Total Renewable Groundwater Resources by Country 1993

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	United States	1,383 Cubic meters per year
2	China	828.8 Cubic meters per year
3	Russia	788 Cubic meters per year
4	Brazil	645.6 Cubic meters per year
5	Colombia	510 Cubic meters per year
6	Indonesia	457.4 Cubic meters per year
7	Myanmar	453.7 Cubic meters per year
8	India	432 Cubic meters per year
9	Congo, Democratic Republic of the	421 Cubic meters per year
10	Canada	370 Cubic meters per year
11	Peru	303 Cubic meters per year
12	Venezuela	227 Cubic meters per year
13	Papua New Guinea	211.6 Cubic meters per year
14	Philippines	180 Cubic meters per year
15	Mexico	150 Cubic meters per year
16	Chile	140 Cubic meters per year
17	Ecuador	134 Cubic meters per year
18	Bolivia	130 Cubic meters per year
19	Argentina	128 Cubic meters per year
20	Congo	122 Cubic meters per year
21	France	120 Cubic meters per year
22	Guyana	103 Cubic meters per year
23	Cameroon	100 Cubic meters per year
24	Norway	96 Cubic meters per year
25	Suriname	90 Cubic meters per year
26	Nigeria	87 Cubic meters per year
27	Australia	72 Cubic meters per year
28	Vietnam	71.42 Cubic meters per year
29	Turkey	67.8 Cubic meters per year
30	Malaysia	64 Cubic meters per year
31	Gabon	62 Cubic meters per year
32	Nicaragua	59 Cubic meters per year
33	Angola	58 Cubic meters per year
34	Central African Republic	56 Cubic meters per year
35	Madagascar	55 Cubic meters per year
36	Pakistan	55 Cubic meters per year
37	Iran	49.3 Cubic meters per year
38	Zambia	47 Cubic meters per year
39	Germany	45.7 Cubic meters per year
40	Liberia	45 Cubic meters per year
41	Italy	43 Cubic meters per year
42	Thailand	41.9 Cubic meters per year
43	Paraguay	41.64 Cubic meters per year
44	Honduras	39 Cubic meters per year
45	Guinea	38 Cubic meters per year
46	Laos	37.9 Cubic meters per year
47	Côte d'Ivoire	37.84 Cubic meters per year
48	Costa Rica	37.31 Cubic meters per year
49	Kazakhstan	33.85 Cubic meters per year
50	Guatemala	33.7 Cubic meters per year
51	Tanzania	30 Cubic meters per year
52	Spain	29.9 Cubic meters per year
53	Uganda	29 Cubic meters per year
54	Japan	27 Cubic meters per year
55	Ghana	26.3 Cubic meters per year
56	Sierra Leone	25 Cubic meters per year
57	Iceland	24 Cubic meters per year
58	Uruguay	22.9 Cubic meters per year
59	Ukraine	22 Cubic meters per year
60	Bangladesh	21.122 Cubic meters per year
61	Panama	21 Cubic meters per year
62	Ethiopia	20 Cubic meters per year
63	Mali	20 Cubic meters per year
64	Nepal	20 Cubic meters per year
65	Sweden	20 Cubic meters per year
66	Cambodia	17.6 Cubic meters per year
67	Georgia	17.23 Cubic meters per year
68	Mozambique	17 Cubic meters per year
69	Belarus	15.9 Cubic meters per year
70	Guinea-Bissau	14 Cubic meters per year
71	Kyrgyzstan	13.69 Cubic meters per year
72	Slovenia	13.5 Cubic meters per year
73	South Korea	13.3 Cubic meters per year
74	North Korea	13 Cubic meters per year
75	Poland	12.5 Cubic meters per year
76	Solomon Islands	11.92 Cubic meters per year
77	Bosnia and Herzegovina	11.57 Cubic meters per year
78	Chad	11.5 Cubic meters per year
79	Croatia	11 Cubic meters per year
80	Ireland	10.8 Cubic meters per year
81	Afghanistan	10.65 Cubic meters per year
82	Greece	10.3 Cubic meters per year
83	Equatorial Guinea	10 Cubic meters per year
84	Morocco	10 Cubic meters per year
85	United Kingdom	9.8 Cubic meters per year
86	Bhutan	9.5 Cubic meters per year
87	Burkina Faso	9.5 Cubic meters per year
88	Uzbekistan	8.8 Cubic meters per year
89	Romania	8.46 Cubic meters per year
90	Sri Lanka	7.8 Cubic meters per year
91	Belize	7.51 Cubic meters per year
92	Burundi	7.47 Cubic meters per year
93	Rwanda	7 Cubic meters per year
