Total Renewable Groundwater Resources by Country 1990

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

Total Renewable Groundwater Resources by Country measures the volume of groundwater that naturally replenishes itself each year, combining the water internally generated within a country and that which flows across borders. This metric, expressed in cubic meters per year, is crucial for understanding the sustainability of water resources, which impacts both environmental health and human livelihoods worldwide. In 1990, the analysis of this data across 163 countries sheds light on interesting global patterns and highlights the disparities in water availability that define geopolitical and environmental landscapes.

Global Comparison of Groundwater Resources in 1990

The global distribution of renewable groundwater resources in 1990 reveals a stark contrast between regions with abundant water resources and those facing scarcity. The United States led the world with 1,383 cubic meters per year, a testament to its vast and varied geography that supports significant aquifers. In contrast, countries like Antigua and Barbuda, and several others including Tuvalu and Kiribati, reported zero cubic meters, highlighting their vulnerability to water scarcity. Such differences underscore the necessity of effective water management policies tailored to each country's unique hydrological conditions.

Regional Disparities and Environmental Implications

Examining the regional disparities in groundwater resources offers insights into environmental and climatic influences. For instance, Brazil, with its extensive Amazon basin, had a substantial renewable groundwater resource of 645.6 cubic meters, reflecting its tropical rainforest climate's abundant precipitation. Similarly, Colombia's 510 cubic meters is indicative of its rich biodiversity and complex river systems. In stark contrast, several small island nations recorded negligible renewable groundwater, emphasizing their reliance on alternative water sources like desalination and rainwater harvesting. These discrepancies highlight the critical role of climate and geography in shaping water availability.

Sustainability Challenges and Policy Implications

The data from 1990 underscores several sustainability challenges that countries face in managing their groundwater resources. As populations grow and demand for water increases, countries with limited renewable groundwater, like India with 432 cubic meters, face pressing challenges in achieving water security. This scarcity not only threatens agricultural productivity and economic stability but also exacerbates social tensions. It is imperative for such nations to implement innovative water management practices and policies that promote sustainable usage and conservation to mitigate future risks.

The Impact of Climate Change and Future Projections

While the 1990 data provides a snapshot of groundwater resources, it also serves as a baseline for understanding the potential impacts of climate change on future water availability. Predictions suggest that climate change could exacerbate existing disparities by altering precipitation patterns and causing more frequent extreme weather events. Countries like Indonesia and Myanmar, with renewable resources of 457.4 and 453.7 cubic meters respectively, may experience shifts in water availability that could impact agricultural outputs and ecosystem health. Proactive adaptation strategies and international cooperation will be crucial in addressing these challenges and ensuring equitable access to water resources globally.

Policy and International Cooperation

Given the transboundary nature of many aquifers, international cooperation is essential for equitable groundwater management. Countries such as China and India, which share significant water resources with their neighbors, must engage in diplomatic dialogues to manage these resources sustainably. Global initiatives aimed at promoting water conservation and technological advancements in water recycling and desalination can play a pivotal role in addressing the challenges highlighted by the 1990 data. By fostering a spirit of collaboration and innovation, the international community can work towards a future where all nations have secure and sustainable access to groundwater resources.

The 1990 data on Total Renewable Groundwater Resources by Country serves as a critical reference point for understanding the current and future challenges of water resource management. It highlights the importance of strategic planning and cooperation in ensuring water security in a world facing unprecedented environmental changes.

Insights by country

Côte d'Ivoire

Côte d'Ivoire ranks 46th out of 188 countries in terms of total renewable groundwater resources, with a reported value of 37.84 cubic meters per year in 1990. This significant volume of groundwater resources plays a crucial role in the country's agricultural sector and overall water supply.

The availability of groundwater in Côte d'Ivoire is influenced by several factors, including the country's climatic conditions, land use, and population density. The variation in rainfall patterns and the increasing demand for water due to agricultural expansion and urbanization can impact the sustainability of these groundwater resources.

Moreover, Côte d'Ivoire's groundwater resources are vital for supporting its economy, particularly in the cultivation of cash crops such as cocoa and coffee, which are key exports. Ensuring the sustainable management of these resources remains a significant challenge for the country as it balances development and environmental conservation.

Nicaragua

Nicaragua ranks 31st out of 188 countries in terms of total renewable groundwater resources as of the year 1990. The country boasts a significant total of 59 cubic meters per year of renewable groundwater resources, indicating a relatively abundant supply of freshwater compared to many other nations.

This substantial groundwater availability can be attributed to Nicaragua's diverse geography, which includes numerous lakes, rivers, and volcanic structures that contribute to the aquifer systems. Additionally, the tropical climate facilitates consistent rainfall, further replenishing groundwater reserves.

However, despite this resource, Nicaragua faces challenges related to water management and pollution, which can impact the sustainability of its groundwater resources. It is crucial for the country to implement effective water conservation strategies to maintain this vital resource in the face of growing population demands and climate variability.

Guyana

In 1990, Guyana ranked 21st out of 188 countries in terms of total renewable groundwater resources, with a significant availability of 103 cubic meters per year. This substantial groundwater resource reflects the country's rich natural environment and abundant rainfall, as Guyana is characterized by its tropical climate and extensive river systems.

The high volume of renewable groundwater resources can be attributed to the country's geography, which includes vast lowland regions and a network of rivers and wetlands that contribute to aquifer recharge. Furthermore, Guyana's relatively low population density allows for sustainable management of these resources without the pressures faced by more densely populated nations.

