Total Renewable Groundwater Resources by Country 1991

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 in 1991 highlight a crucial environmental asset that determines water availability across different nations. This metric encompasses the sum of internally generated and externally gained groundwater, naturally replenished and available for sustainable use. Understanding this resource is vital in assessing water security and environmental sustainability on a global scale, especially as water scarcity becomes a growing concern in many regions.

Global Water Scarcity and Sustainable Management

Water scarcity is a pressing issue that affects millions worldwide, and in 1991, the distribution of total renewable groundwater resources offered a glimpse into the uneven availability of this critical resource. The highest recorded volume was in the United States with 1383 cubic meters per year, far surpassing other nations. China's 828.8 cubic meters and Brazil's 645.6 cubic meters also indicated substantial groundwater availability, highlighting these countries' substantial natural resources. Conversely, several island nations, including Antigua and Barbuda, the Bahamas, and Tuvalu, reported values of 0 cubic meters per year, emphasizing their vulnerability and reliance on alternative water sources or imports.

Climate Impact on Groundwater Resources

The availability of groundwater resources is intricately linked to climatic conditions. Countries like Indonesia and the Democratic Republic of the Congo, with 457.4 and 421 cubic meters respectively, benefit from high rainfall, which significantly contributes to groundwater replenishment. However, the geographic and climatic conditions can also pose challenges; for instance, arid and semi-arid regions may experience less natural replenishment, heightening the risk of over-extraction and resource depletion. The stark difference between the groundwater resources in tropical versus arid regions underscores the importance of climate in determining water availability.

Regional Distribution and Geographic Patterns

The distribution of renewable groundwater resources in 1991 also reflected broader geographic patterns. North America, with Canada joining the United States in the top 10, illustrated the region's relative abundance of this resource, largely due to vast land areas and significant precipitation. South America, with Brazil, Colombia, and Peru, further showcased the continent's rich aquatic resources. In contrast, many smaller island nations with minimal land area recorded no renewable groundwater resources, highlighting a geographic disparity in water availability.

Policy and Sustainability Implications

Managing these resources sustainably requires careful policy planning and international cooperation. In 1991, countries with abundant groundwater like the United States and China had to consider policies that prevent overuse and ensure long-term availability. Meanwhile, nations with scarce resources faced the challenge of innovating water management techniques and securing imports when necessary. International agreements and policies focused on sustainable water use and cross-border water sharing were, and remain, critical in addressing these disparities and ensuring equitable access to water for all.

Future Outlook and Potential Changes

While the data from 1991 provides a snapshot of groundwater resources, future projections suggest that changes in climate patterns and population growth could further stress these resources. Nations with currently abundant resources might see declines due to overuse and changing precipitation patterns, while technological advancements in water conservation and management could offer solutions to regions currently facing scarcity. The imperative to develop adaptive strategies remains crucial, as the global community works towards sustainable water management practices to meet the demands of future generations.

Insights by country

Greece

In 1991, Greece ranked 72nd out of 188 countries in terms of total renewable groundwater resources, with a reported availability of 10.3 cubic meters per year. This statistic highlights the country's reliance on groundwater as a crucial resource for agricultural, domestic, and industrial use.

The relatively modest amount of renewable groundwater resources in Greece can be attributed to several factors, including the country's geographical features, characterized by mountainous terrain and limited water catchment areas. Additionally, the Mediterranean climate, marked by hot, dry summers and mild, wet winters, influences the replenishment rates of these groundwater resources.

It is noteworthy that groundwater is vital for Greece's agriculture, which accounts for a significant portion of its economy, particularly in regions where surface water is scarce. Furthermore, the management of these resources is critical, as over-extraction and pollution can severely impact their sustainability and quality.

Madagascar

In 1991, Madagascar was ranked 34th out of 188 countries in terms of total renewable groundwater resources, possessing 55 cubic meters per year per capita. This significant ranking highlights the country's relatively abundant groundwater resources, which are crucial for agricultural practices and rural water supply.

The availability of groundwater in Madagascar is influenced by its diverse climate and geography, which includes numerous rivers, lakes, and varying rainfall patterns. Additionally, the country's reliance on agriculture, particularly subsistence farming, makes the sustainability of these water resources vital for the livelihoods of many Malagasy people.

Furthermore, Madagascar's groundwater resources face challenges from factors such as deforestation, climate change, and population growth, which can impact water availability and quality. Understanding and managing these resources is essential for ensuring long-term water security and supporting the economy in this ecologically unique nation.

Libya

In 1991, Libya ranked 128th out of 188 countries in terms of total renewable groundwater resources, with a notably low figure of 0.6 cubic meters per year. This limited availability of renewable groundwater highlights the challenges faced by the country in managing its water resources, particularly in a region characterized by arid and semi-arid climates.

The scarcity of renewable groundwater in Libya can be attributed to several factors, including its geographical location, which features vast desert landscapes and limited rainfall. Additionally, the country's reliance on fossil water from the Great Man-Made River project has underscored the importance of sustainable management of water resources to meet the needs of its population and agricultural sectors.

Interestingly, Libya's situation is reflective of broader regional trends in North Africa, where many countries face similar challenges related to water scarcity due to climatic conditions and over-extraction of groundwater resources. This underscores the importance of implementing effective water conservation strategies and exploring alternative water sources to enhance water security in the region.

