Total Renewable Groundwater Resources by Country 1999

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 1999, the distribution of total renewable groundwater resources by country offered a fascinating glimpse into the hydrological wealth of nations and their capacity for sustaining water needs. This critical environmental metric measures the naturally replenished and available groundwater resources within each country, reflecting both internal regeneration and external contributions. Groundwater is essential for agriculture, industry, and domestic use, making its sustainable management a global priority.

The Global Significance of Groundwater Resources

The year 1999 highlighted the vast differences in renewable groundwater resources among countries, underscoring the importance of groundwater in ensuring water security. With data from 186 countries, the United States emerged as the global leader, boasting 1,383 cubic meters per year. This significant volume underscores the country's strong hydrological infrastructure and natural endowments. In stark contrast, many smaller island nations, including Kiribati and New Zealand, reported no renewable groundwater resources, pointing to their reliance on alternative water supply methods or importation.

Leading Nations in Groundwater Resources

The top ten countries in 1999, including China (828.8 cubic meters), Russia (788 cubic meters), and Brazil (645.6 cubic meters), illustrate a pattern where larger land masses tend to have more abundant groundwater resources. These nations benefit from diverse climates and extensive river networks that contribute to their groundwater replenishment. Colombia and Indonesia, with 510 and 457.4 cubic meters respectively, further highlight the prevalence of rich groundwater resources in tropical regions, where high rainfall contributes to their water wealth.

Nations with Minimal Groundwater Reserves

Conversely, several countries reported minimal to zero renewable groundwater resources. These nations, such as Seychelles, Singapore, and Tonga, often face geographical or climatic limitations that restrict natural recharge. This lack of groundwater underscores the critical need for sustainable water management practices, including rainwater harvesting and desalination technologies, to meet their water requirements.

Regional Implications and Resource Management

Regional disparities in groundwater resources have significant implications for economic development and environmental sustainability. For instance, Africa's Democratic Republic of the Congo, with 421 cubic meters, stands out as a beacon of potential water abundance amidst a continent often plagued by water scarcity. Meanwhile, Canada's 370 cubic meters per year reflect its position as a resource-rich nation with a strong emphasis on natural resource stewardship. These variations necessitate tailored management strategies to address local challenges and optimize groundwater use.

Policy and Sustainability Considerations

The 1999 data reveal the urgent need for policies that promote sustainable groundwater management globally. Countries with abundant resources, like India with 432 cubic meters, must implement measures to prevent over-extraction and ensure long-term availability. At the same time, nations with limited resources should prioritize investments in technology and infrastructure to enhance water efficiency and resilience. International cooperation and sharing of best practices are crucial for addressing transboundary water issues and fostering sustainable development.

In conclusion, the total renewable groundwater resources by country in 1999 provide vital insights into the global landscape of water availability. The data highlight significant geographical disparities and underscore the importance of strategic resource management to ensure a sustainable future. As climate change and population growth exert increasing pressure on water resources, understanding and optimizing groundwater use remains a key challenge for nations worldwide.

Insights by country

Burkina Faso

In 1999, Burkina Faso ranked 86th out of 188 countries in terms of total renewable groundwater resources. The country had an estimated total of 9.5 cubic meters per year of renewable groundwater resources available per capita. This statistic highlights the significant reliance on groundwater for agricultural and domestic use in a nation that experiences variable rainfall and frequent drought conditions.

The relatively low volume of renewable groundwater resources can be attributed to several factors, including the country's geographical characteristics, climatic conditions, and increasing population pressures. As Burkina Faso is predominantly located in a semi-arid zone, water scarcity is a persistent challenge, necessitating effective management and conservation strategies for its water resources.

Additionally, it is noteworthy that Burkina Faso's groundwater resources are crucial for sustaining livelihoods in rural communities, where agriculture is a primary economic activity. The reliance on groundwater underscores the importance of integrated water resource management to address the challenges posed by climate variability and to support sustainable development in the region.

Croatia

Croatia ranked 79th out of 188 countries in terms of total renewable groundwater resources in the year 1999. The country had a total renewable groundwater resource of 11 cubic meters per year, highlighting its relatively modest water resource availability compared to other nations.

This statistic reflects Croatia's geographical and climatic conditions, where the presence of karst landscapes influences groundwater recharge and availability. Factors such as precipitation patterns, land use, and population density can significantly affect groundwater resources, and Croatia's diverse topography contributes to variations in water accessibility across regions.

Additionally, Croatia's ranking underscores the importance of sustainable water management practices, especially in light of its tourism industry, which relies heavily on water resources. As a nation with a rich natural heritage, preserving its groundwater supplies is crucial for both ecological health and economic stability.

Czech Republic

In the year 1999, the Czech Republic ranked 136th out of 188 countries in terms of total renewable groundwater resources. The country reported a total renewable groundwater resource of 1.43 cubic meters per year, indicating a relatively low availability of freshwater resources compared to other nations.

This statistic reflects the country's geological and hydrological characteristics, including the presence of aquifers and surface water sources. Factors such as urbanization, industrial activities, and agricultural practices may have influenced groundwater recharge rates and availability.

Interestingly, the Czech Republic has made significant strides in water management and environmental protection since the late 1990s, focusing on sustainable practices to enhance water quality and availability. As a member of the European Union, the country continues to implement policies aimed at conserving its water resources and addressing challenges related to climate change and population growth.