94	Azerbaijan	6.51 Cubic meters per year
95	Cuba	6.48 Cubic meters per year
96	Bulgaria	6.4 Cubic meters per year
97	Albania	6.2 Cubic meters per year
98	Syrian Arab Republic	6.174 Cubic meters per year
99	El Salvador	6.15 Cubic meters per year
100	Mongolia	6.1 Cubic meters per year
101	Austria	6 Cubic meters per year
102	Hungary	6 Cubic meters per year
103	Tajikistan	6 Cubic meters per year
104	Zimbabwe	6 Cubic meters per year
105	Togo	5.7 Cubic meters per year
106	Jamaica	5.472 Cubic meters per year
107	Fiji	5.273 Cubic meters per year
108	South Africa	4.8 Cubic meters per year
109	Latvia	4.7 Cubic meters per year
110	Netherlands	4.5 Cubic meters per year
111	Vanuatu	4.377 Cubic meters per year
112	Armenia	4.311 Cubic meters per year
113	Denmark	4.3 Cubic meters per year
114	Dominican Republic	4.161 Cubic meters per year
115	Estonia	4 Cubic meters per year
116	Portugal	4 Cubic meters per year
117	Kenya	3.5 Cubic meters per year
118	Senegal	3.5 Cubic meters per year
119	Somalia	3.3 Cubic meters per year
120	Iraq	3.28 Cubic meters per year
121	Lebanon	3.2 Cubic meters per year
122	Malawi	2.5 Cubic meters per year
123	Niger	2.5 Cubic meters per year
124	Switzerland	2.5 Cubic meters per year
125	Finland	2.2 Cubic meters per year
126	Saudi Arabia	2.2 Cubic meters per year
127	Haiti	2.157 Cubic meters per year
128	Namibia	2.1 Cubic meters per year
129	Benin	1.8 Cubic meters per year
130	Slovakia	1.73 Cubic meters per year
131	Botswana	1.7 Cubic meters per year
132	Tunisia	1.595 Cubic meters per year
133	Algeria	1.517 Cubic meters per year
134	Egypt	1.5 Cubic meters per year
135	Yemen	1.5 Cubic meters per year
136	Czech Republic	1.43 Cubic meters per year
137	Oman	1.3 Cubic meters per year
138	Republic of Moldova	1.3 Cubic meters per year
139	Israel	1.225 Cubic meters per year
140	Lithuania	1.1 Cubic meters per year
141	Comoros	1 Cubic meters per year
142	Belgium	0.9 Cubic meters per year
143	Mauritius	0.893 Cubic meters per year
144	Timor-Leste	0.886 Cubic meters per year
145	State of Palestine	0.75 Cubic meters per year
146	Eswatini	0.66 Cubic meters per year
147	Trinidad and Tobago	0.614 Cubic meters per year
148	Libya	0.6 Cubic meters per year
149	Jordan	0.54 Cubic meters per year
150	Eritrea	0.5 Cubic meters per year
151	Gambia	0.5 Cubic meters per year
152	Lesotho	0.5 Cubic meters per year
153	Cyprus	0.41 Cubic meters per year
154	Turkmenistan	0.405 Cubic meters per year
155	Mauritania	0.3 Cubic meters per year
156	Cabo Verde	0.124 Cubic meters per year
157	United Arab Emirates	0.12 Cubic meters per year
158	Bahrain	0.112 Cubic meters per year
159	Brunei Darussalam	0.1 Cubic meters per year
160	Luxembourg	0.08 Cubic meters per year
161	Barbados	0.074 Cubic meters per year
162	Qatar	0.058 Cubic meters per year
163	Malta	0.05 Cubic meters per year
164	Maldives	0.03 Cubic meters per year
165	Kuwait	0.02 Cubic meters per year
166	Saint Kitts and Nevis	0.02 Cubic meters per year
167	Djibouti	0.015 Cubic meters per year
168	Nauru	0.01 Cubic meters per year
169	Antigua and Barbuda	0 Cubic meters per year
170	Bahamas	0 Cubic meters per year
171	Cook Islands	0 Cubic meters per year
172	Dominica	0 Cubic meters per year
173	Faroe Islands	0 Cubic meters per year
174	Grenada	0 Cubic meters per year
175	Kiribati	0 Cubic meters per year
176	New Zealand	0 Cubic meters per year
177	Niue	0 Cubic meters per year
178	North Macedonia	0 Cubic meters per year
179	Saint Lucia	0 Cubic meters per year
180	Saint Vincent and the Grenadines	0 Cubic meters per year
181	Samoa	0 Cubic meters per year
182	Sao Tome and Principe	0 Cubic meters per year
183	Seychelles	0 Cubic meters per year
184	Singapore	0 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

