Total Renewable Groundwater Resources by Country 1987

Total renewable groundwater represents the combined volume of internally generated and externally sourced groundwater that is naturally replenished and available for use.

188 data points•Updated 12/30/2025•World•Food and Agriculture Organization of the United Nations (FAO)•

View data for:

Interactive Map

Complete Data Rankings

Rank
1	China	828.8 Cubic meters per year
2	Brazil	645.6 Cubic meters per year
3	Colombia	510 Cubic meters per year
4	Congo, Democratic Republic of the	421 Cubic meters per year
5	Canada	370 Cubic meters per year
6	Chile	140 Cubic meters per year
7	Bolivia	130 Cubic meters per year
8	Argentina	128 Cubic meters per year
9	Congo	122 Cubic meters per year
10	Cameroon	100 Cubic meters per year
11	Australia	72 Cubic meters per year
12	Angola	58 Cubic meters per year
13	Central African Republic	56 Cubic meters per year
14	Côte d'Ivoire	37.84 Cubic meters per year
15	Costa Rica	37.31 Cubic meters per year
16	Bangladesh	21.122 Cubic meters per year
17	Cambodia	17.6 Cubic meters per year
18	Chad	11.5 Cubic meters per year
19	Afghanistan	10.65 Cubic meters per year
20	Bhutan	9.5 Cubic meters per year
21	Burkina Faso	9.5 Cubic meters per year
22	Belize	7.51 Cubic meters per year
23	Burundi	7.47 Cubic meters per year
24	Cuba	6.48 Cubic meters per year
25	Bulgaria	6.4 Cubic meters per year
26	Albania	6.2 Cubic meters per year
27	Austria	6 Cubic meters per year
28	Denmark	4.3 Cubic meters per year
29	Benin	1.8 Cubic meters per year
30	Algeria	1.517 Cubic meters per year
31	Antigua and Barbuda	0 Cubic meters per year
32	Armenia	NaN Cubic meters per year
33	Azerbaijan	NaN Cubic meters per year
34	Botswana	1.7 Cubic meters per year
35	Comoros	1 Cubic meters per year
36	Belgium	0.9 Cubic meters per year
37	Cyprus	0.41 Cubic meters per year
38	Cabo Verde	0.124 Cubic meters per year
39	Bahrain	0.112 Cubic meters per year
40	Brunei Darussalam	0.1 Cubic meters per year
41	Barbados	0.074 Cubic meters per year
42	Bahamas	0 Cubic meters per year
43	Belarus	NaN Cubic meters per year
44	Bosnia and Herzegovina	NaN Cubic meters per year
45	Cook Islands	0 Cubic meters per year
46	Croatia	NaN Cubic meters per year
47	Czech Republic	NaN Cubic meters per year
48	Indonesia	457.4 Cubic meters per year
49	India	432 Cubic meters per year
50	Ecuador	134 Cubic meters per year
51	France	120 Cubic meters per year
52	Guyana	103 Cubic meters per year
53	Gabon	62 Cubic meters per year
54	Iran	49.3 Cubic meters per year
55	Germany	45.7 Cubic meters per year
56	Italy	43 Cubic meters per year
57	Honduras	39 Cubic meters per year
58	Guinea	38 Cubic meters per year
59	Laos	37.9 Cubic meters per year
60	Guatemala	33.7 Cubic meters per year
61	Japan	27 Cubic meters per year
62	Ghana	26.3 Cubic meters per year
63	Iceland	24 Cubic meters per year
64	Guinea-Bissau	14 Cubic meters per year
65	Ireland	10.8 Cubic meters per year
66	Greece	10.3 Cubic meters per year
67	Equatorial Guinea	10 Cubic meters per year
68	El Salvador	6.15 Cubic meters per year
69	Hungary	6 Cubic meters per year
70	Fiji	5.273 Cubic meters per year
71	Dominican Republic	4.161 Cubic meters per year
72	Kenya	3.5 Cubic meters per year
73	Finland	2.2 Cubic meters per year
74	Haiti	2.157 Cubic meters per year
75	Egypt	1.5 Cubic meters per year
76	Djibouti	0.015 Cubic meters per year
77	Dominica	0 Cubic meters per year
78	Eritrea	NaN Cubic meters per year
79	Estonia	NaN Cubic meters per year
80	Jamaica	5.472 Cubic meters per year
81	Iraq	3.28 Cubic meters per year
82	Israel	1.225 Cubic meters per year
83	Eswatini	0.66 Cubic meters per year
84	Ethiopia	NaN Cubic meters per year
85	Gambia	0.5 Cubic meters per year
86	Faroe Islands	0 Cubic meters per year
87	Georgia	NaN Cubic meters per year
88	Jordan	0.54 Cubic meters per year
89	Grenada	0 Cubic meters per year
90	Kazakhstan	NaN Cubic meters per year
91	Kuwait	0.02 Cubic meters per year