Additionally, groundwater serves as a crucial resource for agriculture and drinking water supply in Guyana, making it essential for both economic development and public health. The balance between groundwater extraction and replenishment is vital for maintaining the sustainability of these resources in the face of climate change and potential environmental degradation.

Saint Vincent and the Grenadines

In 1990, Saint Vincent and the Grenadines ranked 174th out of 188 countries regarding total renewable groundwater resources, with a recorded value of 0 cubic meters per year. This statistic indicates the absence of significant groundwater resources that could be utilized for agricultural, domestic, or industrial purposes.

The lack of renewable groundwater resources in Saint Vincent and the Grenadines can be attributed to several geographical and environmental factors, including the island's small land area, steep terrain, and limited aquifer systems. Additionally, the country's reliance on rainfall for water supply exacerbates the challenges associated with groundwater management.

Despite the limited groundwater resources, the country has made efforts to manage its water resources sustainably, particularly through rainwater harvesting and surface water utilization. It is also noteworthy that small island developing states like Saint Vincent and the Grenadines face unique vulnerabilities to climate change, which can further impact freshwater availability and water security.

Slovakia

In 1990, Slovakia ranked 179th 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 in the country, which may impact agricultural practices and water availability for its population.

The limited groundwater resources in Slovakia can be attributed to a combination of geological, climatic, and anthropogenic factors. The country features various geological formations that influence groundwater recharge, and historical industrial activities have also contributed to the depletion and contamination of water resources.

Moreover, Slovakia's transition from a centrally planned economy to a market-driven economy in the early 1990s led to increased demands on water resources, further straining the available groundwater supply. As a result, effective management and conservation of water resources became critical for sustainable development in the region.

Thailand

In 1990, Thailand ranked 41st out of 188 countries regarding its total renewable groundwater resources, with an estimated availability of 41.9 cubic meters per year. This statistic reflects the country's significant reliance on groundwater for agricultural, industrial, and domestic purposes, particularly in rural areas where surface water sources may be limited.

The relatively high level of renewable groundwater resources can be attributed to Thailand's diverse climatic conditions and extensive river systems, which contribute to the recharge of aquifers. However, this resource faces challenges such as over-extraction, pollution, and seasonal variability in rainfall, which can impact water availability.

Additionally, it is noteworthy that groundwater is a critical component of Thailand's agriculture, supporting crops such as rice, which is a staple food and significant export product. Sustainable management of these water resources is essential for ensuring long-term agricultural productivity and environmental health.

Venezuela

In 1990, Venezuela ranked 11th out of 188 countries in terms of total renewable groundwater resources, with an impressive total of 227 cubic meters per year. This significant volume of renewable groundwater indicates the country's abundant natural water resources, which are crucial for both agricultural and domestic use.

The high ranking and resource availability can be attributed to Venezuela's diverse geography, including the presence of mountainous regions and vast river systems that facilitate groundwater recharge. Additionally, the country is characterized by a tropical climate, contributing to substantial rainfall, which aids in replenishing groundwater supplies.

Despite this wealth of groundwater resources, Venezuela faces challenges in water management and distribution, exacerbated by economic and political instability. Proper management of such critical resources is essential for ensuring sustainable access to clean water for its population and mitigating the risks associated with shortages.

Iraq

Iraq ranked 104th out of 188 countries in terms of total renewable groundwater resources in 1990, with a reported volume of 3.28 cubic meters per year. This figure reflects the significant challenges Iraq faces in managing its water resources, especially given its arid climate and reliance on both groundwater and surface water from rivers such as the Tigris and Euphrates.

The relatively low availability of renewable groundwater resources can be attributed to several factors, including climate variability, over-extraction of water for agricultural purposes, and the impact of ongoing conflict on infrastructure and water management systems. Additionally, geographic and geological conditions in the region limit the replenishment of aquifers, exacerbating the situation.

In comparison to other countries, Iraq's groundwater resource management is critical for supporting its population and agriculture, which heavily depends on these resources. The statistic underscores the need for sustainable water practices and infrastructure improvements to ensure long-term availability of this vital resource.

Lithuania

In 1990, Lithuania ranked 167th 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 limitation in the availability of renewable groundwater resources compared to other nations, highlighting potential challenges in water management and sustainability.

The lack of renewable groundwater resources can be attributed to various factors, including the country's geographical characteristics, population density, and historical land use practices. Lithuania's climate, which features a mix of maritime and continental influences, may also affect groundwater recharge rates.

Additionally, this statistic reflects broader environmental concerns within the region, including the impact of industrial activities and agricultural practices on water quality and availability. Understanding these factors is crucial for developing policies aimed at improving water resource management and ensuring sustainable use of Lithuania's limited groundwater resources.

Poland

In 1990, Poland ranked 67th out of 188 countries in terms of total renewable groundwater resources, with an estimated 12.5 cubic meters per year. This statistic highlights the country's relatively moderate availability of freshwater resources, which are essential for agricultural, industrial, and domestic use.

The total renewable groundwater resources in Poland are influenced by several factors, including geographical features, climate conditions, and human activities. The country is characterized by a varied landscape with numerous rivers and lakes, which contribute to its overall water system, although industrialization and urbanization have also placed significant pressure on these resources.

Moreover, Poland's groundwater resources are critical for sustaining its agriculture, particularly in regions with less rainfall. The importance of sustainable management practices is underscored by the need to balance water extraction with natural replenishment, especially given the challenges posed by climate change and pollution.

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