The year 1993 marked an intriguing period in the analysis of global water resources, with a particular focus on the Total Renewable Groundwater Resources by Country. This metric, measured in cubic meters per year, represents the total volume of groundwater that is naturally replenished and available for use. Understanding this metric is crucial as it plays a significant role in environmental sustainability, economic development, and geopolitical strategies worldwide. In this analysis, we delve into the data patterns, geographic variations, and the broader implications of groundwater resources around the globe in 1993.

Global Water Resource Distribution

In 1993, the distribution of renewable groundwater resources was markedly uneven across countries. The United States led the chart with a staggering 1383 cubic meters per year, followed by China with 828.8 and Russia at 788. These countries possess vast land areas with diverse climates contributing to their substantial groundwater replenishment. In stark contrast, several countries, such as Kiribati, New Zealand, and Tonga, recorded zero renewable groundwater resources. This disparity highlights the influence of geographic and climatic factors on water availability, which can significantly impact national water security and resource management strategies.

Climatic and Environmental Influences

The renewable groundwater resources of a country are closely tied to its climatic conditions and environmental settings. Countries like Brazil and Indonesia, with their extensive tropical rainforests, benefit from high precipitation rates that contribute to groundwater recharge, boasting figures of 645.6 and 457.4 cubic meters per year, respectively. Conversely, nations such as North Macedonia and other small island states often experience arid conditions or limited land area, restricting their ability to naturally replenish groundwater. Understanding these environmental factors is crucial for developing sustainable practices and mitigating the impacts of climate change on water resources.

Geopolitical and Economic Implications

Groundwater resources are not only an environmental concern but also a critical element in geopolitical and economic contexts. Countries with abundant groundwater resources, like the United States and Canada, which has 370 cubic meters per year, often have a strategic advantage in agriculture and industry. These resources enable them to support large-scale agricultural production, enhance economic growth, and provide leverage in international negotiations related to water sharing. Conversely, nations with scarce groundwater supplies face challenges in sustaining agriculture and ensuring water security, often necessitating international cooperation and investment in water management technologies.

Sustainability and Policy Challenges

Ensuring the sustainability of groundwater resources requires comprehensive policy frameworks and international cooperation. In 1993, the relatively static year-over-year changes in groundwater resources across countries, with an average change of 0.0%, indicated a stable yet precarious balance. Countries with minimal resources need to prioritize water conservation strategies, invest in infrastructure, and engage in regional cooperation to secure future water needs. Effective management of these resources is essential for promoting sustainable development and addressing the global water crisis.

Future Prospects and Trends

Looking forward, the trends observed in 1993 provide valuable insights into the challenges and opportunities in managing renewable groundwater resources. As climate change continues to alter precipitation patterns and increase the frequency of extreme weather events, countries will need to adapt their water management strategies. Enhancing global collaboration, investing in new technologies for water conservation, and developing robust policies are crucial steps towards ensuring the equitable and sustainable use of groundwater resources. The data from 1993 serves as a benchmark, highlighting the urgency of proactive measures to secure water access for future generations.