92	Kiribati	0 Cubic meters per year
93	Kyrgyzstan	NaN Cubic meters per year
94	Latvia	NaN Cubic meters per year
95	Myanmar	453.7 Cubic meters per year
96	Peru	303 Cubic meters per year
97	Papua New Guinea	211.6 Cubic meters per year
98	Philippines	180 Cubic meters per year
99	Mexico	150 Cubic meters per year
100	Norway	96 Cubic meters per year
101	Nigeria	87 Cubic meters per year
102	Malaysia	64 Cubic meters per year
103	Nicaragua	59 Cubic meters per year
104	Madagascar	55 Cubic meters per year
105	Pakistan	55 Cubic meters per year
106	Liberia	45 Cubic meters per year
107	Paraguay	41.64 Cubic meters per year
108	Panama	21 Cubic meters per year
109	Mali	20 Cubic meters per year
110	Nepal	20 Cubic meters per year
111	Mozambique	17 Cubic meters per year
112	North Korea	13 Cubic meters per year
113	Poland	12.5 Cubic meters per year
114	Morocco	10 Cubic meters per year
115	Romania	8.46 Cubic meters per year
116	Rwanda	7 Cubic meters per year
117	Mongolia	6.1 Cubic meters per year
118	Netherlands	4.5 Cubic meters per year
119	Lebanon	3.2 Cubic meters per year
120	Malawi	2.5 Cubic meters per year
121	Niger	2.5 Cubic meters per year
122	Oman	1.3 Cubic meters per year
123	Mauritius	0.893 Cubic meters per year
124	Libya	0.6 Cubic meters per year
125	Lesotho	0.5 Cubic meters per year
126	Lithuania	NaN Cubic meters per year
127	Portugal	4 Cubic meters per year
128	Namibia	2.1 Cubic meters per year
129	Mauritania	0.3 Cubic meters per year
130	Luxembourg	0.08 Cubic meters per year
131	Qatar	0.058 Cubic meters per year
132	Malta	0.05 Cubic meters per year
133	Maldives	0.03 Cubic meters per year
134	Saint Kitts and Nevis	0.02 Cubic meters per year
135	Nauru	0.01 Cubic meters per year
136	New Zealand	0 Cubic meters per year
137	Niue	0 Cubic meters per year
138	North Macedonia	NaN Cubic meters per year
139	Republic of Moldova	NaN Cubic meters per year
140	Russia	NaN Cubic meters per year
141	United States	1,383 Cubic meters per year
142	Venezuela	227 Cubic meters per year
143	Suriname	90 Cubic meters per year
144	Vietnam	71.42 Cubic meters per year
145	Turkey	67.8 Cubic meters per year
146	Zambia	47 Cubic meters per year
147	Thailand	41.9 Cubic meters per year
148	Tanzania	30 Cubic meters per year
149	Spain	29.9 Cubic meters per year
150	Uganda	29 Cubic meters per year
151	Sierra Leone	25 Cubic meters per year
152	Uruguay	22.9 Cubic meters per year
153	Sweden	20 Cubic meters per year
154	South Korea	13.3 Cubic meters per year
155	Solomon Islands	11.92 Cubic meters per year
156	United Kingdom	9.8 Cubic meters per year
157	Sri Lanka	7.8 Cubic meters per year
158	Syrian Arab Republic	6.174 Cubic meters per year
159	Zimbabwe	6 Cubic meters per year
160	Togo	5.7 Cubic meters per year
161	South Africa	4.8 Cubic meters per year
162	Vanuatu	4.377 Cubic meters per year
163	Senegal	3.5 Cubic meters per year
164	Somalia	3.3 Cubic meters per year
165	Switzerland	2.5 Cubic meters per year
166	Saudi Arabia	2.2 Cubic meters per year
167	Tunisia	1.595 Cubic meters per year
168	Timor-Leste	0.886 Cubic meters per year
169	State of Palestine	0.75 Cubic meters per year
170	Trinidad and Tobago	0.614 Cubic meters per year
171	Saint Lucia	0 Cubic meters per year
172	Saint Vincent and the Grenadines	0 Cubic meters per year
173	Samoa	0 Cubic meters per year
174	Sao Tome and Principe	0 Cubic meters per year
175	Seychelles	0 Cubic meters per year
176	Singapore	0 Cubic meters per year
177	Slovakia	NaN Cubic meters per year
178	Slovenia	NaN Cubic meters per year
179	South Sudan	NaN Cubic meters per year
180	Sudan	NaN Cubic meters per year
181	Tajikistan	NaN Cubic meters per year
182	Yemen	1.5 Cubic meters per year
183	United Arab Emirates	0.12 Cubic meters per year
184	Tonga	0 Cubic meters per year
185	Turkmenistan	NaN Cubic meters per year
186	Tuvalu	0 Cubic meters per year
187	Ukraine	NaN Cubic meters per year
188	Uzbekistan	NaN Cubic meters per year