Singapore

In 1991, Singapore ranked 178 out of 188 countries in terms of total renewable groundwater resources, with a reported value of 0 cubic meters per year. This ranking reflects the country's significant challenges in managing natural water resources due to its small land area and high population density.

The absence of renewable groundwater resources can be attributed to Singapore's geographical characteristics, where the urban landscape and extensive development limit the natural replenishment of aquifers. Instead, the nation relies heavily on imported water, rainwater harvesting, and advanced desalination technologies to meet its water supply needs.

Singapore's water management strategies are among the most innovative globally, emphasizing sustainability and efficiency. Notably, the country's commitment to water conservation and technology has positioned it as a leader in urban water management, demonstrating that even with limited renewable resources, effective governance can ensure water security.

Maldives

In 1991, the Maldives ranked 142nd out of 188 countries in terms of total renewable groundwater resources, with a reported value of 0.03 cubic meters per year. This low figure reflects the country's unique geographical and environmental conditions, particularly its status as a low-lying island nation composed of 26 atolls in the Indian Ocean.

The scarcity of freshwater resources in the Maldives is primarily due to its limited land area and the porous nature of its coral limestone islands, which leads to rapid drainage of rainwater. Additionally, increasing pressures from tourism, population growth, and climate change pose significant challenges to the sustainability of groundwater resources.

Interestingly, the Maldives relies heavily on rainwater harvesting and reverse osmosis for its freshwater supply, highlighting the importance of alternative water resource management strategies in countries with limited groundwater reserves.

Lesotho

In 1991, Lesotho ranked 131 out of 188 countries regarding its total renewable groundwater resources, with a reported value of 0.5 cubic meters per year. This low figure underscores the country’s challenges in water resource management, primarily due to its mountainous terrain and limited access to aquifers.

The scarcity of renewable groundwater in Lesotho can be attributed to several factors, including geographical limitations, with much of the land being rugged and not conducive to significant water retention. Additionally, climate variability has contributed to fluctuations in water availability, impacting agriculture and domestic water supplies.

Interestingly, despite its low groundwater resources, Lesotho is known for the Lesotho Highlands Water Project, which aims to harness water from the country’s rivers to supply water to South Africa. This project highlights the importance of water as both a crucial resource and an economic asset for Lesotho, especially in the context of regional water scarcity.

Uzbekistan

In 1991, Uzbekistan ranked 188 out of 188 countries in terms of total renewable groundwater resources, with a reported value of null cubic meters per year. This statistic indicates a significant scarcity of renewable groundwater resources within the country, which poses challenges for agricultural and domestic water use.

The lack of renewable groundwater resources can be attributed to several factors, including the arid climate of Uzbekistan, which experiences low annual precipitation and high evaporation rates. Furthermore, the over-extraction of groundwater, primarily for irrigation in the cotton industry, has further exacerbated the depletion of water resources.

It is noteworthy that Uzbekistan is heavily reliant on irrigation for its agricultural sector, especially in cotton production, which is a major economic driver. The implications of limited groundwater resources can lead to increased competition for water, affecting both agricultural output and the livelihoods of rural communities.

Sudan

In 1991, Sudan ranked 182 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 poses challenges for agricultural development and water supply for its population.

The limited availability of groundwater can be attributed to several factors, including the country's vast arid and semi-arid regions, which experience minimal rainfall. Additionally, over-reliance on surface water sources and inadequate infrastructure for groundwater extraction and management further exacerbate the situation.

As a result of these challenges, Sudan has faced ongoing issues related to water scarcity, affecting food security and contributing to socio-economic instability. In contrast, other nations in the region have implemented better water management practices that have allowed them to utilize their groundwater resources more effectively.

Philippines

The Philippines ranks 13th out of 188 countries in terms of total renewable groundwater resources, with a significant availability of 180 cubic meters per year. This statistic highlights the country's abundant freshwater resources, essential for agricultural, domestic, and industrial uses.

The substantial groundwater resources in the Philippines can be attributed to its geographical features, including numerous rivers, lakes, and a tropical climate that supports high rainfall levels. However, these resources are also at risk from over-extraction and pollution, which can threaten their sustainability.

Additionally, the Philippines is home to diverse ecosystems and rich biodiversity, which rely on these freshwater resources. Proper management and conservation efforts are critical to maintaining the balance between resource utilization and environmental protection.

Solomon Islands

The Solomon Islands ranks 68th out of 188 countries in terms of total renewable groundwater resources, with a significant value of 11.92 cubic meters per year reported in 1991. This statistic highlights the relatively abundant freshwater resources available to the country, crucial for supporting its population and agricultural practices.

Several factors contribute to this level of groundwater resources, including the country's diverse geography, which features numerous islands with varying climatic conditions that facilitate rainfall and aquifer recharge. Additionally, the Solomon Islands' tropical rainforest environment plays a critical role in maintaining its hydrological cycle, thereby sustaining its groundwater supplies.

It is noteworthy that the management of these resources is essential for the sustainability of the islands, particularly given the challenges posed by climate change and environmental degradation. Effective groundwater management is vital for ensuring water security for the local communities and ecosystems that depend on these resources.

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