sustainable development, particularly in light of regional challenges such as pollution, over-extraction, and climate change impacts on water availability.

Libya

In 1986, Libya ranked 128 out of 188 countries in terms of total renewable groundwater resources, with a mere 0.6 cubic meters per year available per capita. This statistic underscores the significant water scarcity issues faced by the country, largely due to its predominantly desert climate and limited natural freshwater sources.

The low renewable groundwater resource is attributed to Libya's geographical and climatic conditions, where vast stretches of the Sahara desert dominate the landscape. The reliance on groundwater is further compounded by over-extraction for agricultural and industrial purposes, which exceeds the natural replenishment rates of these aquifers.

Additionally, the Great Man-Made River project, initiated in the late 20th century, aims to harness groundwater from the Nubian Sandstone Aquifer System to address water scarcity, highlighting the critical importance of sustainable water management in Libya. As of the 1980s, the country's water resources management faced challenges, making this statistic a crucial indicator of Libya's environmental and economic vulnerabilities.

El Salvador

In 1986, El Salvador ranked 87th out of 188 countries in terms of total renewable groundwater resources, with a reported value of 6.15 cubic meters per year. This figure reflects the country's limited water resources, which are crucial for agricultural practices and domestic use in a region often affected by climate variability.

The relatively low availability of renewable groundwater resources in El Salvador can be attributed to several factors, including its geographic and climatic conditions, such as a pronounced dry season and deforestation, which have impacted the natural replenishment of aquifers. Additionally, the country's focus on agricultural production has led to increased demand for water resources, further straining the already limited groundwater supplies.

As a Central American nation, El Salvador faces challenges related to water management and sustainability, with implications for food security and public health. In comparison, neighboring countries may have different rates of groundwater availability, highlighting the importance of regional cooperation in addressing water scarcity issues.

Tanzania

Tanzania ranked 49th out of 188 countries in terms of total renewable groundwater resources in the year 1986. The country possessed approximately 30 cubic meters per year of renewable groundwater resources, a vital resource for its agricultural and domestic needs.

This statistic reflects Tanzania's geographic and climatic conditions, which include a combination of high rainfall in some regions and arid areas that rely heavily on groundwater. Factors contributing to the availability of groundwater include the country's extensive aquifers, which are essential for sustaining both rural and urban populations.

Moreover, the reliance on groundwater is particularly critical in addressing water scarcity issues and supporting agricultural productivity, especially in a country where agriculture employs a significant portion of the population. As of 1986, the management and sustainability of these groundwater resources were crucial to ensuring long-term access to water for various sectors of the economy.

India

In 1986, India ranked seventh among 188 countries in terms of total renewable groundwater resources, with an impressive total of 432 cubic meters per year. This substantial availability of groundwater resources is critical for the country's agricultural sector, which relies heavily on irrigation due to the predominance of monsoon-dependent farming practices.

The high ranking and volume of renewable groundwater can be attributed to India's diverse climatic zones and extensive river systems, which facilitate significant recharge of aquifers. However, the over-extraction of groundwater, driven by increasing agricultural demands and rapid urbanization, poses a challenge to sustaining these resources in the long term.

It is noteworthy that despite the abundant groundwater resources, issues such as water quality degradation and regional disparities in accessibility remain pressing concerns, highlighting the need for effective water management strategies to ensure sustainable utilization.

Malta

In 1986, Malta ranked 141st out of 188 countries regarding total renewable groundwater resources, with a notably low value of 0.05 cubic meters per year. This statistic underscores the country's significant challenges in water resource management, particularly given its small land area and high population density.

The limited availability of renewable groundwater resources in Malta can be attributed to its geographical characteristics, including its arid Mediterranean climate and reliance on desalination and external water sources to meet the needs of its population and agricultural sector. Additionally, urbanization and tourism have intensified water demand, further straining the already scarce groundwater supplies.

Interestingly, Malta's situation reflects broader trends in water scarcity across many small island nations, where limited freshwater resources are a prevailing concern, necessitating innovative solutions for sustainable water management.

Bahamas

In 1986, the Bahamas ranked 150th out of 188 countries in terms of total renewable groundwater resources, with a reported value of 0 cubic meters per year. This ranking indicates that the Bahamas has extremely limited freshwater resources from groundwater, which poses significant challenges for water supply and management.

The scarcity of renewable groundwater resources in the Bahamas is primarily due to its geographic and geological characteristics. As an archipelago comprised of limestone, the islands have limited capacity to store freshwater, and the porous nature of the rock allows for rapid drainage and evaporation. Consequently, the country relies heavily on rainwater harvesting and desalination to meet its freshwater needs.

Additionally, the Bahamas faces challenges such as increased tourism and population growth, which heighten the demand for water resources. The reliance on surface water and limited groundwater availability necessitates careful management and sustainable practices to ensure long-term water security for its inhabitants and ecosystems.

Sierra Leone

In 1986, Sierra Leone ranked 54th out of 188 countries in terms of total renewable groundwater resources, with a notable figure of 25 cubic meters per year. This statistic reflects the country's capacity to utilize its groundwater resources sustainably, which is crucial for agricultural and domestic water supply in a nation with a predominantly rural population.

The relatively moderate ranking and value can be attributed to Sierra Leone's geographical and climatic conditions, which include a tropical climate that influences rainfall patterns and groundwater recharge. Additionally, the country's extensive river systems contribute to its overall water availability, although the management and preservation of these resources remain vital due to potential over-extraction and pollution.

It is also noteworthy that the availability of groundwater resources is essential for Sierra Leone's development, particularly in the aftermath of civil conflict, where access to clean water is linked to health, sanitation, and economic stability. Effective management practices and investment in water infrastructure are critical for sustaining these resources in the future.

Namibia

In 1986, Namibia ranked 112th out of 188 countries in terms of total renewable groundwater resources, with a recorded value of 2.1 cubic meters per year. This statistic highlights the limited availability of groundwater resources in a country characterized by arid and semi-arid climates.

The relatively low figure for renewable groundwater resources can be attributed to several factors, including Namibia's geographic location in the Namib Desert and its overall low average rainfall, which significantly impacts water availability. Additionally, the country's reliance on groundwater for agricultural irrigation and domestic use increases the pressure on these limited resources.

Namibia's water management strategies, including the implementation of policies aimed at sustainable water use, are critical in addressing the challenges posed by water scarcity. The situation emphasizes the importance of developing alternative water supply strategies such as desalination and rainwater harvesting to ensure water security for its population.

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