Total Renewable Groundwater Resources by Country 1995

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 measure of Total Renewable Groundwater Resources by Country in 1995 provides a critical lens through which we can examine the availability and sustainability of groundwater resources on a global scale. This metric, expressed in cubic meters per year, represents the combined volume of groundwater that is naturally replenished both from internal sources and external inputs. As the world becomes increasingly aware of environmental sustainability, understanding these figures is vital for managing water resources, planning policy, and anticipating future challenges.

Climate and Environmental Factors in 1995

The availability of renewable groundwater resources is closely intertwined with climatic and environmental conditions. In 1995, regions with abundant rainfall and favorable geographic features, such as the United States and Brazil, boasted significant renewable groundwater volumes, with values of 1,383 and 645.6 cubic meters per year, respectively. These numbers reflect the natural capacity of these areas to sustain high levels of groundwater recharge. Conversely, regions like Kiribati and the Cook Islands recorded minimal renewable resources, underscoring the influence of arid climates and limited watershed areas that restrict groundwater replenishment.

Geographic Distribution and Variation

The geographic variation in renewable groundwater resources is stark. In 1995, the top-ranking countries, including China with 828.8 cubic meters and Russia with 788 cubic meters per year, highlight the significant disparities in water availability. These countries benefit from large landmasses and diverse hydrological features that facilitate groundwater recharge. Meanwhile, island nations and countries with limited land area, such as Singapore and Tuvalu, reported no measurable renewable groundwater resources. This contrast emphasizes the need for tailored water management strategies that consider the unique geographic and climatic conditions of each region.

Policy Implications and Resource Management

The data from 1995 presents crucial insights for policymakers tasked with managing water resources sustainably. Countries like India and Indonesia, with renewable groundwater resources of 432 and 457.4 cubic meters per year, respectively, face the dual challenge of meeting high domestic water demand while ensuring sustainable resource use. Effective policies must focus on balancing groundwater extraction with natural replenishment rates. This balance is essential not only to meet current demands but also to safeguard these vital resources for future generations. International cooperation and policy frameworks, such as transboundary water agreements, could play a pivotal role in addressing these challenges.

Historical Context and Water Resource Trends

Examining the historical context of renewable groundwater resources in 1995 reveals a period characterized by limited changes compared to previous years. The average value of 57.35 cubic meters per year, with no significant year-over-year variations, underscores the stability of these resources from a global perspective. This stability, however, does not reflect the underlying pressures from population growth, industrialization, and climate change that began to amplify concerns about water scarcity and resource depletion. As such, the figures from 1995 serve as a benchmark for understanding subsequent trends in groundwater availability and the increasing urgency of sustainable water management practices.

Sustainability Trends and Future Outlook

As we reflect on the data from 1995, the notion of sustainability emerges as a central theme. The stark differences in renewable groundwater resources highlight the need for sustainable practices that enhance water security. Countries like Canada, with 370 cubic meters per year, and the Democratic Republic of the Congo, with 421 cubic meters, demonstrate potential for sustainable water management, but they must remain vigilant against over-extraction and pollution. As climate change exacerbates water scarcity issues, future outlooks suggest a growing necessity for innovative technologies and adaptive management strategies that can enhance groundwater recharge and reduce dependency on finite resources.

In conclusion, while the Total Renewable Groundwater Resources by Country in 1995 reveals a snapshot of global water availability, it also underscores the complexities of managing these critical resources in a changing world. The insights gained from this data are invaluable for shaping policies and practices that promote sustainable water use, ensuring that groundwater remains a viable resource for generations to come.

Insights by country

Yemen

In 1995, Yemen ranked 135th out of 188 countries in terms of total renewable groundwater resources, with a measured value of 1.5 cubic meters per year. This figure reflects the country's significant challenges regarding water scarcity, which is exacerbated by a combination of climatic conditions and growing population demands.

The limited availability of groundwater resources in Yemen can be attributed to several factors, including arid climate, over-extraction of aquifers, and inefficient water management practices. Additionally, the country's socio-political instability has hindered effective governance and infrastructure development, further complicating water resource management.

Yemen's water crisis is a critical issue, as it affects not only agricultural output but also public health and overall economic stability. In a broader context, approximately 80% of Yemen's population relies on groundwater for their daily needs, underscoring the importance of sustainable water resource management in addressing the country's developmental challenges.

Finland

In 1995, Finland ranked 125th out of 188 countries in terms of total renewable groundwater resources, with an estimated availability of 2.2 cubic meters per year. This relatively low ranking reflects the nation's unique hydrological characteristics and environmental management practices.

The modest volume of renewable groundwater resources in Finland can be attributed to its extensive surface water systems, including rivers and lakes, which dominate the hydrological landscape. The country is known for its high-quality freshwater resources, and the reliance on surface water sources may reduce the emphasis on groundwater extraction.

Finland's commitment to sustainable water management is also noteworthy; it has implemented regulations and initiatives to protect both groundwater and surface water resources from pollution and over-extraction. This focus on environmental preservation is complemented by the country's rich natural landscapes and a strong public awareness of ecological issues.

South Sudan

In 1995, South Sudan ranked 185th out of 188 countries in terms of total renewable groundwater resources, with a recorded value of null cubic meters per year. This statistic indicates a significant lack of accessible groundwater resources, which poses challenges for the nation’s water supply and agricultural activities.

The scarcity of renewable groundwater resources in South Sudan can be attributed to several factors, including the country's ongoing conflict, lack of infrastructure, and inadequate investment in water management systems. These issues have hindered the development and maintenance of reliable water sources, exacerbating humanitarian crises and food insecurity.

