Total Renewable Groundwater Resources by Country 1992

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	Belarus	15.9 Cubic meters per year
19	Bosnia and Herzegovina	11.57 Cubic meters per year
20	Chad	11.5 Cubic meters per year
21	Croatia	11 Cubic meters per year
22	Afghanistan	10.65 Cubic meters per year
23	Bhutan	9.5 Cubic meters per year
24	Burkina Faso	9.5 Cubic meters per year
25	Belize	7.51 Cubic meters per year
26	Burundi	7.47 Cubic meters per year
27	Azerbaijan	6.51 Cubic meters per year
28	Cuba	6.48 Cubic meters per year
29	Bulgaria	6.4 Cubic meters per year
30	Albania	6.2 Cubic meters per year
31	Austria	6 Cubic meters per year
32	Armenia	4.311 Cubic meters per year
33	Denmark	4.3 Cubic meters per year
34	Benin	1.8 Cubic meters per year
35	Botswana	1.7 Cubic meters per year
36	Algeria	1.517 Cubic meters per year
37	Comoros	1 Cubic meters per year
38	Belgium	0.9 Cubic meters per year
39	Cyprus	0.41 Cubic meters per year
40	Cabo Verde	0.124 Cubic meters per year
41	Bahrain	0.112 Cubic meters per year
42	Brunei Darussalam	0.1 Cubic meters per year
43	Barbados	0.074 Cubic meters per year
44	Antigua and Barbuda	0 Cubic meters per year
45	Bahamas	0 Cubic meters per year
46	Cook Islands	0 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	Kazakhstan	33.85 Cubic meters per year
61	Guatemala	33.7 Cubic meters per year
62	Japan	27 Cubic meters per year
63	Ghana	26.3 Cubic meters per year
64	Iceland	24 Cubic meters per year
65	Georgia	17.23 Cubic meters per year
66	Guinea-Bissau	14 Cubic meters per year
67	Kyrgyzstan	13.69 Cubic meters per year
68	Ireland	10.8 Cubic meters per year
69	Greece	10.3 Cubic meters per year
70	Equatorial Guinea	10 Cubic meters per year
71	El Salvador	6.15 Cubic meters per year
72	Hungary	6 Cubic meters per year
73	Jamaica	5.472 Cubic meters per year
74	Fiji	5.273 Cubic meters per year
75	Latvia	4.7 Cubic meters per year
76	Dominican Republic	4.161 Cubic meters per year
77	Estonia	4 Cubic meters per year
78	Kenya	3.5 Cubic meters per year
79	Iraq	3.28 Cubic meters per year
80	Finland	2.2 Cubic meters per year
81	Haiti	2.157 Cubic meters per year
82	Egypt	1.5 Cubic meters per year
83	Eswatini	0.66 Cubic meters per year
84	Gambia	0.5 Cubic meters per year
85	Djibouti	0.015 Cubic meters per year
86	Dominica	0 Cubic meters per year
87	Eritrea	NaN Cubic meters per year
88	Ethiopia	NaN Cubic meters per year
89	United States	1,383 Cubic meters per year
90	Russia	788 Cubic meters per year
91	Myanmar	453.7 Cubic meters per year
92	Peru	303 Cubic meters per year
93	Venezuela	227 Cubic meters per year
94	Papua New Guinea	211.6 Cubic meters per year
95	Philippines	180 Cubic meters per year
96	Mexico	150 Cubic meters per year
97	Norway	96 Cubic meters per year
98	Suriname	90 Cubic meters per year
99	Nigeria	87 Cubic meters per year
100	Vietnam	71.42 Cubic meters per year
101	Turkey	67.8 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	Zambia	47 Cubic meters per year
107	Liberia	45 Cubic meters per year
108	Thailand	41.9 Cubic meters per year
109	Paraguay	41.64 Cubic meters per year
110	Tanzania	30 Cubic meters per year
111	Spain	29.9 Cubic meters per year
112	Uganda	29 Cubic meters per year
113	Sierra Leone	25 Cubic meters per year
114	Uruguay	22.9 Cubic meters per year
115	Ukraine	22 Cubic meters per year
116	Panama	21 Cubic meters per year
117	Mali	20 Cubic meters per year
118	Nepal	20 Cubic meters per year
119	Sweden	20 Cubic meters per year
