Total Renewable Groundwater Resources by Country 1989

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 "Total Renewable Groundwater Resources by Country" metric for 1989 offers a crucial insight into the environmental and resource landscape across the globe. This data measures the volume of groundwater that is naturally replenished annually, either internally generated or externally sourced, available for use. Understanding this measure is essential, as groundwater serves as a critical resource for agriculture, industry, and human consumption. In a year marked by significant environmental discussions, examining these statistics reveals patterns that underscore both the global distribution of natural resources and the environmental challenges of that era.

Global Water Resource Distribution in 1989

In 1989, the distribution of renewable groundwater resources was notably uneven across countries, highlighting disparities in access to vital water supplies. The United States led the chart with a staggering 1,383 cubic meters of renewable groundwater per year, reflecting its vast geographical area and diverse climate zones that facilitate significant recharge rates. China, with 828.8 cubic meters, and Brazil, with 645.6 cubic meters, followed, illustrating their extensive river systems and tropical climates conducive to groundwater replenishment. On the other end of the spectrum, countries such as Antigua and Barbuda, Bahamas, and Tuvalu reported no renewable groundwater resources, underscoring the challenges faced by small island nations and arid regions in securing sustainable water supplies.

Regional Variances and Environmental Factors

The striking regional differences in groundwater resources are a reflection of diverse climatic conditions, geographical features, and environmental policies. Countries in tropical areas like Indonesia (457.4 cubic meters) and the Democratic Republic of the Congo (421 cubic meters) benefit from high precipitation rates, which naturally replenish groundwater reserves. Conversely, nations situated in arid or semi-arid zones struggle with limited replenishment capabilities, exacerbating water scarcity issues. These variances emphasize the importance of tailored water management policies that consider each country's unique environmental circumstances.

Sustainability and Policy Implications

The renewable groundwater data from 1989 also highlights critical sustainability and policy considerations. Nations with abundant water resources, such as Canada (370 cubic meters) and Peru (303 cubic meters), had the opportunity to implement forward-thinking water management strategies to ensure long-term availability. For countries with minimal renewable groundwater, the absence of sustainable practices could lead to severe resource depletion and environmental degradation. This year's data stressed the urgent need for international cooperation and local policies aimed at water conservation, efficient use, and technology-driven solutions to enhance water security.

Historical Context and Global Awareness in 1989

The year 1989 was pivotal for raising global awareness of environmental issues, including water resource management. In the wake of the 1987 Brundtland Report, which called for sustainable development, water management became a focal point of international environmental policy discussions. The data from 1989 reflects an era on the brink of significant change, as countries began recognizing the importance of sustainable practices in resource management. This recognition was further propelled by the World Bank's increased focus on funding water projects in developing countries, aiming to address both the immediate needs and the long-term goals of these regions.

Future Outlook and Technological Advancements

Looking forward from 1989, the data provides a baseline for evaluating future trends in groundwater management. Technological advancements, such as improved irrigation techniques and water recycling methods, were identified as key factors in enhancing the sustainability of water use. Moreover, the increasing global awareness sparked by 1989's environmental discussions paved the way for innovations aimed at better monitoring and managing groundwater resources. As countries continued to address their unique water challenges, the lessons from 1989 underscored the importance of integrating technology with policy to ensure equitable and sustainable access to one of the planet's most vital resources.

Insights by country

Liberia

Liberia ranks 39th out of 188 countries in terms of total renewable groundwater resources, with an estimated 45 cubic meters per year available per capita in 1989. This notable ranking highlights the country's significant freshwater resources, which are essential for agricultural, domestic, and industrial uses.

The relatively high volume of renewable groundwater resources in Liberia can be attributed to its abundant rainfall and humid tropical climate, which contribute to the replenishment of aquifers and surface water systems. However, the actual utilization of these resources is often hindered by infrastructural challenges and the impacts of civil conflict, which have historically disrupted water management systems.

Moreover, while Liberia possesses substantial groundwater resources, the country faces ongoing challenges related to water quality and access, which can affect public health and economic development. It is also important to note that in the 1980s, the awareness of groundwater management was less developed, potentially limiting the effective use of these vital resources.

Mongolia

Mongolia ranked 88th out of 188 countries in terms of total renewable groundwater resources in the year 1989. The country reported a total of 6.1 cubic meters of renewable groundwater resources per year. This statistic reflects the significant reliance on groundwater in a predominantly arid and semi-arid climate, where surface water sources are limited.

The relatively low volume of renewable groundwater resources can be attributed to Mongolia's vast steppe and desert landscapes, which experience infrequent precipitation and high evaporation rates. Additionally, the country's nomadic herding lifestyle places considerable pressure on water resources, as livestock require substantial water for sustenance.

Interestingly, Mongolia's water management challenges are compounded by rapid urbanization and mining activities, which can further deplete groundwater resources. As of 1989, the country was beginning to face these emerging pressures, which would become increasingly relevant in the following decades.

Bahamas

In 1989, the Bahamas ranked 150th out of 188 countries regarding total renewable groundwater resources, with a reported value of 0 cubic meters per year. This statistic highlights the significant scarcity of freshwater resources in the archipelago, which is primarily composed of limestone and lacks substantial freshwater aquifers.

The absence of renewable groundwater resources can be attributed to the Bahamas' geographical characteristics, including its low elevation and porous geology that limits the accumulation of freshwater underground. Additionally, the country's reliance on rainwater harvesting and desalination processes further underscores the challenges faced in securing adequate water supplies.

Despite its limited groundwater resources, the Bahamas has developed a robust tourism industry, which is a major consumer of water. This reliance on tourism places further stress on the already scarce water resources, leading to ongoing discussions about sustainable water management and conservation strategies in the region.

