Total Renewable Groundwater Resources by Country 1988

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 the realm of environmental sustainability, understanding the distribution and renewal capacity of groundwater resources globally is imperative. The metric "Total Renewable Groundwater Resources by Country" for the year 1988 provides a crucial insight into how different nations manage and utilize their naturally replenished groundwater, measured in cubic meters per year. This data not only highlights the availability of freshwater resources but also underscores the importance of sustainable water management practices worldwide.

Global Groundwater Resources Overview in 1988

In 1988, 163 countries reported their renewable groundwater resources, showcasing a broad spectrum of water availability. The United States led the chart with a staggering 1,383 cubic meters per year, emphasizing its vast and diverse hydrological assets. This was followed by China and Brazil, with 828.8 and 645.6 cubic meters per year, respectively. Interestingly, several countries, including Antigua and Barbuda, Bahamas, and Tuvalu, reported zero renewable groundwater resources, highlighting their reliance on alternative water sources or imports.

Climate Influence on Groundwater Distribution

The geographic distribution of renewable groundwater resources is largely influenced by climatic conditions. In regions with abundant rainfall, such as the Amazon Basin in Brazil and the tropical rainforests of Indonesia and Colombia, groundwater renewal processes are naturally more robust. Conversely, arid regions or small island nations often report minimal to zero renewable groundwater due to limited precipitation and high evaporation rates. This climatic disparity emphasizes the need for tailored water management strategies that consider local environmental conditions.

Sustainability Challenges and Opportunities

Sustainability remains a critical concern in managing groundwater resources. Countries like India and China, despite having substantial renewable reserves, face significant challenges in sustainable groundwater management due to high population densities and intensive agricultural practices. These pressures often lead to over-extraction, threatening the long-term viability of water resources. Conversely, countries with lower groundwater availability, such as those in the Middle East, have had to innovate through desalination and water recycling technologies, showcasing opportunities for sustainable practices in water-scarce regions.

Regional Comparisons and Insights

Analyzing regional groundwater resources offers valuable insights into global water distribution patterns. North America, with Canada's 370 cubic meters and the U.S.'s leading figures, contrasts sharply with regions like the Caribbean, where many countries report negligible resources. In Asia, the disparity between resource-rich countries like Indonesia and India and resource-scarce nations underscores the diverse hydrological landscapes within the continent. These regional variations necessitate cross-border cooperation and policy frameworks to ensure equitable and sustainable water distribution.

Historical Context and Implications

The 1988 dataset serves as a historical benchmark for evaluating changes in groundwater resources over time. While the year-over-year data indicated no significant changes in the values reported, this static nature belies the dynamic challenges nations face in balancing development with resource sustainability. The lack of noticeable increases or decreases suggests a period of relative stability, yet it also underscores the potential for unnoticed overexploitation, making continuous monitoring and policy intervention crucial.

In conclusion, the "Total Renewable Groundwater Resources by Country" metric for 1988 provides a foundational understanding of global water resource distribution and management challenges. It emphasizes the need for sustainable practices, informed policy-making, and international collaboration to ensure that groundwater remains a viable resource amid growing environmental and demographic pressures.

Insights by country

Russia

In 1988, Russia ranked 172nd out of 188 countries in terms of total renewable groundwater resources, with a recorded value of null cubic meters per year. This ranking reflects significant challenges in groundwater availability, which can be attributed to various factors, including the vast geographical expanse of the country and the uneven distribution of water resources.

The low availability of renewable groundwater resources in Russia may also be influenced by climatic conditions, industrial usage, and inadequate infrastructure for water management, particularly in remote areas. Additionally, the environmental impact of pollution and over-extraction in certain regions has further contributed to the scarcity of accessible freshwater resources.

Despite these challenges, Russia is home to some of the largest freshwater supplies in the world, including the Volga River and Lake Baikal, which holds about 20% of the world's unfrozen surface freshwater. This highlights the contrast between surface water availability and groundwater resources, emphasizing the need for sustainable management practices to ensure long-term water security.

Belize

In 1988, Belize ranked 80th out of 188 countries in terms of total renewable groundwater resources, with an estimated availability of 7.51 cubic meters per year. This statistic highlights the country's reliance on groundwater as an essential resource for both domestic and agricultural purposes.

The relatively modest figure can be attributed to Belize's geographical and climatic conditions, which include a tropical rainforest climate that influences rainfall patterns and groundwater recharge. Additionally, the country's limited industrial activity and population density may impact the overall demand for groundwater resources.

Belize's reliance on groundwater underscores the importance of sustainable water management practices, especially in light of potential environmental changes that could affect water availability. The nation is also known for its rich biodiversity and commitment to conservation, which may influence water resource policies and practices.

Cook Islands

In 1988, the Cook Islands ranked 153rd out of 188 countries regarding total renewable groundwater resources, with a reported value of 0 cubic meters per year. This statistic highlights the limited availability of freshwater resources on the islands, which are characterized by their small landmass and porous volcanic rock formations that allow for rapid drainage of rainwater.

The lack of renewable groundwater resources in the Cook Islands can be attributed to several factors, including the islands' geographical features, which do not support significant aquifer systems, and the reliance on rainfall for water supply. Additionally, the growing population and tourism demand have placed increasing pressure on the already limited freshwater resources, necessitating the use of rainwater harvesting and desalination technologies to supplement water availability.

Interestingly, the Cook Islands' dependency on rainfall makes them vulnerable to climate variability, which can impact water supply. The region's climate is also influenced by phenomena such as El Niño and La Niña, which can lead to periods of drought or excessive rainfall, further complicating water management strategies.