120	Mozambique	17 Cubic meters per year
121	Slovenia	13.5 Cubic meters per year
122	South Korea	13.3 Cubic meters per year
123	North Korea	13 Cubic meters per year
124	Poland	12.5 Cubic meters per year
125	Solomon Islands	11.92 Cubic meters per year
126	Morocco	10 Cubic meters per year
127	United Kingdom	9.8 Cubic meters per year
128	Uzbekistan	8.8 Cubic meters per year
129	Romania	8.46 Cubic meters per year
130	Sri Lanka	7.8 Cubic meters per year
131	Rwanda	7 Cubic meters per year
132	Syrian Arab Republic	6.174 Cubic meters per year
133	Mongolia	6.1 Cubic meters per year
134	Tajikistan	6 Cubic meters per year
135	Zimbabwe	6 Cubic meters per year
136	Togo	5.7 Cubic meters per year
137	South Africa	4.8 Cubic meters per year
138	Netherlands	4.5 Cubic meters per year
139	Vanuatu	4.377 Cubic meters per year
140	Portugal	4 Cubic meters per year
141	Senegal	3.5 Cubic meters per year
142	Somalia	3.3 Cubic meters per year
143	Lebanon	3.2 Cubic meters per year
144	Malawi	2.5 Cubic meters per year
145	Niger	2.5 Cubic meters per year
146	Switzerland	2.5 Cubic meters per year
147	Saudi Arabia	2.2 Cubic meters per year
148	Namibia	2.1 Cubic meters per year
149	Tunisia	1.595 Cubic meters per year
150	Yemen	1.5 Cubic meters per year
151	Oman	1.3 Cubic meters per year
152	Republic of Moldova	1.3 Cubic meters per year
153	Israel	1.225 Cubic meters per year
154	Lithuania	1.1 Cubic meters per year
155	Mauritius	0.893 Cubic meters per year
156	Timor-Leste	0.886 Cubic meters per year
157	State of Palestine	0.75 Cubic meters per year
158	Trinidad and Tobago	0.614 Cubic meters per year
159	Libya	0.6 Cubic meters per year
160	Jordan	0.54 Cubic meters per year
161	Lesotho	0.5 Cubic meters per year
162	Turkmenistan	0.405 Cubic meters per year
163	Mauritania	0.3 Cubic meters per year
164	United Arab Emirates	0.12 Cubic meters per year
165	Luxembourg	0.08 Cubic meters per year
166	Qatar	0.058 Cubic meters per year
167	Malta	0.05 Cubic meters per year
168	Maldives	0.03 Cubic meters per year
169	Kuwait	0.02 Cubic meters per year
170	Saint Kitts and Nevis	0.02 Cubic meters per year
171	Nauru	0.01 Cubic meters per year
172	Faroe Islands	0 Cubic meters per year
173	Grenada	0 Cubic meters per year
174	Kiribati	0 Cubic meters per year
175	New Zealand	0 Cubic meters per year
176	Niue	0 Cubic meters per year
177	North Macedonia	0 Cubic meters per year
178	Saint Lucia	0 Cubic meters per year
179	Saint Vincent and the Grenadines	0 Cubic meters per year
180	Samoa	0 Cubic meters per year
181	Sao Tome and Principe	0 Cubic meters per year
182	Seychelles	0 Cubic meters per year
183	Singapore	0 Cubic meters per year
184	Slovakia	NaN Cubic meters per year
185	South Sudan	NaN Cubic meters per year
186	Sudan	NaN Cubic meters per year
187	Tonga	0 Cubic meters per year
188	Tuvalu	0 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 1992, the global landscape of water resource management was significantly shaped by the understanding and utilization of total renewable groundwater resources. This metric measures the volume of groundwater that is naturally replenished and available for use, encompassing both internally generated and externally sourced water. Groundwater is a crucial component of the Earth's water system, providing a vital resource for drinking, agriculture, and industrial processes. As nations strive for sustainable development, understanding the distribution and capacity of these resources becomes increasingly important.

