Total Renewable Groundwater Resources by Country 2001

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 in 2001 provides an important snapshot of the global distribution and availability of this vital environmental resource. This metric, quantified in cubic meters per year, represents the naturally replenished volume of groundwater that is both internally generated and externally sourced. Understanding these resources is crucial for assessing water security, environmental sustainability, and potential socio-economic impacts across different regions.

Global Geographic Distribution in 2001

In 2001, the global landscape of renewable groundwater resources highlighted significant disparities among countries. The United States led the world with a staggering 1,383 cubic meters per year, followed by China with 828.8 cubic meters and Russia with 788 cubic meters. These figures underscore the extensive natural replenishment mechanisms and vast geographical areas that contribute to significant groundwater availability in these nations. Conversely, several smaller island nations, including Kiribati, New Zealand, and Tonga, reported no renewable groundwater resources, illustrating the challenges faced by insular regions in accessing naturally replenished water supplies.

Environmental and Climatic Influences

The variability in total renewable groundwater resources across countries can often be attributed to their unique environmental and climatic conditions. For instance, regions with substantial rainfall and extensive river systems, such as Brazil and Colombia, which reported 645.6 and 510 cubic meters respectively, benefit from natural recharge processes that enhance groundwater availability. Conversely, arid regions or small island nations often face limitations in groundwater replenishment, leading to reliance on alternative water sources such as desalination or rainwater harvesting. These environmental factors are pivotal in shaping the renewable groundwater landscape, affecting not only availability but also quality and sustainability.

Sustainability and Resource Management

Understanding the dynamics of groundwater resources is essential for sustainable management and utilization. Countries with ample renewable groundwater, such as India and Indonesia with 432 and 457.4 cubic meters respectively, are tasked with managing these resources to prevent over-extraction and environmental degradation. Effective resource management strategies include implementing policies for groundwater conservation, monitoring usage, and investing in technology to improve water-use efficiency. For countries with minimal renewable groundwater, international cooperation and investment in sustainable technologies become critical to ensure long-term water security and resilience against environmental changes.

Regional Comparisons and Policy Implications

The 2001 data reveals interesting regional trends and potential policy implications. For instance, North America, with significant contributions from the United States and Canada (370 cubic meters), demonstrates a stark contrast to regions such as Oceania, where several countries reported zero renewable groundwater resources. Such disparities highlight the need for tailored policy approaches that consider regional characteristics and challenges. Policymakers in water-scarce regions might focus on developing infrastructure that supports alternative water sourcing, while those in water-abundant areas may prioritize conservation and sustainable use practices. Furthermore, international dialogues on water management could benefit from these insights, fostering collaborative efforts to address the global challenges of water scarcity and resource distribution.

Historical Context and Long-term Trends

In the context of 2001, the total renewable groundwater resources provide a baseline for assessing future changes and trends. While this particular year showed no significant year-over-year changes, understanding long-term patterns is crucial for anticipating future shifts due to factors such as climate change, population growth, and industrialization. As water demand continues to rise globally, monitoring these resources will be vital for ensuring sustainable development and environmental stewardship. Historical data serves as a foundation for projecting future scenarios, enabling nations to adapt their water management strategies to better cope with emerging challenges and opportunities in the context of a changing world.

In conclusion, the 2001 snapshot of total renewable groundwater resources by country offers valuable insights into the global distribution and management of this critical resource. It underscores the importance of environmental and climatic factors, the necessity for sustainable management, and the role of policy in addressing regional disparities. As the world faces increasing pressure on water resources, such insights are more important than ever for ensuring a sustainable and secure water future.

Insights by country

Equatorial Guinea

In 2001, Equatorial Guinea ranked 83rd out of 188 countries in terms of total renewable groundwater resources, with an estimated 10 cubic meters per year available. This figure reflects the country's limited freshwater resources, which have implications for agricultural practices, drinking water supply, and overall water management.

The relatively low volume of renewable groundwater resources can be attributed to several factors, including the country’s geographical and climatic conditions, which feature a tropical climate and significant rainfall, yet face challenges in water resource management. Additionally, the distribution of water resources is uneven, with certain regions experiencing scarcity.

As a result of these factors, Equatorial Guinea has made efforts to improve its water infrastructure and management systems, especially in urban areas. Interestingly, the country also benefits from substantial oil and gas reserves, which could potentially fund improvements in water resource management and environmental sustainability initiatives.

Iceland

Iceland ranks 57th out of 188 countries in terms of total renewable groundwater resources as of the year 2001. The country boasts a total of 24 cubic meters of renewable groundwater resources per year, which reflects its unique geological and climatic conditions that favor the replenishment of aquifers.

This relatively high availability of groundwater resources can be attributed to Iceland's abundant glaciers, volcanic activity, and significant precipitation, which contribute to the natural aquifer recharge processes. The country’s geothermal features also play a key role in maintaining the quality and accessibility of these water resources.

Additionally, Iceland is known for its extensive use of renewable energy sources, with a significant portion of its electricity generated from geothermal and hydroelectric power, aligning with its sustainable management of water resources. This commitment to environmental stewardship is essential for preserving its unique ecosystems and supporting its population's needs.

Indonesia

In 2001, Indonesia ranked 6th out of 188 countries in terms of total renewable groundwater resources, with an impressive annual availability of 457.4 cubic meters per person. This significant volume of renewable groundwater resources reflects the country's abundant natural water systems, supported by its vast archipelago consisting of over 17,000 islands.

