Total Renewable Groundwater Resources by Country 1998

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 1998, the assessment of Total Renewable Groundwater Resources by Country offered enlightening insights into the distribution and availability of one of the planet's most vital resources. Groundwater, naturally replenished through climatic and geological processes, plays a crucial role in agriculture, industry, and daily water consumption, making it essential to understand its distribution across the globe. This metric measures the total volume of groundwater that is both internally generated and externally sourced, highlighting a country's potential to sustain its water needs.

Global Overview of Groundwater Resources in 1998

In 1998, data from 186 countries revealed a diverse spectrum of groundwater availability. The United States led the rankings with a staggering 1,383 cubic meters per year, underscoring its vast freshwater reserves. China followed with 828.8 cubic meters, reflecting its significant water demand driven by a large population and industrial activities. Other notable countries included Russia and Brazil, with 788 and 645.6 cubic meters respectively, both benefiting from large land areas and substantial rainfall patterns.

Conversely, several island nations such as Kiribati, Tonga, and Tuvalu reported zero renewable groundwater resources, highlighting their reliance on alternative freshwater sources like rainfall and desalination. These stark contrasts underscore the challenges and dependencies on natural water cycles and highlight the need for sustainable water management practices globally.

Environmental Implications and Climate Connections

The patterns of renewable groundwater resources are deeply intertwined with environmental factors, primarily climate and geology. Countries like Indonesia and Colombia, with 457.4 and 510 cubic meters respectively, benefit from tropical climates that ensure consistent rainfall, contributing to their abundant groundwater supplies. In contrast, arid and semi-arid regions often report lower levels of groundwater renewability, necessitating innovative water management strategies to meet the needs of growing populations and agricultural demands.

Moreover, the data highlights the impact of climate variability and change. Regions with significant annual rainfall variability face challenges in maintaining stable groundwater levels, making them more vulnerable to droughts and water scarcity. This underscores the importance of integrating climate resilience into water resource planning and infrastructure development.

Regional Disparities and Development Challenges

The distribution of renewable groundwater resources also reveals significant regional disparities. For instance, while North America boasts substantial groundwater reserves, many African and Middle Eastern countries face critical shortages, impacting their socio-economic development. The Democratic Republic of the Congo emerges as a notable exception in Africa, with 421 cubic meters, thanks to its expansive rainforest and river systems.

These disparities often correlate with economic challenges, where countries with limited groundwater resources struggle to support agricultural growth and industrialization. This further affects food security and economic stability, creating a cycle of dependency on external aid and water imports, which can be financially burdensome and unsustainable in the long term.

Policy Implications and Sustainable Management

The year 1998 serves as a crucial reference point for evaluating the effectiveness of water resource management policies. Countries with abundant groundwater like Canada (370 cubic meters) have the opportunity to implement sustainable extraction practices, ensuring that future generations continue to benefit from these resources. Meanwhile, nations with limited groundwater must prioritize policies that promote water conservation, innovation in desalination technologies, and the development of alternative water sources.

International cooperation and agreements play a pivotal role in managing transboundary water resources. Shared aquifers and river basins require collaborative efforts to prevent over-extraction and pollution, ensuring the equitable distribution of water resources. This is particularly pertinent in regions where geopolitical tensions could exacerbate water scarcity issues.

Future Outlook and Global Water Security

As we look beyond 1998, the emphasis on total renewable groundwater resources remains a cornerstone of global water security. The data from this year serves as a baseline for tracking changes and trends in groundwater availability. With increasing global populations and climate change pressures, countries must adopt adaptive management strategies to tackle future challenges.

Investing in technology, enhancing water infrastructure, and fostering international collaboration are essential steps towards achieving sustainable water management. By addressing these challenges head-on, nations can secure their groundwater resources, ensuring resilience against environmental shifts and supporting sustainable development goals.

Insights by country

Ethiopia

Ethiopia ranked 62nd out of 188 countries in terms of total renewable groundwater resources in 1998. The country has an estimated 20 cubic meters per year of renewable groundwater resources available per capita, which is a critical resource for its agricultural and domestic needs.