Global Distribution of Groundwater Resources

The assessment of total renewable groundwater resources by country in 1992 reveals a stark contrast between nations. The United States leads with a substantial 1,383 cubic meters per year, highlighting its abundant aquifer systems and extensive water management infrastructure. In contrast, several countries, such as Grenada, Tonga, and Singapore, reported negligible renewable groundwater resources, marking an important consideration for their environmental and developmental policies. China and Russia also rank highly, with 828.8 and 788 cubic meters per year, respectively, underscoring the significant role these countries play in the global water resource narrative.

Regional Variations and Influences

Examining regional trends, it is evident that geographic factors heavily influence groundwater availability. Brazil, with its vast Amazon basin, and Indonesia, an archipelago with high precipitation, have substantial groundwater resources of 645.6 and 457.4 cubic meters per year, respectively. In contrast, island nations such as those in the Caribbean (e.g., Saint Vincent and the Grenadines, Dominica) often face limitations due to their size and geological conditions. This regional disparity necessitates tailored water management strategies that consider both natural endowments and the socio-economic needs of each country.

Climatic Influences on Groundwater Recharge

Climate plays a pivotal role in the replenishment rates of groundwater resources. Countries with high rainfall, such as Colombia and the Democratic Republic of the Congo, which report 510 and 421 cubic meters per year, benefit from natural recharge mechanisms. Conversely, arid and semi-arid regions face challenges due to limited precipitation and high evaporation rates, which can severely restrict groundwater renewability. In 1992, the interplay between climate and water resource management highlighted the need for integrated approaches to harness and protect groundwater sustainably.

Sustainability and Policy Implications

The 1992 data on total renewable groundwater resources prompt critical discussions on sustainability and policy. Countries with abundant resources, like Canada with 370 cubic meters per year, must balance exploitation with conservation to prevent depletion and contamination. For nations with minimal resources, innovative solutions, such as rainwater harvesting and desalination, are essential to ensure water security. International cooperation and policy frameworks, like integrated water resources management (IWRM), are crucial to address transboundary water issues and promote equitable distribution.

Looking Ahead: Future Water Resource Management

While the data from 1992 provides a snapshot of groundwater availability, the future of water resource management hinges on several factors, including population growth, technological advancements, and changing climate patterns. Countries like India, with 432 cubic meters per year, must navigate these challenges to support their burgeoning populations. The emphasis on sustainable water management practices, technological innovation for efficient water use, and international collaboration will be vital as the global community adapts to evolving water resource dynamics.

In conclusion, the 1992 analysis of total renewable groundwater resources highlights significant disparities and challenges across the globe. Understanding these patterns is essential for developing targeted strategies that ensure the sustainable use and management of this vital resource, thereby supporting both human and ecological welfare in the years to come.

Insights by country

Faroe Islands

In 1992, the Faroe Islands ranked 172nd out of 188 countries in terms of total renewable groundwater resources, with a reported value of 0 cubic meters per year. This statistic indicates that the islands do not rely on groundwater as a significant renewable resource, which is reflective of their unique geographical and climatic conditions.

The Faroe Islands, an archipelago located in the North Atlantic, experience a maritime climate characterized by high levels of precipitation, which primarily replenishes surface water rather than groundwater aquifers. The islands are predominantly rugged and mountainous, with limited flat land for groundwater accumulation.

As a result, the population primarily depends on surface water sources, such as rivers and lakes, for their freshwater needs. This dependence on surface water highlights the importance of sustainable water management practices in the region to ensure the availability of clean water for the inhabitants and the surrounding ecosystem.

Afghanistan

In 1992, Afghanistan ranked 80th out of 188 countries in terms of total renewable groundwater resources, with a reported value of 10.65 cubic meters per year. This statistic illustrates the country's reliance on groundwater, particularly in a landscape characterized by arid conditions and limited surface water resources.

Several factors contribute to Afghanistan's groundwater availability, including its geographic and climatic conditions, which feature a predominantly mountainous terrain and a harsh climate that limits rainfall. Additionally, the ongoing conflict and instability have hindered effective water management practices, impacting the sustainable use of these vital resources.

It is noteworthy that Afghanistan's groundwater resources are critical for agriculture, which remains a significant part of the economy, particularly in rural regions. The reliance on irrigation for crop production underscores the importance of managing renewable groundwater sustainably to support food security and livelihoods in the country.

Mali

Mali ranks 62 out of 188 countries in terms of total renewable groundwater resources as recorded in 1992. The country possesses an estimated 20 cubic meters per year of renewable groundwater resources, which is crucial for supporting its agricultural and domestic water needs.

This relatively modest figure can be attributed to Mali's geographic and climatic conditions, characterized by a predominantly arid and semi-arid environment. The availability of groundwater is vital in a country where surface water resources are limited, particularly in the Sahel region, which experiences significant seasonal variations in rainfall.

Moreover, the reliance on groundwater underscores the importance of sustainable water management practices to combat issues related to water scarcity and support the livelihoods of Mali's population, which is heavily dependent on agriculture. In a broader context, this statistic reflects the challenges faced by many countries in the region, where water resources are under increasing pressure from both climate change and population growth.

Ecuador

Ecuador ranks 17th out of 188 countries in terms of total renewable groundwater resources in the year 1992. The country possesses approximately 134 cubic meters per year of renewable groundwater resources, highlighting its significant water resource availability relative to many other nations.

This substantial groundwater resource can be attributed to Ecuador's diverse geography, which includes the Andean highlands and the Amazon rainforest, both of which contribute to the replenishment of aquifers. The climatic variations across the country also play a crucial role in influencing groundwater recharge rates.