The study of Total Renewable Groundwater Resources by Country in 1993 underscores the critical intersections between natural resources, environmental conditions, and human development. By understanding these dynamics, policymakers and stakeholders can better address the challenges of water scarcity and leverage groundwater resources for sustainable growth.

Insights by country

New Zealand

In 1993, New Zealand ranked 176th out of 188 countries in terms of total renewable groundwater resources, with a recorded value of 0 cubic meters per year. This ranking indicates that the country had minimal to no reliance on renewable groundwater resources for its water supply during that period.

The absence of renewable groundwater resources may be attributed to New Zealand's geographical and climatic conditions, which favor surface water sources such as rivers and lakes for freshwater supply. The country's diverse ecosystems and significant rainfall, especially on the West Coast of the South Island, contribute to ample surface water availability, reducing the dependence on groundwater.

Additionally, New Zealand has historically emphasized responsible water management practices, which may further diminish the need for extensive groundwater extraction. It is noteworthy that while New Zealand may have lacked groundwater resources in 1993, the country has made significant strides in water conservation and management in subsequent years.

Gabon

In 1993, Gabon ranked 31st out of 188 countries in terms of total renewable groundwater resources, with an estimated 62 cubic meters per year available per capita. This substantial amount of groundwater resources is significant for the nation's agricultural and drinking water needs, particularly in a region where rainfall patterns can vary considerably.

The availability of groundwater resources in Gabon can be attributed to its lush rainforest ecosystem and abundant rainfall, which contribute to the replenishment of aquifers. Additionally, Gabon has a relatively low population density, which allows for a more sustainable utilization of these resources compared to more densely populated countries.

Furthermore, Gabon is known for its rich biodiversity and significant forest cover, which play crucial roles in maintaining the hydrological cycle. This ecological framework not only supports groundwater recharge but also highlights the importance of environmental conservation in sustaining these vital resources for future generations.

Cabo Verde

Cabo Verde ranked 156 out of 188 countries in terms of total renewable groundwater resources in 1993. The country had a total renewable groundwater resource of just 0.124 cubic meters per year, highlighting its limited freshwater availability, which is a critical issue for its population and agricultural practices.

The low groundwater resource can be attributed to Cabo Verde's geographical characteristics, as it consists of a volcanic archipelago with a predominantly arid climate, resulting in limited rainfall and high evaporation rates. Additionally, the challenges associated with water management and infrastructure further exacerbate the scarcity of freshwater in the region.

As a related fact, it is noteworthy that Cabo Verde has made significant strides in water resource management over the years, implementing policies aimed at sustainable water use and development, especially considering its vulnerability to climate change and the resultant impacts on water availability.

Cook Islands

In 1993, the Cook Islands ranked 171st out of 188 countries in terms of total renewable groundwater resources, with a recorded value of 0 cubic meters per year. This statistic indicates that the islands do not possess significant renewable groundwater resources, which can pose challenges for water supply and agricultural activities.

The absence of renewable groundwater resources in the Cook Islands can be attributed to its geographical characteristics, primarily consisting of small coral atolls and volcanic islands that limit the availability of freshwater aquifers. The reliance on rainwater harvesting and desalination processes is critical for meeting the water needs of the population and agriculture.

Additionally, the Cook Islands' vulnerability to climate change and rising sea levels further impacts freshwater availability, as saline intrusion can contaminate limited groundwater sources. It is essential for the islands to implement sustainable water management practices to safeguard their freshwater resources.

Austria

In 1993, Austria ranked 101 out of 188 countries in terms of total renewable groundwater resources. The country had an estimated 6 cubic meters per year of renewable groundwater resources, a figure that reflects the nation’s geographical and hydrological characteristics.

This statistic can be attributed to Austria's abundant water resources, including its numerous rivers and lakes, as well as the presence of the Alps, which contribute to significant precipitation and groundwater recharge. However, the relatively low ranking suggests that while Austria has sufficient water resources for its needs, it may not have among the highest levels compared to other countries with extensive aquifer systems.