Sierra Leone

Sierra Leone ranks 56th out of 188 countries in terms of total renewable groundwater resources as of 1999, with an estimated 25 cubic meters per year available per capita. This statistic indicates a relatively moderate availability of groundwater resources, which is crucial for the country's agricultural and drinking water needs.

The availability of groundwater in Sierra Leone can be influenced by various factors, including its geographical features, climate, and hydrological conditions. The presence of the Sierra Leonean landscape, characterized by its hills and valleys, plays a role in the recharge of aquifers and the overall groundwater supply. Additionally, the country's climate, marked by a distinct wet season, can affect groundwater replenishment rates.

Furthermore, the management of groundwater resources is essential for sustainable development, especially in a country recovering from civil conflict and facing challenges such as infrastructure deficits and population growth. Understanding and optimizing the use of groundwater is vital for enhancing food security and improving public health in Sierra Leone.

South Africa

In 1999, South Africa's total renewable groundwater resources were measured at 4.8 cubic meters per year, placing the country 108th out of 188 nations in terms of groundwater availability. This statistic highlights the challenges faced by South Africa in managing its water resources, as the country has a semi-arid climate with significant variability in rainfall.

The limited availability of groundwater can be attributed to several factors, including climate change, which has exacerbated water scarcity, and over-extraction of water resources due to agricultural and industrial demands. Additionally, the country's historical context, including infrastructure challenges and socio-economic disparities, impacts effective water management.

Notably, groundwater is a critical resource for rural communities in South Africa, where access to clean water remains a significant issue. As of the late 1990s, the reliance on groundwater highlighted the need for sustainable practices to ensure long-term water security in the face of increasing population and environmental pressures.

Belarus

In 1999, Belarus ranked 69th out of 188 countries in terms of total renewable groundwater resources, with a reported value of 15.9 cubic meters per year. This statistic reflects the country's reliance on groundwater for various uses, including agriculture, industry, and domestic consumption.

The availability of groundwater resources in Belarus can be attributed to its geographical features, including extensive river systems and aquifers. The relatively high levels of precipitation in the region also contribute to the replenishment of these groundwater reserves.

Furthermore, Belarus's water management practices, along with its historical context of industrial activity, have influenced the quality and sustainability of its groundwater resources. As a landlocked country in Eastern Europe, maintaining water quality is essential for supporting the population's needs and ensuring environmental health.

Saudi Arabia

In the year 1999, Saudi Arabia ranked 126th out of 188 countries in terms of total renewable groundwater resources. The country had a total renewable groundwater resource of 2.2 cubic meters per year, highlighting the significant challenges it faces regarding water scarcity.

This limited availability of renewable groundwater is largely due to Saudi Arabia's arid climate, characterized by minimal rainfall and high evaporation rates. The reliance on groundwater resources is critical for the country, as it supports agricultural activities and meets the water needs of its growing population.

Furthermore, the situation is exacerbated by factors such as increasing demand for water driven by population growth and economic development, particularly in urban centers. This has led to over-extraction of groundwater resources, which poses a risk to sustainability and could lead to long-term depletion of aquifers.

Cambodia

Cambodia ranks 66th out of 188 countries in terms of total renewable groundwater resources as of 1999. The country has a reported total of 17.6 cubic meters per year of renewable groundwater resources available for use.

This statistic reflects the significant reliance on groundwater for agricultural and domestic purposes in Cambodia, where surface water resources can be limited, particularly during dry seasons. Factors contributing to this renewable groundwater availability include the country's geological features and the monsoon climate, which influences groundwater recharge.

Moreover, the management of groundwater resources is critical for sustaining agricultural practices and meeting the needs of a growing population. However, challenges such as pollution, over-extraction, and climate change may threaten the sustainability of these resources in the future.

Bolivia

In 1999, Bolivia ranked 18th out of 188 countries in terms of total renewable groundwater resources, with a significant total of 130 cubic meters per year. This noteworthy ranking highlights Bolivia's substantial natural water resources, which are crucial for sustaining the country's agricultural activities and supporting local communities.

The abundance of groundwater resources in Bolivia can be attributed to its diverse geography, which includes highland plateaus, valleys, and lowland plains that contribute to the aquifer systems. Additionally, the presence of the Andes Mountains plays a vital role in replenishing groundwater through snowmelt and rainfall patterns.

Moreover, it is important to note that while Bolivia possesses substantial groundwater resources, challenges such as climate variability, pollution, and over-extraction can threaten the sustainability of these resources. The management of water resources remains critical for ensuring long-term availability and ecological balance in the region.

Nepal

Nepal ranks 64th out of 188 countries in terms of total renewable groundwater resources as of the year 1999. The country's total renewable groundwater resources are estimated at 20 cubic meters per year, highlighting the significant reliance on groundwater for various uses, including agriculture, drinking water, and sanitation.

This statistic reflects both the geographic and climatic conditions of Nepal, where the mountainous terrain and monsoon rains contribute to groundwater recharge. Factors such as population growth and agricultural demands have increased the pressure on these water resources, making sustainable management essential to meet future needs.

Additionally, it is noteworthy that groundwater in Nepal is crucial for supporting the livelihoods of many rural communities. The dependency on this resource underscores the importance of effective water resource management strategies to ensure water availability and quality in the face of environmental changes and demographic shifts.

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