Total Renewable Groundwater Resources by Country 1997

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	Burkina Faso	9.5 Cubic meters per year
87	Uzbekistan	8.8 Cubic meters per year
88	Romania	8.46 Cubic meters per year
89	Bhutan	8.1 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 1997, the dynamics of renewable groundwater resources globally were pivotal for understanding environmental sustainability and resource management. Total Renewable Groundwater Resources by Country is a metric that quantifies the volume of groundwater that is naturally replenished each year, providing a crucial insight into each nation's ability to sustainably manage its water resources. This measurement, expressed in cubic meters per year, reflects both internally generated and externally sourced groundwater, offering a comprehensive view of water availability. As such, it serves as a vital barometer for environmental health, economic stability, and social well-being worldwide.

Global Leaders in Groundwater Resources

In 1997, the United States led the world with a staggering 1,383 cubic meters per year of total renewable groundwater resources. This abundant supply was crucial for supporting its vast agricultural and industrial sectors. Following the United States, China and Russia recorded significant volumes at 828.8 and 788 cubic meters per year, respectively. These countries leveraged their extensive landmass and diverse climates to sustain their large populations and burgeoning economies. Brazil, with its rich Amazonian ecosystem, also ranked high with 645.6 cubic meters per year, underscoring the critical role of natural environments in replenishing groundwater.

Challenges of Resource Scarcity

On the opposite end of the spectrum, several countries faced acute scarcity of renewable groundwater resources. Kiribati, New Zealand, Tonga, and other Pacific islands recorded negligible or zero renewable groundwater resources. This scarcity highlighted the vulnerability of small island nations to water stress, often exacerbated by geographical isolation and limited natural freshwater sources. Their dependence on rainfall and external water supplies underscored the need for innovative water management strategies and international support to ensure water security.

Regional Disparities and Implications

Variability in renewable groundwater resources was starkly evident when examining regional patterns. Countries with lush, forested areas or significant river systems, such as Colombia and Indonesia, reported higher groundwater reserves, with values of 510 and 457.4 cubic meters per year, respectively. In contrast, arid regions or those with limited freshwater sources, like the Middle East and some parts of Africa, faced greater challenges. These disparities influenced not only the availability of fresh water for consumption but also dictated agricultural productivity, influencing food security and economic development.

Environmental Concerns and Sustainability

The data from 1997 brought to light significant environmental concerns regarding the sustainability of groundwater resources. Over-extraction in highly populated nations like India (432 cubic meters per year) raised concerns about the long-term viability of groundwater reserves. As urbanization and industrialization intensified, the pressure on these water resources increased, necessitating stricter regulatory frameworks and conservation strategies. Countries with ample resources, however, needed to maintain vigilance to prevent contamination and ensure equitable distribution across regions and sectors.

Policy Impact and Future Directions

In response to the challenges highlighted by groundwater resource data, governments and international bodies in 1997 were increasingly aware of the critical need for integrated water resource management. Policy measures such as improved agricultural practices, investments in water infrastructure, and transboundary water agreements were pivotal in addressing disparities. Moving forward, the focus on sustainable management of groundwater resources was expected to intensify, with innovative solutions such as rainwater harvesting and advanced irrigation technologies playing a key role in securing water for future generations.

The overview of Total Renewable Groundwater Resources by Country in 1997 not only highlighted the geographical and environmental factors affecting water availability but also underscored the importance of sustainable management practices. Understanding these patterns was essential for nations to navigate the complexities of water scarcity, address regional disparities, and contribute to global environmental stability.

Insights by country

Saudi Arabia

In 1997, Saudi Arabia ranked 126th out of 188 countries in terms of total renewable groundwater resources, with a reported value of 2.2 cubic meters per year. This low figure reflects the arid climate of the country, which is characterized by vast desert landscapes and limited rainfall, significantly affecting the availability of natural water resources.

The scarcity of renewable groundwater resources in Saudi Arabia can be attributed to several key factors, including its geographical location, rapid population growth, and increasing agricultural demands. The country has invested heavily in desalination technology and water management systems to mitigate the challenges posed by water scarcity.

Interestingly, Saudi Arabia's reliance on groundwater has led to concerns about sustainability, as excessive extraction has resulted in declining water tables and the depletion of aquifers. As of 1997, these challenges underscored the pressing need for effective water conservation strategies in a country where water is vital for both domestic use and economic activities.

Peru

In 1997, Peru ranked 11th out of 188 countries in terms of total renewable groundwater resources, boasting a significant volume of 303 cubic meters per year. This noteworthy position reflects the country's diverse hydrological resources, which are essential for agriculture, drinking water, and sustaining ecosystems.

The abundance of groundwater in Peru can be attributed to its varied geography, which includes the Andes mountains, coastal regions, and the Amazon rainforest. These distinct environments contribute to the replenishment of aquifers through precipitation and river systems, making groundwater a vital resource for both urban and rural populations.

Moreover, Peru's reliance on agriculture, particularly in the more arid regions, underscores the importance of groundwater for irrigation. As the country continues to develop, effective management and sustainable practices regarding these groundwater resources will be crucial to address challenges such as climate change, population growth, and water scarcity.

Slovakia

In 1997, Slovakia ranked 130th out of 188 countries regarding its total renewable groundwater resources, with a reported value of 1.73 cubic meters per year. This statistic reflects the availability of groundwater as a vital resource for agricultural, industrial, and domestic use in the country.

The relatively low volume of renewable groundwater resources can be attributed to several factors, including Slovakia's geographical features, climate conditions, and land use practices. The country is characterized by a mix of mountainous terrain and plains, which influences water retention and aquifer recharge rates.

