Total Renewable Groundwater Resources by Country 1994

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

In 1994, the metric for "Total Renewable Groundwater Resources by Country" offered a critical lens into the global distribution and availability of naturally replenished groundwater. This statistic, measured in cubic meters per year, reflects both internally generated and externally sourced water supplies. Groundwater resources are essential not only for sustaining ecosystems but also for meeting human needs in agriculture, industry, and daily life. Understanding their distribution is key to addressing environmental challenges and ensuring water security worldwide.

Global Water Distribution in 1994

In 1994, data showed vast discrepancies in renewable groundwater resources across 186 countries. The United States led with a staggering 1,383 cubic meters per year, followed by China at 828.8 cubic meters, and Russia at 788 cubic meters. These countries benefit from large land areas with diverse climatic zones that contribute to substantial groundwater recharge. In contrast, smaller island nations like Kiribati, New Zealand, and Tonga reported no renewable groundwater resources, highlighting their dependence on alternative water sources such as rainwater harvesting and desalination.

Geographic and Climatic Influences on Groundwater Resources

The geographical distribution of renewable groundwater resources in 1994 underscores the significant role of geographic and climatic factors. Regions with high precipitation levels, such as the Amazon Basin in Brazil, reported large volumes of renewable groundwater (645.6 cubic meters), supporting lush rainforests and diverse ecosystems. Similarly, Indonesia, with its tropical rainforest climate and extensive river systems, had 457.4 cubic meters available. Conversely, arid and semi-arid regions faced challenges due to lower recharge rates, emphasizing the need for efficient water management strategies in these areas.

Policy and Management Implications

The 1994 data on renewable groundwater resources illustrate the critical importance of policy interventions and sustainable management practices. Countries with abundant water supplies, like Canada (370 cubic meters) and the Democratic Republic of the Congo (421 cubic meters), need to implement policies that prevent over-extraction and contamination. Meanwhile, nations with limited resources must prioritize investments in technology and infrastructure to optimize water use and develop alternative sources. International cooperation and data sharing are also crucial to improving water resource management globally.

Regional Comparisons and Insights

Analyzing regional patterns reveals stark contrasts. For instance, the Americas display a wide range, from the United States' abundance to the limitations faced by small island nations in the Caribbean. Similarly, Asia's diversity is evident with China and India (432 cubic meters) showing substantial resources, whereas smaller nations struggle with scarcity. Africa also showcases variability, with countries like the Democratic Republic of Congo possessing rich water resources, in contrast to more arid countries in the Northern region. These disparities necessitate tailored regional strategies that address unique challenges and leverage local strengths.

Sustainability and Future Trends

As we look beyond 1994, the sustainability of renewable groundwater resources remains a paramount concern. Climate change poses new threats, potentially altering precipitation patterns and affecting recharge rates. Countries must adapt by enhancing their monitoring systems and developing resilient water management frameworks. Investments in technology, such as advanced irrigation systems and water recycling, will be critical in ensuring groundwater resources can meet future demands. The 1994 statistics serve as a baseline for assessing progress and guiding sustainable development initiatives in water resource management.

Overall, the 1994 data on total renewable groundwater resources by country reveal a complex global tapestry of abundance and scarcity. These insights highlight the need for strategic planning and international collaboration to ensure equitable access to water resources, which is vital for the health and prosperity of nations worldwide.

Insights by country

Saint Vincent and the Grenadines

In 1994, Saint Vincent and the Grenadines ranked 180 out of 188 countries regarding total renewable groundwater resources, with a reported value of 0 cubic meters per year. This statistic indicates a significant scarcity of renewable groundwater resources in the nation, which is primarily due to its geographical and climatic characteristics.

The limited freshwater resources of Saint Vincent and the Grenadines can be attributed to its small land area, steep terrain, and reliance on rainfall for water supply. The country experiences a tropical climate, leading to seasonal variations in water availability, which can exacerbate water scarcity during dry periods.

Interestingly, despite the lack of renewable groundwater resources, the country has made strides in managing its water supply through rainwater harvesting and surface water management to support its population and agriculture. This situation underscores the importance of sustainable water management practices in small island nations facing similar challenges.

Thailand

In 1994, Thailand ranked 42nd out of 188 countries in terms of total renewable groundwater resources, with a reported availability of 41.9 cubic meters per year. This statistic reflects the country's significant reliance on groundwater as a critical resource for agricultural irrigation, domestic use, and industrial processes.

Several factors contribute to Thailand's groundwater resource levels, including its geographical and climatic conditions, which facilitate the replenishment of aquifers. Additionally, the country's extensive agricultural sector drives the demand for groundwater, highlighting the importance of sustainable management practices to prevent over-extraction and degradation of these resources.

Interestingly, the reliance on groundwater in Thailand is indicative of broader trends in Southeast Asia, where many countries face similar challenges in balancing water supply with agricultural and economic needs. As of the 1990s, the region was increasingly aware of the need for integrated water resource management to ensure long-term sustainability.

United Arab Emirates

In 1994, the United Arab Emirates (UAE) ranked 157th out of 188 countries in terms of total renewable groundwater resources, with a remarkably low figure of 0.12 cubic meters per year. This statistic highlights the country's critical water scarcity challenges, primarily due to its arid climate and limited natural freshwater resources.

The low availability of renewable groundwater resources can be attributed to several factors, including the UAE's geographical location in a desert region, rapid urbanization, and increased agricultural demands. Additionally, the country's reliance on desalination for most of its water supply exacerbates the challenge of sustainable groundwater management.