Additionally, South Sudan's geography and climate, characterized by seasonal flooding and dry periods, further complicate the management of both surface and groundwater resources. As a result, the country faces ongoing challenges in providing clean water and sustainable agricultural practices for its population.

Latvia

In 1995, Latvia ranked 109th out of 188 countries in terms of total renewable groundwater resources, with an estimated availability of 4.7 cubic meters per year. This statistic reflects the country's relatively modest groundwater resources compared to other nations, indicating potential limitations in water supply for agricultural, industrial, and domestic use.

The groundwater resource figures in Latvia can be attributed to its geographical and climatic conditions, including precipitation levels and the nature of its soil and geological formations. The country's landscape, characterized by numerous lakes and wetlands, also influences the recharge rates of groundwater aquifers.

Notably, Latvia's rank and water resource availability highlight the importance of sustainable water management practices, especially considering the potential impacts of climate change and human activities on water quality and quantity in the region.

Malawi

In 1995, Malawi ranked 122nd out of 188 countries regarding total renewable groundwater resources, with an estimated availability of 2.5 cubic meters per year. This relatively low figure reflects the country's geographical and climatic conditions, characterized by a mix of high population density and limited freshwater resources.

Factors contributing to Malawi's groundwater limitations include its significant reliance on agriculture, which places additional stress on water resources, as well as challenges related to infrastructure and water management practices. The country often experiences seasonal variations in rainfall, further complicating the replenishment of groundwater supplies.

Additionally, as one of the poorest nations in the world, Malawi faces ongoing challenges in improving water access and quality, which can impact sanitation and overall public health. This situation underscores the importance of sustainable water management strategies to enhance the resilience of Malawi's water resources in the face of climate change and population growth.

Equatorial Guinea

In 1995, Equatorial Guinea ranked 83rd out of 188 countries in terms of total renewable groundwater resources, with a reported value of 10 cubic meters per year. This statistic indicates a limited availability of groundwater resources, which is crucial for the country's agricultural and domestic needs.

The relatively low volume of renewable groundwater can be attributed to several factors, including the country's tropical climate, limited infrastructure for water resource management, and geographical variations in rainfall distribution. Additionally, the economic focus on oil production has often overshadowed investment in sustainable water resource development.

Notably, Equatorial Guinea's reliance on groundwater underscores the importance of effective water management practices. As of 1995, the country faced challenges in ensuring sufficient water supply for its population, which necessitates ongoing attention to water conservation and infrastructure improvements.

Madagascar

In 1995, Madagascar was ranked 35th out of 188 countries in terms of total renewable groundwater resources, possessing 55 cubic meters per year per capita. This statistic highlights the country's relatively significant groundwater availability, which is crucial for agricultural activities and domestic water supply in a nation where surface water resources can be limited and unevenly distributed.

The considerable groundwater resources in Madagascar are influenced by its diverse geology and climate, which support aquifer recharge. However, challenges such as deforestation, climate change, and population growth can threaten the sustainability of these resources. Effective management and conservation practices are essential to ensure that groundwater remains a viable resource for future generations.

Additionally, Madagascar's reliance on groundwater is underscored by the fact that agriculture accounts for a significant portion of its economy, with over 70% of the population engaged in farming. Enhanced groundwater management could support agricultural productivity and food security in this island nation.

Dominica

In 1995, Dominica ranked 172 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 island nation relies heavily on other sources for its water supply, as its groundwater resources are not renewable or are not utilized effectively.

The lack of renewable groundwater resources in Dominica can be attributed to its geographical and geological characteristics. The island is predominantly mountainous with a volcanic landscape, which may limit the availability of aquifers that can sustain significant groundwater reserves. Additionally, the high levels of rainfall typical of the region might lead to surface water sources being more accessible.

It is noteworthy that Dominica is often recognized for its abundant freshwater resources overall, which are primarily sourced from rainfall and rivers rather than groundwater. The country boasts a rich biodiversity and a variety of ecosystems, which depend on these surface water supplies.

Bulgaria

Bulgaria ranked 96th out of 188 countries in terms of total renewable groundwater resources in the year 1995. The country had an estimated 6.4 cubic meters of renewable groundwater resources per year, reflecting its hydrological conditions and regional climate.

This statistic indicates that Bulgaria, while not among the nations with the most abundant groundwater resources, possesses a moderate level of renewable groundwater that can support agricultural and domestic needs. Factors influencing this figure include Bulgaria's geographical location in southeastern Europe, its varied topography, and climate, which impact water availability and distribution.

Interestingly, Bulgaria's groundwater resources are critical for irrigation, particularly in the agricultural sector, which is a significant part of the national economy. The management and sustainability of these resources are essential for maintaining water quality and availability, especially in the context of increasing climatic variability and potential over-extraction.

Nepal

Nepal ranks 64th out of 188 countries in terms of total renewable groundwater resources as of 1995. The country possesses a significant total of 20 cubic meters per year of groundwater resources, reflecting its diverse geography and hydrological systems.

This statistic can be attributed to Nepal's varied topography, which includes the Himalayan mountains and numerous rivers, contributing to substantial groundwater recharge. Additionally, the monsoon season plays a crucial role in replenishing these resources, although variability in rainfall patterns may affect long-term sustainability.

Groundwater in Nepal is essential for agricultural practices, particularly in rural areas where irrigation is vital for crop production. As of 1995, the reliance on groundwater resources highlighted the need for effective management and conservation strategies to ensure that this critical resource remains available for future generations.

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