Additionally, Austria's commitment to environmental sustainability and water conservation practices has ensured the sustainable management of its water resources, which is crucial for maintaining the quality and availability of groundwater over time.

Botswana

Botswana ranks 131st out of 188 countries in terms of total renewable groundwater resources as of 1993. The nation possesses approximately 1.7 cubic meters of renewable groundwater resources per year, reflecting significant limitations in its freshwater supply.

This scarcity is largely influenced by Botswana's arid climate, characterized by low annual rainfall and high evaporation rates, which severely restrict the replenishment of groundwater aquifers. Additionally, the country is predominantly covered by the Kalahari Desert, further exacerbating the challenges related to water resource management.

Despite its groundwater limitations, Botswana has made strides in water conservation and management practices. The government has implemented various initiatives aimed at improving water accessibility and sustainability, highlighting the importance of effective resource management in arid environments.

Costa Rica

Costa Rica ranks 48th out of 188 countries in terms of total renewable groundwater resources as of 1993. The country boasts a significant amount of renewable groundwater resources, estimated at 37.31 cubic meters per year. This abundant freshwater resource is crucial for the nation's agricultural practices, drinking water supply, and overall ecosystem health.

The relatively high level of groundwater resources in Costa Rica can be attributed to its diverse geography, which includes mountains, valleys, and extensive rainforests that contribute to water recharge. Additionally, the country's commitment to environmental conservation and sustainable water management practices has helped maintain these resources over the years.

In the context of Central America, Costa Rica is recognized for its emphasis on environmental sustainability, which is reflected in its policies aimed at protecting water resources. The nation's efforts to balance development with ecological preservation have made it a model for other countries in the region.

Australia

In 1993, Australia ranked 27th out of 188 countries in terms of total renewable groundwater resources, with an estimated availability of 72 cubic meters per year. This statistic underscores the significance of groundwater as a critical resource for the country's agricultural and urban needs, particularly in regions susceptible to drought.

The relatively high ranking and volume of renewable groundwater resources can be attributed to Australia's diverse climate and geological formations, which support aquifer recharge. However, challenges such as over-extraction, pollution, and climate variability pose risks to the sustainability of these resources, necessitating effective management practices.

It is also noteworthy that Australia is one of the world's driest inhabited continents, which makes the management of groundwater essential for maintaining the ecosystems and supporting the livelihoods of its population. In addition, Australia has implemented various policies aimed at conservation and sustainable usage of water resources, reflecting the critical nature of this commodity in the face of growing demand.

Bhutan

In 1993, Bhutan ranked 86th out of 188 countries in terms of total renewable groundwater resources, with a reported value of 9.5 cubic meters per year. This figure reflects the country's limited but significant groundwater availability, which is crucial for its agricultural practices and rural water supply.

The relatively low groundwater resource figure can be attributed to Bhutan's unique geography, characterized by its mountainous terrain and a monsoon climate that influences surface water availability. The country's commitment to environmental conservation and sustainable management of its water resources also plays a role in the utilization and preservation of groundwater.

Moreover, Bhutan is recognized for its efforts in maintaining ecological balance, which includes protecting its watersheds. This commitment has implications not only for groundwater recharge but also for the overall health of its freshwater ecosystems. As a country that prioritizes Gross National Happiness, sustainable resource management remains a core principle of its development strategy.

France

In 1993, France ranked 21st out of 188 countries in terms of total renewable groundwater resources, with an estimated 120 cubic meters per year. This statistic reflects the country's significant reliance on groundwater as a sustainable water resource in various sectors, including agriculture, industry, and domestic use.

The availability of renewable groundwater in France can be attributed to its diverse geographical features, which include various aquifers and a temperate climate that supports water recharge. France's extensive network of rivers and lakes also contributes to its groundwater replenishment, ensuring a steady supply of this crucial resource.

Interestingly, France's groundwater resources are part of a broader European context where water management policies are increasingly emphasized. The European Union has been proactive in promoting sustainable water use and protecting groundwater from pollution, which plays a vital role in maintaining the quality and quantity of this resource.

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