↑Top 10 Countries

Analysis: These countries represent the highest values in this dataset, showcasing significant scale and impact on global statistics.

↓Bottom 10 Countries

Context: These countries or territories have the lowest values, often due to geographic size, administrative status, or specific characteristics.

Analysis & Context

The global landscape of groundwater resources reflects the intricate balance between nature's bounty and human consumption. In 1987, the "Total Renewable Groundwater Resources by Country" metric provided insights into how nations across the globe manage this critical resource. Total renewable groundwater encompasses the volume of water that is naturally replenished and available for use, combining both internally generated and externally sourced groundwater. This metric is essential for understanding environmental sustainability, economic development, and social stability.

The Global Significance of Groundwater Resources in 1987

Groundwater is a vital source of fresh water for drinking, agriculture, and industry. In 1987, this resource was a cornerstone of national water security strategies. With a total of 163 countries reporting data, the diversity of groundwater availability underlined the challenges and opportunities each nation faced. For instance, the United States led with an impressive 1383 cubic meters per year, highlighting its vast reserves. Conversely, several small island nations, including Antigua and Barbuda, recorded negligible or zero renewable groundwater resources, underscoring the vulnerability of these regions to water scarcity.

Regional Contrasts and Patterns

Examining the distribution of renewable groundwater resources reveals stark regional contrasts. Countries with substantial landmass and diverse climates, like China (828.8 cubic meters) and Brazil (645.6 cubic meters), benefited from significant water reserves. These countries' rich biodiversity and extensive river systems contributed to their high groundwater recharge rates. On the other hand, smaller islands and arid regions struggled with limited replenishment. The absence of significant groundwater in countries like the Bahamas and Tuvalu illustrates the need for these regions to turn to alternative sources such as desalination or rainwater harvesting to meet their water needs.

Climate Impact on Groundwater Resources

Climate plays a crucial role in the distribution and renewal of groundwater. In 1987, climatic conditions such as rainfall patterns and temperature variations affected groundwater recharge rates. Tropical countries like Indonesia (457.4 cubic meters) and Colombia (510 cubic meters) with consistent rainfall experienced higher groundwater renewal, supporting their agricultural economies. In contrast, regions with erratic weather patterns faced challenges in maintaining groundwater supplies, leading to increased reliance on surface water and posing risks to long-term sustainability.

Socio-Economic Implications of Groundwater Distribution

The availability of groundwater resources has profound socio-economic implications. Nations with abundant water supplies, such as India (432 cubic meters) and Canada (370 cubic meters), had the advantage of supporting large agricultural sectors, which are critical for food security and economic growth. In contrast, countries with limited groundwater faced hurdles in economic development, particularly in agriculture and industry. The Democratic Republic of Congo, with 421 cubic meters, for instance, has potential for development, but infrastructural challenges may impede efficient utilization of these resources.

