Total Renewable Groundwater Resources by Country 2000

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

The measurement of Total Renewable Groundwater Resources by Country for the year 2000 provides critical insights into the availability and management of groundwater globally. This metric, expressed in cubic meters per year, captures the replenishable volume of groundwater, including both internally generated and externally sourced water. As a key component of freshwater resources, understanding this data is essential for developing sustainable environmental policies and addressing water scarcity challenges worldwide. In this article, we delve into the patterns, geographic disparities, and climatic influences that characterize the renewable groundwater resources across different countries in 2000.

Global Significance of Groundwater Resources

Groundwater represents a vital source of freshwater, crucial for agriculture, industry, and domestic use. The 2000 data highlight the disparity in groundwater availability between countries. The United States, leading with a staggering 1383 cubic meters per year, exemplifies abundant renewable resources, followed by China and Russia with 828.8 and 788 cubic meters respectively. These figures underscore the critical role groundwater plays in supporting large populations and extensive agricultural activities. Conversely, several countries such as Kiribati, New Zealand, and Tuvalu reported zero renewable groundwater, highlighting their reliance on alternative water sources and the potential vulnerability to water scarcity.

Climate Influence on Groundwater Availability

Climate plays a pivotal role in shaping groundwater resources. Regions with substantial rainfall and favorable geological conditions, such as Brazil (645.6 cubic meters) and Indonesia (457.4 cubic meters), benefit from higher groundwater renewability. The correlation between tropical climates and abundant groundwater resources is evident, underscoring the necessity for climate-adaptive water management strategies. Meanwhile, countries with arid climates may face challenges in sustaining groundwater levels, necessitating innovative approaches to water conservation and management.

Geographical Disparities and Regional Clustering

Analyzing the geographical distribution of groundwater resources reveals significant disparities. North America, with the United States at the forefront, boasts substantial renewable groundwater reserves, contrasting sharply with island nations in the Pacific, many of which reported negligible resources. This stark difference highlights the influence of continental climatic patterns and geological formations on groundwater availability. The data also show a pattern of regional clustering, with countries in South America, like Colombia (510 cubic meters) and the Democratic Republic of the Congo (421 cubic meters), displaying rich groundwater resources, reflecting the region's humid climate and vast river systems.

Sustainability and Resource Management Challenges

The year 2000 marked a pivotal point for addressing sustainability in groundwater management. With global demand for water increasing due to population growth and industrial expansion, managing renewable groundwater resources sustainably became imperative. Countries with abundant resources, such as Canada (370 cubic meters), had the opportunity to implement policies that ensure long-term groundwater sustainability while addressing potential pollution and over-extraction risks. On the other hand, countries with limited or zero resources faced challenges that required alternative solutions, such as investing in desalination technologies and enhancing rainwater harvesting techniques.

Policy Implications and Future Directions

The disparities in groundwater resources across countries in 2000 highlight the need for tailored policy interventions. Nations with abundant groundwater must focus on protecting these resources through strict regulations on extraction and pollution control. For countries with scarce resources, international cooperation and technological innovation are crucial to ensure water security. The global focus should be on developing adaptive policies that respond to changing climatic conditions and prioritize sustainable water management practices. As we progress into the 21st century, the commitment to sustainable groundwater management will be essential in safeguarding this vital resource for future generations.

In conclusion, the 2000 data on Total Renewable Groundwater Resources by Country paints a complex picture of global water availability. It underscores the importance of geographical and climatic factors in determining water resources, while also highlighting the urgent need for sustainable management practices. As countries continue to grapple with the challenges posed by water scarcity, understanding and leveraging data on groundwater resources will be integral to developing resilient and adaptive water management strategies that can withstand the pressures of a changing world.

Insights by country

El Salvador

In the year 2000, El Salvador ranked 99th out of 188 countries in terms of total renewable groundwater resources, with a reported availability of 6.15 cubic meters per year. This figure reflects the country's limited freshwater resources, which are crucial for agriculture, drinking water, and sanitation.

The relatively low volume of renewable groundwater resources in El Salvador can be attributed to various factors, including the country's geographical features, climate conditions, and extensive deforestation. The mountainous terrain and volcanic activity can impact water retention and aquifer recharge, while seasonal rainfall patterns affect overall water supply.

Additionally, El Salvador faces significant challenges related to water management, including pollution and over-extraction of groundwater. As a result, the sustainability of these vital resources is increasingly threatened, leading to concerns about the long-term availability of fresh water for its population.

Madagascar

In the year 2000, Madagascar ranked 35th out of 188 countries in terms of total renewable groundwater resources, boasting a significant availability of 55 cubic meters per year. This statistic highlights the country's relatively ample groundwater resources compared to many other nations.

The availability of renewable groundwater is crucial for Madagascar, an island nation characterized by its diverse ecosystems and agricultural reliance. Access to groundwater supports both domestic and agricultural needs, especially in regions where surface water may be scarce or contaminated.

Several factors contribute to Madagascar's groundwater availability, including its varied topography and climate, which facilitate the recharge of aquifers. Additionally, the country's ongoing efforts to manage water resources sustainably are vital, given the threats posed by climate change and deforestation that could impact water quality and availability in the future.

Antigua and Barbuda

In the year 2000, Antigua and Barbuda ranked 169th out of 188 countries in terms of total renewable groundwater resources, with a reported value of 0 cubic meters per year. This statistic highlights the limited availability of freshwater resources on the islands, which are characterized by a tropical climate and a relatively small landmass.

The absence of renewable groundwater resources can be attributed to several factors, including the geological composition of the islands, which have limited aquifer systems, and the high evaporation rates due to warm temperatures. Additionally, the reliance on rainwater harvesting and desalination for freshwater needs further emphasizes the challenges faced in water resource management.