Saudi Arabia

In 1988, Saudi Arabia ranked 110th out of 188 countries in terms of total renewable groundwater resources, with a reported value of 2.2 cubic meters per year. This relatively low figure reflects the country's arid climate and limited freshwater resources, which are critical for its agricultural needs and urban population.

The scarcity of renewable groundwater in Saudi Arabia can be attributed to several factors, including its predominantly desert landscape and the over-extraction of aquifers, which has led to significant depletion of groundwater reserves. The country's reliance on groundwater for irrigation and drinking water has intensified the challenge of sustainable water management.

Additionally, Saudi Arabia has invested heavily in desalination technology to mitigate the effects of limited freshwater resources, producing approximately 60% of its potable water from seawater. This reliance on non-renewable sources highlights the ongoing challenges the country faces in balancing water demand with its natural resource constraints.

Turkey

In 1988, Turkey ranked 28th out of 188 countries in terms of total renewable groundwater resources, with an annual availability of 67.8 cubic meters per person. This statistic highlights the significance of groundwater as a vital resource for the country's agricultural and domestic needs.

The substantial amount of renewable groundwater resources in Turkey can be attributed to its diverse topography and climate, which contribute to varied hydrological cycles across different regions. The extensive river basins and mountainous areas facilitate the replenishment of aquifers, making groundwater a crucial component of Turkey's water supply system.

Furthermore, Turkey's reliance on groundwater is underscored by its agricultural sector, which consumes a significant portion of this resource, especially in arid and semi-arid regions. This situation emphasizes the importance of sustainable water management practices to ensure long-term availability and to address challenges such as over-extraction and contamination.

Syrian Arab Republic

The Syrian Arab Republic ranked 86th out of 188 countries in terms of total renewable groundwater resources in the year 1988. The country had an estimated total of 6.174 cubic meters of renewable groundwater resources per year, reflecting its geographical and climatic conditions.

This statistic is significant for Syria, as groundwater constitutes a vital source of water for agricultural and domestic uses, particularly in a region where surface water resources are limited. Factors contributing to this level of groundwater resources include the country's topography, the presence of aquifers, and historical rainfall patterns.

Furthermore, the reliance on groundwater has implications for sustainability and resource management, especially in the context of increasing water demand due to population growth and agricultural expansion. The situation underscores the importance of effective water management policies to safeguard these vital resources for future generations.

Afghanistan

In 1988, Afghanistan ranked 71st out of 188 countries in terms of total renewable groundwater resources, with an estimated availability of 10.65 cubic meters per year per capita. This statistic reflects the country's significant reliance on groundwater for agricultural and drinking water purposes, particularly in the context of its arid climate and limited surface water resources.

The relatively low value of renewable groundwater resources in Afghanistan can be attributed to a combination of factors, including geographical challenges, ongoing conflicts, and underdeveloped infrastructure that hinder effective water management. These issues have compounded the difficulties of accessing and utilizing groundwater efficiently.

Moreover, Afghanistan's reliance on groundwater is critical, as it supports the livelihoods of a large portion of its population engaged in agriculture. As a result, sustainable management of these resources is essential for food security and economic stability in the region.

Morocco

In 1988, Morocco ranked 74th out of 188 countries in terms of total renewable groundwater resources, with an estimated availability of 10 cubic meters per year per capita. This statistic highlights the limited freshwater resources available to the Moroccan population, which is particularly significant in a country characterized by arid and semi-arid climates.

The relatively low level of renewable groundwater resources can be attributed to several factors, including the country's geographical features, such as the Atlas Mountains and the Sahara Desert, which influence rainfall patterns and water availability. Additionally, increasing demands from agriculture and urbanization have put further pressure on these limited water resources, necessitating effective management and conservation strategies.

It is noteworthy that Morocco has made strides in water resource management since 1988, with efforts to enhance irrigation efficiency and promote sustainable practices to cope with the challenges posed by water scarcity. The country’s overall water resource management remains critical, as it supports both its agricultural sector and the livelihoods of its citizens.

Ecuador

Ecuador ranks 16th out of 188 countries in terms of total renewable groundwater resources as of 1988. The country possesses approximately 134 cubic meters of renewable groundwater resources per year, showcasing its significant hydrological potential.

This ranking reflects Ecuador's diverse topography, which includes the Andes mountains, Amazon rainforest, and coastal regions, contributing to substantial rainfall and groundwater recharge. The availability of renewable groundwater is crucial for agricultural activities, drinking water supply, and maintaining ecosystems within the country.

Factors influencing these renewable resources include Ecuador's climate, land use practices, and water management policies. The interplay between natural resources and human activity often determines the sustainability of groundwater supplies, which is essential for the country's socio-economic development.

Botswana

Botswana ranks 114th out of 188 countries in terms of total renewable groundwater resources as of 1988. The nation possesses a total of 1.7 cubic meters of renewable groundwater resources per year, which highlights its limited water supply in comparison to many other countries.

This statistic reflects the arid climate and geographic conditions prevalent in Botswana, where the majority of the land is covered by the Kalahari Desert. Consequently, the country faces significant challenges in water management and agricultural sustainability, necessitating careful planning and conservation efforts to meet the needs of its population.

Furthermore, Botswana's reliance on groundwater is compounded by fluctuating rainfall patterns and increasing demand from both human consumption and agricultural activities. The importance of sustainable water resource management is critical, as the country seeks to balance economic development with environmental conservation.

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