Moreover, the availability of groundwater is essential for supporting agricultural activities, particularly in rural areas, where irrigation is vital for crop production. In the context of environmental sustainability, managing these groundwater resources is critical to address challenges related to water scarcity and pollution, especially given the country's growing population and industrial activities.

Belarus

In 1992, Belarus ranked 68th out of 188 countries in terms of total renewable groundwater resources, with a reported value of 15.9 cubic meters per year. This figure reflects the country's considerable groundwater availability, which is crucial for various uses including agricultural irrigation, drinking water supply, and industrial activities.

The level of renewable groundwater resources in Belarus can be influenced by several factors, including the country's geographical features, climate conditions, and the management of water resources. The presence of extensive wetlands and rivers in Belarus contributes to the replenishment of groundwater supplies, while the country's relatively moderate climate supports a stable hydrological cycle.

Additionally, it is noteworthy that Belarus is part of the larger Eastern European region, which is characterized by varying levels of water resource availability. This statistic places Belarus in a favorable position compared to some neighboring countries, highlighting its importance in regional water security and sustainability.

Thailand

In 1992, Thailand ranked 42nd 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 source of water for agricultural, industrial, and domestic needs.

The availability of renewable groundwater resources in Thailand can be attributed to its diverse geography, which includes mountains, rivers, and plains that facilitate aquifer recharge. Additionally, the monsoon climate contributes to the replenishment of groundwater supplies during the rainy season, further supporting the nation's agricultural sector.

It is important to note that while Thailand has substantial groundwater resources, challenges such as over-extraction, pollution, and urbanization threaten the sustainability of these resources. As a result, efficient management practices and policies are essential for maintaining the quality and quantity of groundwater available for future generations.

Saudi Arabia

In 1992, Saudi Arabia ranked 125th out of 188 countries in terms of total renewable groundwater resources, with a reported value of 2.2 cubic meters per year. This statistic highlights the significant challenges the country faces regarding water scarcity, given its predominantly arid climate and limited natural freshwater sources.

The low level of renewable groundwater resources can be attributed to a combination of factors, including the country's geographical location, which is characterized by vast desert landscapes and minimal rainfall. Additionally, the rapid population growth and industrialization during the late 20th century increased the demand for water, exacerbating the already critical situation.

As a result, Saudi Arabia has implemented various strategies to combat water scarcity, such as investing in desalination technologies and improving water management practices. Interestingly, despite its challenges, Saudi Arabia has become one of the world's leaders in desalination, producing a significant portion of its water supply from seawater.

France

In 1992, France ranked 21st out of 188 countries in terms of total renewable groundwater resources, with a notable provision of 120 cubic meters per year. This ranking reflects France's significant freshwater resources, which are critical for both agricultural and urban needs.

The substantial groundwater availability can be attributed to France's diverse geography, which includes extensive aquifers and varied climatic conditions that contribute to effective water recharge. The presence of large agricultural areas also means that groundwater plays a vital role in irrigation and the overall economy.

Additionally, France's commitment to sustainable water management practices has helped maintain its groundwater resources amidst growing demands due to population increase and industrial activities. It is worth noting that the country has historically implemented policies aimed at protecting water quality and ensuring sustainable use, which further highlights the importance of this statistic in the context of environmental conservation.

Laos

In 1992, Laos ranked 46th out of 188 countries in terms of total renewable groundwater resources, with an estimated availability of 37.9 cubic meters per year. This statistic highlights the country's relatively significant freshwater resources, which are vital for both agricultural and domestic use.

The abundance of groundwater in Laos can be attributed to its mountainous terrain and extensive river systems, which facilitate natural aquifer recharge. The presence of diverse ecosystems also contributes to the effective management and sustainability of these water resources.

Additionally, it is noteworthy that Laos's groundwater resources are essential for sustaining rural livelihoods, particularly in a nation where agriculture plays a critical role in the economy. As of 1992, the reliance on groundwater was increasingly important due to seasonal variations in rainfall and the need for irrigation in dry periods.

Croatia

In 1992, Croatia ranked 78th out of 188 countries in terms of total renewable groundwater resources, with a measured value of 11 cubic meters per year. This statistic reflects the availability of freshwater resources in the country, which is crucial for agriculture, drinking water supply, and ecosystem sustainability.

The relatively low rate of renewable groundwater resources can be attributed to several factors, including the country's geographical characteristics and historical influences on land use and water management practices. Croatia is known for its karst topography, which can affect the replenishment and distribution of groundwater.

Furthermore, the importance of sustainable water management has become increasingly evident in Croatia, especially considering its diverse ecosystems and the pressures from tourism and agriculture. As a country with a rich natural heritage, conserving water resources remains a critical challenge for ensuring long-term environmental health and economic stability.

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