Moreover, Slovakia's reliance on surface water sources, coupled with historical industrial activities, has impacted groundwater quality and availability. Interestingly, Slovakia is part of the Danube River Basin, which provides significant surface water resources, but the balance between surface and groundwater management remains a critical issue for sustainable development.

Maldives

In 1997, the Maldives ranked 164th out of 188 countries in terms of total renewable groundwater resources, with a notably low value of 0.03 cubic meters per year. This limited availability of groundwater is largely due to the country’s unique geographical features, consisting of 26 atolls and over 1,000 coral islands, which inherently restrict freshwater aquifer development.

The scarcity of renewable groundwater resources in the Maldives can be attributed to several factors, including the porous nature of the coral islands that allows rainfall to quickly percolate into the sea, as well as the impacts of climate change, such as rising sea levels and increased salinity of freshwater sources. These challenges make the management of water resources critical for the nation's sustainability and economic development.

Additionally, the Maldives relies heavily on rainfall and desalination for its freshwater supply, which can be inadequate during dry seasons. This situation underscores the importance of investing in sustainable water management practices to ensure long-term water security for its population and tourism-dependent economy.

Suriname

In 1997, Suriname ranked 25th out of 188 countries in terms of total renewable groundwater resources, with a significant availability of 90 cubic meters per year per capita. This substantial amount of groundwater resources reflects the country's rich natural environment, characterized by extensive rainforests and a tropical climate that contributes to substantial precipitation.

The availability of renewable groundwater is crucial for Suriname, as it supports agricultural activities, drinking water supply, and industrial processes. Factors contributing to this high ranking include the country's relatively low population density and the preservation of large areas of forest, which help maintain the hydrological cycle and groundwater recharge.

Additionally, Suriname's groundwater resources are vital in the context of its economic development, particularly in sustaining local communities and promoting sustainable practices. The country’s management of water resources is essential, especially as global climate change poses challenges to freshwater availability worldwide.

Mexico

In 1997, Mexico ranked 15th out of 188 countries in terms of total renewable groundwater resources, with an estimated availability of 150 cubic meters per year per capita. This statistic highlights the significant reliance on groundwater resources in Mexico, where agriculture and urban needs often compete for water supply.

The relatively high ranking can be attributed to Mexico's diverse hydrological environment, which includes various aquifers and river systems. However, challenges such as over-extraction, pollution, and climate variability pose serious threats to these resources, further exacerbating water scarcity in certain regions of the country.

Additionally, it is noteworthy that Mexico's dependence on groundwater is indicative of broader trends in Latin America, where many countries face similar water management issues. As of the late 1990s, Mexico was increasingly focusing on sustainable water management practices to ensure long-term availability and quality of its groundwater resources.

North Korea

In 1997, North Korea ranked 74th out of 188 countries in terms of total renewable groundwater resources, with an estimated 13 cubic meters per year available per capita. This statistic reflects the limited access to freshwater resources within the country, which is critical for both agricultural and domestic use.

The low level of groundwater resources can be attributed to several factors, including the country's rugged terrain, inadequate rainfall, and the impact of industrialization on natural water systems. Additionally, persistent economic challenges, particularly during the 1990s, have hindered effective water resource management and infrastructure development.

Interestingly, North Korea's agricultural policies have often prioritized rice cultivation, which is water-intensive, leading to further stress on its limited groundwater resources. As a result, the nation has faced ongoing food security challenges, exacerbated by the effects of climate change and natural disasters.

Uzbekistan

In 1997, Uzbekistan ranked 87th out of 188 countries in terms of total renewable groundwater resources, with an annual availability of 8.8 cubic meters per year per capita. This statistic underscores the country's reliance on groundwater, particularly in an arid region where surface water resources are limited.

The relatively low figure is influenced by several factors, including the country's geographical features, climate conditions, and agricultural practices. Uzbekistan's economy is heavily dependent on agriculture, which consumes a significant portion of its water resources, leading to increased pressure on groundwater supplies.

Additionally, the region faces challenges related to water management and infrastructure, which further complicates the sustainable use of groundwater resources. It is noteworthy that Uzbekistan's status as a landlocked country also affects its water availability, making effective management of existing resources crucial for its future development.

Samoa

In 1997, Samoa ranked 181 out of 188 countries regarding total renewable groundwater resources, with a reported value of 0 cubic meters per year. This statistic indicates that the island nation lacks significant renewable groundwater resources, which can pose challenges for water supply, agriculture, and overall sustainability.

The lack of groundwater resources in Samoa can be attributed to its geographical characteristics, including its volcanic soil and limited aquifer systems. Additionally, rainfall patterns and climate conditions significantly influence the availability of surface and groundwater resources.

Interestingly, the reliance on rainwater harvesting and surface water sources is crucial for Samoa, as these methods are essential for meeting the water needs of its population. The situation highlights the importance of sustainable water management practices, particularly in island nations where freshwater resources are limited.

Slovenia

In 1997, Slovenia ranked 72nd out of 188 countries in terms of total renewable groundwater resources, with a reported value of 13.5 cubic meters per year. This statistic reflects the country's relatively modest yet significant water resources, which are vital for both domestic use and agriculture.

The availability of renewable groundwater in Slovenia can be attributed to its geological composition and hydrological cycle, which includes abundant precipitation and a network of rivers and lakes. Moreover, Slovenia's commitment to sustainable water management practices plays a crucial role in maintaining groundwater quality and availability.

Additionally, Slovenia is known for its rich biodiversity and numerous natural springs, which contribute to its overall water resources. The country’s focus on environmental conservation and sustainable practices has helped preserve its valuable water resources, ensuring they remain available for future generations.

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