Interestingly, Antigua and Barbuda's situation is not unique among Caribbean nations, where many islands similarly struggle with freshwater scarcity. This has led to a focus on sustainable water management practices and the exploration of alternative sources to meet the population's needs.

Togo

Togo ranks 105th out of 188 countries in terms of total renewable groundwater resources, with an availability of 5.7 cubic meters per year per capita as of the year 2000. This level of groundwater resource highlights Togo's challenges in ensuring sustainable water access for its population.

The limited amount of renewable groundwater in Togo can be attributed to various factors, including climatic conditions, such as a tropical climate with distinct wet and dry seasons, which impacts water replenishment rates. Additionally, population growth and urbanization have led to increased demand for water resources, further straining the already limited supply.

In the context of West Africa, Togo's groundwater resources are crucial for agriculture and domestic use, especially in rural areas where surface water is less accessible. The management of these resources is vital for food security and overall economic stability in the region.

South Africa

In the year 2000, South Africa ranked 108th out of 188 countries in terms of total renewable groundwater resources, with a value of 4.8 cubic meters per year. This statistic reflects the country's limited freshwater resources, particularly in the context of a growing population and increasing agricultural demands.

The relatively low availability of renewable groundwater can be attributed to several factors, including the country's diverse climatic conditions, which range from arid to semi-arid regions. Additionally, historical land use practices and ongoing issues related to water management and pollution have further exacerbated the challenge of maintaining sustainable groundwater supplies.

It is noteworthy that South Africa's water scarcity issues have led to significant national policies aimed at improving water conservation and management. For instance, the country has implemented programs to promote water reuse and the development of alternative water sources, which are essential for addressing the needs of its population and economy.

Tonga

Tonga ranks 187th out of 188 countries in terms of total renewable groundwater resources. In the year 2000, the total renewable groundwater resources for Tonga were recorded at 0 cubic meters per year, indicating a complete absence of renewable groundwater supply.

This statistic reflects the unique geographical and climatic characteristics of the archipelago, which consists of numerous small islands with limited landmass and varying precipitation patterns. The reliance on rainwater harvesting for freshwater supply is crucial, as traditional groundwater sources are either scarce or non-existent due to the porous nature of the volcanic rock that constitutes many of the islands.

Factors contributing to the lack of renewable groundwater resources include the small size of the islands, high evaporation rates, and the limited storage capacity for freshwater. Additionally, the increasing impacts of climate change, such as rising sea levels and changing rainfall patterns, pose further challenges to water resource management in Tonga.

Sierra Leone

Sierra Leone ranks 56th out of 188 countries in terms of total renewable groundwater resources as of the year 2000. The country's total renewable groundwater resources are estimated at 25 cubic meters per year, highlighting its freshwater availability for various uses such as agriculture, domestic consumption, and industry.

This statistic reflects Sierra Leone's geographical and climatic conditions, which include a tropical climate and significant rainfall, contributing to groundwater recharge. However, factors such as deforestation, land degradation, and inadequate water management practices could potentially threaten the sustainability of these resources.

Additionally, access to clean water remains a challenge for many citizens, with only a portion of the population having reliable access to safe drinking water. This situation underscores the importance of effective water resource management and infrastructure development to enhance the quality of life and support economic growth in Sierra Leone.

Nicaragua

Nicaragua ranks 32nd out of 188 countries in terms of total renewable groundwater resources as of the year 2000. The country boasts a significant total renewable groundwater resource of 59 cubic meters per year, highlighting its potential for sustainable water management and agricultural use.

This substantial groundwater availability can be attributed to Nicaragua's diverse hydrological systems, which are influenced by its geographical features, including numerous lakes, rivers, and volcanic terrains. Such factors contribute to the replenishment of aquifers and the overall groundwater supply.

Moreover, Nicaragua's reliance on agriculture, which employs a significant portion of its population, underscores the importance of these groundwater resources for irrigation and food security. However, challenges such as climate change, deforestation, and over-extraction pose risks to the sustainability of these vital water resources in the long term.

Australia

In the year 2000, Australia ranked 27th out of 188 countries in terms of total renewable groundwater resources, with an estimated 72 cubic meters per year available per capita. This statistic highlights the country's reliance on groundwater, particularly given its vast arid and semi-arid regions where surface water resources are limited.

The significant reliance on groundwater in Australia can be attributed to several factors, including its diverse climate, which ranges from tropical in the north to temperate in the south, and the increasing demand for water in agricultural sectors. Additionally, the challenges posed by climate change and prolonged drought conditions have further emphasized the importance of managing and protecting groundwater resources.

Interestingly, Australia's groundwater resources are vital for sustaining agricultural production, particularly in irrigation-dependent regions. As a result, sustainable management practices are crucial to ensure the longevity of these resources in the face of growing environmental pressures.

Lebanon

In the year 2000, Lebanon ranked 121st out of 188 countries regarding total renewable groundwater resources, with an estimated availability of 3.2 cubic meters per year per capita. This statistic reflects the country's limited freshwater resources, which are critical for both agricultural and domestic use.

The relatively low figure can be attributed to several factors, including Lebanon's mountainous terrain, which affects water flow and availability, as well as urbanization and increased demand for water resources due to population growth. Additionally, political instability and infrastructural challenges have hindered effective water management and conservation practices in the region.

It is noteworthy that Lebanon's groundwater resources are under pressure from pollution, over-extraction, and climate change, which have significant implications for the country's water security and sustainability. Effective policies and regional cooperation are essential to address these challenges and improve the management of Lebanon's water resources.

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