During the same period, the UAE was investing heavily in infrastructure and technology to enhance water scarcity solutions, which included the development of advanced irrigation techniques and the exploration of alternative water sources. This situation reflects broader trends in the Middle East, where countries face similar challenges related to water resource management.

Sweden

In 1994, Sweden ranked 65th out of 188 countries in terms of total renewable groundwater resources, with a reported value of 20 cubic meters per year. This statistic reflects the country's reliance on its groundwater resources for various sectors, including agriculture, industry, and domestic use.

The relatively modest figure can be attributed to Sweden's extensive network of lakes and rivers, which serve as primary sources of freshwater, potentially reducing reliance on groundwater compared to other nations. Additionally, Sweden's geographical and climatic conditions contribute to the natural replenishment of these resources through precipitation and efficient water management practices.

Interestingly, Sweden is known for its strong environmental policies and commitment to sustainable resource management, which has fostered a culture of conservation and efficient use of water resources. This focus has positioned Sweden favorably in global discussions regarding water sustainability and climate resilience.

Fiji

In 1994, Fiji ranked 107th out of 188 countries in terms of total renewable groundwater resources, with a recorded value of 5.273 cubic meters per year. This statistic reflects the island nation's dependence on its freshwater resources, which are crucial for agriculture, drinking water, and overall sustainability.

The relatively modest amount of renewable groundwater resources can be attributed to several factors, including Fiji's geographic characteristics, climate, and rainfall patterns. The country experiences a tropical climate with significant rainfall, yet the distribution and permeability of its geological formations affect groundwater recharge rates.

Moreover, the conservation and management of these resources are essential for maintaining water quality and availability, especially given the pressures from urbanization and tourism. It is noteworthy that Fiji, being an island nation, is particularly vulnerable to the impacts of climate change, which could further influence its freshwater resources in the future.

Sierra Leone

In 1994, Sierra Leone ranked 56th out of 188 countries in terms of total renewable groundwater resources, with a reported value of 25 cubic meters per year. This statistic highlights the country's reliance on groundwater as a critical resource for both agricultural and domestic needs.

The relatively moderate amount of renewable groundwater resources in Sierra Leone can be attributed to its geographical features and climatic conditions, which include a tropical climate that influences rainfall patterns and water table levels. Additionally, the civil conflict during the 1990s may have impacted infrastructure development and management of water resources, further affecting groundwater replenishment.

Interestingly, Sierra Leone's groundwater resources are vital for supporting its predominantly agrarian economy, especially in regions where surface water is scarce. As of the early 1990s, the country faced challenges in water management and sanitation, which were exacerbated by conflict, highlighting the importance of sustainable groundwater use for future resilience.

Dominica

In 1994, Dominica 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 country does not have significant groundwater resources available for sustainable extraction or use.

The absence of renewable groundwater resources in Dominica can be attributed to its unique topography and environmental conditions. The island is characterized by a rugged terrain with steep slopes, which may lead to rapid runoff of precipitation rather than allowing it to percolate into the ground and replenish aquifers.

Additionally, Dominica's climate is tropical, with ample rainfall, which may mitigate the reliance on groundwater resources. However, this situation also highlights the importance of rainwater harvesting and the management of surface water to meet the needs of the population and agriculture. As a Caribbean nation, Dominica is also vulnerable to climate change, which could impact its water resources in the future.

Côte d'Ivoire

Côte d'Ivoire ranks 47th out of 188 countries in terms of total renewable groundwater resources, with a reported value of 37.84 cubic meters per year in 1994. This statistic highlights the country's significant groundwater availability, which is critical for agriculture, drinking water supply, and industrial processes.

The relatively high level of renewable groundwater resources can be attributed to Côte d'Ivoire's geographical and climatic conditions, including its tropical climate, which supports the replenishment of aquifers through rainfall. Additionally, the country has a diverse range of ecosystems that contribute to the natural water cycle.

In the context of West Africa, Côte d'Ivoire's groundwater resources are essential for sustaining its largely agrarian economy, particularly in the production of cash crops such as cocoa and coffee. The management and conservation of these water resources remain vital, especially in light of potential challenges posed by climate change, population growth, and urbanization.

Maldives

The Maldives ranks 164th out of 188 countries in terms of total renewable groundwater resources, with a mere 0.03 cubic meters per year available per capita. This statistic highlights the country's significant challenges regarding freshwater resources, which are critical for sustaining its population and tourism-driven economy.

The limited groundwater availability in the Maldives is primarily due to its geographical composition as an archipelago consisting of low-lying coral islands. The porous nature of coral limestone does not retain significant amounts of freshwater, resulting in vulnerability to salinization, particularly during periods of drought or increased sea level rise.

Furthermore, the Maldives faces ongoing environmental challenges such as climate change, which exacerbates the issues of freshwater scarcity. The country relies heavily on desalination processes and rainwater harvesting to meet its water needs, illustrating the critical importance of sustainable management of existing resources in this delicate ecosystem.

Central African Republic

The Central African Republic ranks 34th out of 188 countries in terms of total renewable groundwater resources as of 1994. The nation possesses approximately 56 cubic meters per year of renewable groundwater resources per capita, highlighting its significant water resource potential.

This relatively high ranking can be attributed to the country's abundant natural water resources, which include numerous rivers and aquifers. However, the effective utilization of these resources is hindered by challenges such as inadequate infrastructure, political instability, and economic difficulties that limit access to clean water for the population.

In addition to groundwater, the Central African Republic's overall water resources include surface water from major rivers, which are critical for agriculture and domestic use. Nevertheless, issues such as deforestation and climate variability pose threats to these water resources, potentially impacting future availability and sustainability.

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