Policy Considerations and International Challenges

In 1987, the disparity in groundwater availability prompted international dialogue on water management policies. Countries needed to consider equitable distribution, sustainable usage, and transboundary water sharing. Regions with plentiful resources, such as Peru with 303 cubic meters, had to focus on sustainable practices to prevent over-extraction and pollution. Meanwhile, international cooperation was critical for effective management, especially in regions with shared aquifers or rivers crossing national boundaries.

The global statistics for 1987 highlighted the need for integrated water resource management practices to ensure equitable distribution and sustainable use of groundwater resources. As nations continue to face growing demands and environmental challenges, understanding the dynamics of renewable groundwater remains crucial for global water security and economic resilience.

Insights by country

Morocco

In 1987, Morocco ranked 74th out of 188 countries in terms of total renewable groundwater resources, with an estimated total of 10 cubic meters per year available per capita. This statistic highlights the challenges faced by the country in managing its water resources, particularly in light of its arid climate and varying precipitation patterns.

The relatively low figure for renewable groundwater resources in Morocco can be attributed to several factors, including geographical conditions such as mountainous areas that limit surface water availability and the increasing demands from agricultural activities. Additionally, rapid population growth and urbanization have intensified pressure on these limited water resources.

Morocco's water management strategies have been increasingly focused on enhancing efficiency and sustainability, especially given its vulnerability to climate change. The country is known for its initiatives in water conservation and the development of infrastructure aimed at improving access to clean water for its population.

Thailand

In 1987, Thailand ranked 41st out of 188 countries in terms of total renewable groundwater resources, with a significant availability of 41.9 cubic meters per year. This statistic reflects the country's reliance on groundwater as a crucial resource for agricultural and domestic use, particularly in rural areas where surface water may be limited.

The substantial amount of renewable groundwater resources can be attributed to Thailand's diverse climate and geography, which includes numerous rivers and a tropical monsoon climate that facilitates significant rainfall. However, challenges such as over-extraction and pollution threaten the sustainability of these resources, urging the need for effective water management practices.

Interestingly, Thailand's groundwater resources play a vital role in supporting its agricultural sector, which is a cornerstone of the national economy, employing a large portion of the population and contributing significantly to food security. As a result, sustainable management of groundwater is essential for the continued prosperity of the country.

Malawi

In 1987, Malawi ranked 106th out of 188 countries in terms of total renewable groundwater resources, with an estimated availability of 2.5 cubic meters per year. This relatively low figure reflects the challenges faced by the nation in managing its water resources, particularly in the context of agricultural needs and population growth.

Several factors contribute to Malawi's groundwater resource status, including its geographical features, climate variability, and population density. The country experiences a tropical climate, which can lead to seasonal variations in rainfall, impacting the replenishment of groundwater aquifers. Additionally, the reliance on subsistence farming often exacerbates water stress, as agricultural practices may not prioritize sustainable water management.

Interestingly, groundwater serves as a critical resource for many rural communities in Malawi, providing essential water supply for drinking and irrigation. The government's efforts to improve water resource management have been somewhat limited by economic constraints and infrastructure challenges, highlighting the need for continued investment and development in this sector.

Panama

In 1987, Panama was ranked 58th out of 188 countries in terms of total renewable groundwater resources, with a reported value of 21 cubic meters per year. This statistic highlights the significant availability of groundwater resources in the country, which is crucial for agricultural, industrial, and domestic use.

The relatively high ranking can be attributed to Panama's geographical features, including its mountainous terrain and abundant rainfall, which contribute to the replenishment of groundwater aquifers. Additionally, the presence of extensive tropical forests aids in maintaining the hydrological cycle, ensuring a sustainable supply of water resources.

Interestingly, Panama's renewable groundwater resources are part of a larger framework of water management that is essential for the country's development, especially given its strategic location as a transit hub. Proper management of these resources is vital to address challenges such as urbanization, climate variability, and environmental sustainability.

Tunisia

Tunisia ranked 115th out of 188 countries in terms of total renewable groundwater resources in 1987. The country possessed a total of 1.595 cubic meters per year of renewable groundwater resources, which highlights the limited availability of freshwater resources in the region.

This statistic reflects the challenges Tunisia faces regarding water scarcity, a situation exacerbated by factors such as arid climate, population growth, and agricultural demands. The reliance on groundwater for irrigation and domestic use underscores the need for sustainable management practices to safeguard these vital resources.