This statistic reflects Ethiopia's reliance on groundwater, especially in rural areas where surface water may be scarce. The availability of groundwater is essential for irrigation and drinking water, particularly in a country characterized by its diverse climatic zones and varying water availability.

Factors contributing to Ethiopia's groundwater resources include its geographical features, such as highland areas that facilitate aquifer recharge, and the need to develop sustainable water management strategies to combat drought and support food security. The significance of groundwater is underscored by the fact that a substantial portion of the Ethiopian population depends on it for their livelihoods.

Seychelles

Seychelles ranks 183rd out of 188 countries in terms of total renewable groundwater resources, with a reported value of 0 cubic meters per year in 1998. This statistic indicates that the nation does not possess significant groundwater resources, which is particularly noteworthy given the country's reliance on other water sources for its population and agricultural needs.

The lack of renewable groundwater resources in Seychelles can be attributed to its geographical characteristics, as the archipelago consists of numerous small islands with limited land area. Additionally, the topography and soil types may not facilitate significant groundwater recharge, further constraining the availability of freshwater resources.

In the context of water resources, Seychelles has historically relied on rainwater harvesting and desalination to meet its freshwater demands. This reliance on alternative water sources highlights the importance of sustainable water management practices in ensuring the availability of water for both residents and the tourism sector, which is vital to the country's economy.

Egypt

In 1998, Egypt ranked 134th out of 188 countries in terms of total renewable groundwater resources, with a reported value of 1.5 cubic meters per year. This figure reflects the limited availability of natural freshwater resources in a country predominantly characterized by arid desert conditions and the reliance on the Nile River for irrigation and drinking water.

The low volume of renewable groundwater is influenced by several factors, including the country's geographical features, climate, and increasing water demand due to population growth and agricultural needs. The government has implemented various strategies to manage and conserve water resources, but challenges remain due to the ongoing pressures from urbanization and climate change.

Further underscoring the importance of groundwater in Egypt, the country has historically relied on this resource for agriculture, particularly in regions distant from the Nile. As of 1998, the scarcity of groundwater further highlighted the necessity for sustainable water management practices to ensure long-term water security and food sovereignty.

Iceland

Iceland ranks 57th out of 188 countries in terms of total renewable groundwater resources, with a recorded value of 24 cubic meters per year in 1998. This positioning reflects the country's unique hydrological features, as it is situated on a volcanic island with abundant natural geothermal and freshwater sources.

The relatively low figure of renewable groundwater resources compared to other nations can be attributed to Iceland's geographical characteristics, including its rugged terrain and significant glacial coverage, which influences the recharge rates of groundwater aquifers. Additionally, the extensive use of geothermal energy and the reliance on surface water for drinking and irrigation purposes further impact the groundwater statistics.

Interestingly, Iceland boasts some of the world's cleanest and most sustainable water resources, with a strong emphasis on environmental conservation. This commitment is evident in the country's management practices, which prioritize the protection of its unique ecosystems and ensure the sustainability of its water supplies.

Kuwait

Kuwait ranks 165th out of 188 countries in terms of total renewable groundwater resources as of 1998, with a reported value of 0.02 cubic meters per year. This extremely low figure reflects the country's arid climate and limited natural freshwater resources, which have been a significant challenge for its development and sustainability.

The scarcity of renewable groundwater is primarily due to Kuwait's geographical and climatic conditions, characterized by a desert environment with minimal rainfall. Additionally, the heavy reliance on desalination technology to meet water demands underscores the inadequacy of natural freshwater sources, as the country has invested substantially in infrastructure to convert seawater into potable water.

Interestingly, despite its limited groundwater resources, Kuwait has one of the highest per capita water consumption rates in the world, highlighting the disparity between renewable supply and demand. This situation drives ongoing efforts for water conservation and the exploration of alternative water sources to ensure sustainability for future generations.