Qatar

In 1989, Qatar ranked 140th out of 188 countries in terms of total renewable groundwater resources. The country had a notably low figure of 0.058 cubic meters per year of renewable groundwater, reflecting its arid climate and limited water resources.

The scarcity of freshwater in Qatar can be attributed to its geographical characteristics, including its desert landscape and minimal rainfall, which averages less than 3 inches annually. As a result, the nation has historically relied on desalination plants and underground aquifers to meet its water needs, further emphasizing the importance of managing these limited resources sustainably.

Additionally, Qatar's rapid economic development and population growth in the late 20th century heightened the demand for water, creating challenges in balancing consumption and conservation. This scenario underscores the critical need for innovative water management strategies in arid regions, where renewable groundwater is scarce.

Peru

In 1989, Peru ranked 10th out of 188 countries in total renewable groundwater resources, with a significant availability of 303 cubic meters per year per capita. This high ranking reflects the country's extensive aquifer systems and substantial precipitation in certain regions, particularly in the Andes mountains and the Amazon basin, which contribute to the replenishment of groundwater resources.

The abundance of renewable groundwater in Peru can be attributed to its diverse geography, which includes highland areas that receive considerable rainfall and a tropical climate that supports substantial water catchment. Additionally, the historical practices of indigenous communities in water management and conservation have further enhanced groundwater sustainability.

Furthermore, this statistic underscores the importance of effective water management policies in Peru, as the country faces challenges related to water scarcity in arid coastal regions. The contrast between regions with plentiful groundwater and those experiencing water stress highlights the need for careful planning and resource allocation to ensure equitable access to water for all citizens.

Cabo Verde

Cabo Verde ranked 134th out of 188 countries in terms of total renewable groundwater resources in 1989, with a reported value of 0.124 cubic meters per year. This low figure reflects the country's arid climate and limited freshwater resources, which pose significant challenges for agriculture, drinking water supply, and overall sustainability.

The scarcity of groundwater in Cabo Verde can be attributed to its geographical location as an island nation in the Atlantic Ocean, characterized by volcanic soil and minimal rainfall. The country experiences frequent droughts, exacerbating the difficulties in water management and highlighting the importance of effective water conservation strategies.

In addition to its low groundwater availability, Cabo Verde has made efforts to implement desalination technologies and rainwater harvesting systems to address water shortages, demonstrating resilience in the face of environmental challenges. As of 1989, these initiatives were crucial for supporting the population and promoting economic development in a resource-limited context.

Angola

In 1989, Angola ranked 32nd out of 188 countries in terms of total renewable groundwater resources, with a reported value of 58 cubic meters per year. This significant amount of renewable groundwater is crucial for the country's agricultural and domestic water supply, particularly given Angola's diverse climatic zones, ranging from arid to tropical.

The availability of groundwater resources in Angola can be attributed to its geological formations and the presence of aquifers that store water. However, despite this ranking, the efficient management of these resources has been challenged by factors such as civil conflict, infrastructure deficits, and climate variability, which can affect both the quantity and quality of available water.

Additionally, it is noteworthy that groundwater plays a vital role in sustaining communities and ecosystems in Angola, especially in rural areas where surface water sources may be limited. The reliance on groundwater is expected to increase as the country continues to develop and urbanize, highlighting the importance of sustainable management practices.

Myanmar

In 1989, Myanmar ranked 6th out of 188 countries in terms of total renewable groundwater resources, with a significant volume of 453.7 cubic meters per year. This substantial availability of groundwater resources underscores the country's rich hydrological potential, which is critical for agricultural irrigation and drinking water supply.

The high ranking can be attributed to Myanmar's diverse topography and climatic conditions, which facilitate the replenishment of groundwater through seasonal rainfall and river systems. Additionally, the country's extensive river networks, including the Irrawaddy and Sittang rivers, contribute to its groundwater reserves.

It is noteworthy that while Myanmar possesses ample groundwater resources, challenges such as over-extraction, pollution, and inadequate infrastructure may impact the sustainability and management of these resources in the long term. Furthermore, the reliance on groundwater is particularly crucial for rural communities, where access to surface water may be limited.

Thailand

In 1989, Thailand ranked 41st out of 188 countries in terms of total renewable groundwater resources, with an estimated 41.9 cubic meters per year available for use. This statistic highlights the significance of groundwater as a vital resource for the country, particularly in supporting agricultural activities and meeting the water needs of its population.

The substantial availability of renewable groundwater resources in Thailand can be attributed to its diverse climate and geographical features, which include mountains, rivers, and lowland areas conducive to aquifer recharge. However, the management of these resources is critical, as over-extraction and pollution pose threats to their sustainability.

Thailand's groundwater resources are essential for irrigation in its agricultural sector, which is a significant part of the economy, employing a large portion of the workforce. Additionally, the country has faced challenges related to water management, including seasonal variations in rainfall and increasing demand due to urbanization and industrialization.

Brunei Darussalam

In 1989, Brunei Darussalam ranked 137th out of 188 countries in terms of total renewable groundwater resources, with a recorded value of 0.1 cubic meters per year. This relatively low figure reflects the country's limited freshwater resources, which are influenced by its geographical and climatic conditions.

Brunei's small land area, coupled with its tropical rainforest climate, leads to significant surface runoff and limited groundwater recharge. Additionally, urbanization and industrial activities may have impacted the natural aquifer systems, reducing the availability of groundwater resources.

As a small, wealthy nation with extensive oil reserves, Brunei has invested heavily in water supply infrastructure, which has mitigated some of the challenges posed by limited groundwater resources. Nevertheless, understanding groundwater availability remains crucial for sustainable water management and planning in the face of potential climate change impacts.

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