Interestingly, Tunisia's water management challenges are common in North Africa, where many countries are also grappling with limited water resources. Effective policies and investment in water conservation technologies are crucial for ensuring water security in the future.

Zimbabwe

In 1987, Zimbabwe ranked 91st out of 188 countries in terms of total renewable groundwater resources, with a reported value of 6 cubic meters per year. This statistic reflects the country's reliance on groundwater as a critical resource, especially in areas where surface water is scarce.

The relatively low volume of groundwater resources can be attributed to several factors, including climatic conditions, geological formations, and the impacts of agricultural practices that may lead to groundwater depletion. In Zimbabwe, the majority of agricultural activities are rain-fed, which places additional pressure on available water resources during periods of drought.

Furthermore, population growth and urbanization have intensified the demand for freshwater, contributing to the challenges in managing and sustaining groundwater supplies. Overall, the situation highlights the importance of water resource management policies to ensure the sustainability of Zimbabwe's water resources in the face of growing demands.

Cameroon

In 1987, Cameroon ranked 22nd out of 188 countries in terms of total renewable groundwater resources, with a recorded value of 100 cubic meters per year. This significant ranking highlights the country's relatively abundant freshwater resources, which are crucial for agricultural irrigation, domestic use, and sustaining natural ecosystems.

The availability of groundwater in Cameroon can be attributed to its diverse climatic zones and geographical features, which include mountains, plateaus, and river systems. These factors contribute to the recharge of aquifers and maintain the groundwater supply. However, challenges such as population growth, pollution, and climate change pose risks to the sustainability of these resources.

Additionally, access to groundwater is vital for rural communities in Cameroon, where agriculture plays a central role in the economy. As of 1987, the importance of groundwater management was becoming increasingly recognized, underscoring the need for sustainable practices to ensure that this essential resource remains available for future generations.

Latvia

In 1987, Latvia ranked 166 out of 188 countries in terms of total renewable groundwater resources, with a recorded value of null cubic meters per year. This ranking indicates that Latvia had limited availability of renewable groundwater resources during this period, which can reflect various environmental and geographical factors.

The lack of quantifiable renewable groundwater resources may be attributed to Latvia's specific hydrological conditions, including its relatively flat terrain and the predominance of surface water bodies such as rivers and lakes. Additionally, the impact of industrial activities and agricultural practices during this time could have influenced groundwater replenishment.

Interestingly, Latvia's reliance on surface water sources for its drinking water and irrigation needs highlights the importance of sustainable water management practices, especially considering the country's historical context and ecological changes over the decades.

Turkmenistan

In 1987, Turkmenistan ranked 185 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, which poses challenges for agricultural and domestic water supply in a country characterized by its arid climate and limited surface water availability.

The low level of renewable groundwater resources can be attributed to several factors, including the country’s geographical features, where vast desert landscapes dominate, and the reliance on a few major river systems for water. Additionally, extensive irrigation for cotton production has historically strained available water resources, exacerbating the scarcity.

Interestingly, Turkmenistan's water management practices, coupled with its position in the arid region of Central Asia, have led to ongoing concerns about water sustainability and the impacts of climate change on water availability. The country's reliance on groundwater resources highlights the importance of implementing effective water conservation strategies to ensure long-term water security.

Nauru

Nauru ranked 146th out of 188 countries in terms of total renewable groundwater resources in the year 1987. The country possesses a mere 0.01 cubic meters per year of renewable groundwater resources, highlighting its significant challenges in freshwater availability.

This low figure can be attributed to Nauru's small land area and its geological composition, which consists primarily of coral and phosphate rock, limiting the natural aquifer systems that are essential for replenishing groundwater supplies. Furthermore, the island's climatic conditions, characterized by limited rainfall, exacerbate the scarcity of freshwater resources.

Interestingly, Nauru's reliance on imported water and rainwater harvesting systems is a direct result of its limited groundwater resources, which underscores the vulnerability of small island nations to environmental and climatic changes. This situation is compounded by the island's minimal agricultural capacity, which further increases dependence on external water sources.

Data Source

Food and Agriculture Organization of the United Nations (FAO)

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

Visit Data Source

Historical Data by Year

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

More Environment Facts

Agricultural land

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

View data

Browse All Environment

Explore more facts and statistics in this category

All Categories

Discover more categories with comprehensive global data