Cook Islands

The Cook Islands ranks 171 out of 188 countries in terms of total renewable groundwater resources, with a reported value of 0 cubic meters per year in 1998. This statistic reflects the unique geographical and climatic conditions of the islands, which are predominantly composed of coral atolls with limited freshwater aquifers.

The absence of significant renewable groundwater resources can be attributed to the porous nature of the atoll formations, leading to rapid infiltration and minimal retention of freshwater. Additionally, the small land area and population of the Cook Islands contribute to the limited demand for groundwater, as the islands rely heavily on rainwater harvesting and desalination for their water supply.

Interestingly, the Cook Islands exemplifies a broader trend among small island nations, where freshwater resources are often constrained due to their geographic characteristics. This situation highlights the importance of sustainable water management practices and the need for alternative water sources in response to climate variability and increasing population pressures.

Bahrain

Bahrain ranks 158th out of 188 countries in terms of total renewable groundwater resources as of 1998. The country possesses a mere 0.112 cubic meters of renewable groundwater resources per year, highlighting its severe water scarcity issues.

This limited availability of groundwater resources can be attributed to Bahrain's arid climate, characterized by low rainfall and high evaporation rates, as well as increased demand due to rapid urbanization and population growth. Historically, the reliance on desalination processes has been a critical response to address the water shortages faced by the nation.

Additionally, as a small island nation with limited natural freshwater sources, Bahrain's water management strategies have become increasingly important in ensuring sustainable usage and conservation of its scant water resources.

Guinea-Bissau

In 1998, Guinea-Bissau ranked 70th out of 188 countries in terms of total renewable groundwater resources, with a recorded value of 14 cubic meters per year. This statistic reflects the country's reliance on its groundwater resources for agricultural, domestic, and industrial uses, particularly in a region where surface water may be limited due to seasonal variations.

The low level of 14 cubic meters per year can be attributed to several factors, including the country's tropical climate, which results in significant evaporation and limited recharge of aquifers, as well as the impact of deforestation and land use changes that affect hydrological cycles. Additionally, the infrastructure for water management may be underdeveloped, leading to challenges in the sustainable use of available groundwater resources.

Interestingly, the reliance on groundwater highlights the broader challenges of water resource management in West Africa, where many countries face similar issues related to water scarcity and the impacts of climate change. Efficient management and conservation efforts are crucial for ensuring water availability in the future.

Kenya

In 1998, Kenya ranked 117th out of 188 countries in terms of total renewable groundwater resources, with an estimated availability of 3.5 cubic meters per year. This statistic highlights the significant reliance on groundwater resources in a country where surface water is limited and often contaminated.

The relatively low availability of renewable groundwater can be attributed to several factors, including climatic variability, which affects rainfall patterns, and increased demand from a growing population and agricultural sector. Additionally, issues such as over-extraction and inadequate water management practices have further strained these vital resources.

It is noteworthy that Kenya's groundwater resources are crucial for both domestic and agricultural uses, serving as a primary source of water for rural communities. As of 1998, the country faced challenges in water distribution and conservation, necessitating the implementation of improved management strategies to ensure sustainable use of its groundwater resources.

Latvia

In 1998, Latvia ranked 109th out of 188 countries in terms of total renewable groundwater resources, with an estimated 4.7 cubic meters per year available per capita. This statistic reflects the country's relatively limited groundwater supply compared to many other nations, which can impact agricultural practices, drinking water availability, and overall water management strategies.

The modest amount of renewable groundwater resources in Latvia can be attributed to its geographical and climatic conditions, including its temperate maritime climate and the predominance of surface water bodies. Additionally, the management of water resources and the protection of aquifers from pollution have been critical issues, particularly as urban development and industrial activities pose risks to water quality.

Interestingly, Latvia's water resources are complemented by extensive surface water systems, including rivers and lakes, which are also vital for the country's ecosystems and economy. The balance between groundwater and surface water management is essential for sustainable development in the region, especially as climate change continues to influence water availability and patterns.

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