Several factors contribute to Indonesia's high ranking in renewable groundwater resources, including its tropical climate, which results in substantial rainfall and a high rate of aquifer recharge. Additionally, the country's diverse topography facilitates the collection and retention of groundwater across various regions.

It is noteworthy that despite this abundance of groundwater, Indonesia faces challenges such as groundwater depletion and contamination, driven by rapid urbanization, industrial activities, and agricultural practices. Sustainable management of these resources is critical to ensuring their availability for future generations.

Jamaica

In 2001, Jamaica ranked 106th out of 188 countries in terms of total renewable groundwater resources, possessing approximately 5.472 cubic meters per year of renewable groundwater. This statistic indicates a moderate level of groundwater availability for the country's agricultural and domestic needs.

The management and sustainability of Jamaica's groundwater resources are influenced by various factors, including its geographical location, climate, and land use practices. The island's tropical climate contributes to the recharge of aquifers, but increasing urbanization and agricultural demands pose challenges to groundwater sustainability.

Furthermore, Jamaica faces issues related to pollution and over-extraction of water resources, which can impact the overall quality and availability of groundwater. This situation is compounded by the potential effects of climate change, which may alter rainfall patterns and further strain the island's water resources.

Ecuador

Ecuador ranks 17th out of 188 countries in terms of total renewable groundwater resources as of the year 2001, with a significant volume of 134 cubic meters per year. This ranking indicates that Ecuador possesses substantial groundwater resources, which are critical for agricultural, industrial, and domestic uses in a country characterized by diverse ecosystems and climates.

The relatively high volume of renewable groundwater can be attributed to Ecuador's geographical features, including its numerous rivers and mountain ranges, which contribute to the natural replenishment of aquifers. Additionally, the country’s rainfall patterns, especially in the Amazon basin and highland regions, play a vital role in maintaining these groundwater resources.

It is important to note that groundwater management is crucial in Ecuador, particularly in the context of climate change and increasing water demand. Sustainable practices and policies are essential to ensure that these resources are preserved for future generations and to mitigate potential water scarcity issues.

Eswatini

In 2001, Eswatini was ranked 146th out of 188 countries in terms of total renewable groundwater resources, with a measured availability of 0.66 cubic meters per year per capita. This relatively low figure reflects the country's limited water resources, which are critical for both agricultural activities and domestic consumption.

The limited renewable groundwater resources can be attributed to various factors, including geographic and climatic conditions that influence rainfall patterns and groundwater recharge rates. Additionally, Eswatini's economic reliance on agriculture, which is heavily dependent on water availability, places significant pressure on these resources.

Furthermore, the country's water management practices and infrastructure development have historically struggled to keep pace with demand, exacerbating the challenges posed by its limited groundwater supply. In contrast, neighboring countries with more abundant water resources often achieve higher rankings, highlighting the importance of sustainable water management in ensuring future water security.

Guyana

In the year 2001, Guyana ranked 22nd out of 188 countries in terms of total renewable groundwater resources. The country possesses approximately 103 cubic meters per year of renewable groundwater resources, a significant asset for its agricultural and domestic water supply needs.

This statistic reflects Guyana's abundant natural resources, including its extensive rainfall and vast hydrological systems. The availability of groundwater is crucial for sustaining agriculture, especially in rural areas where irrigation may be necessary to support crop production.

Factors contributing to this substantial groundwater resource include the country's geographical location, climatic conditions, and relatively low population density, which allows for more extensive aquifer recharge. Additionally, Guyana's rich biodiversity and forest cover play a role in maintaining the hydrological cycle, ensuring the sustainability of its water resources.

Dominica

In the year 2001, Dominica was ranked 172nd out of 188 countries regarding total renewable groundwater resources, reporting a value of 0 cubic meters per year. This statistic indicates that the country does not have significant groundwater resources that are renewable, which is particularly relevant for its agricultural and drinking water needs.

The lack of renewable groundwater resources in Dominica can be attributed to its geographical features, as the island is characterized by a rugged terrain and heavy rainfall, which influences water availability and distribution. Instead of relying on groundwater, Dominica primarily depends on surface water sources, such as rivers and streams, which are abundant due to the island's tropical climate.

Interestingly, Dominica is known for its rich biodiversity and lush landscapes, which are supported by high rainfall levels that can reach up to 3,000 millimeters annually. This natural abundance emphasizes the importance of sustainable water management practices to ensure that surface water remains a reliable resource for the population and agriculture.

Iran

In the year 2001, Iran ranked 37th out of 188 countries in terms of total renewable groundwater resources, with a measured capacity of 49.3 cubic meters per year. This significant volume highlights Iran's reliance on groundwater sources for agricultural, industrial, and domestic use, particularly in regions where surface water is scarce.

The country's groundwater resources are crucial due to its diverse climatic conditions, which range from arid to semi-arid, limiting the availability of freshwater. Factors contributing to the groundwater levels include geographical features, historical patterns of water management, and the impacts of climate change, which may exacerbate water scarcity issues.

Additionally, Iran faces challenges related to over-extraction of groundwater, leading to depletion and degradation of aquifers. In recent years, this has raised concerns regarding sustainable water management practices, which are vital for ensuring the long-term availability of water resources in the country.

Afghanistan

In 2001, Afghanistan ranked 81st out of 188 countries in terms of total renewable groundwater resources, with a reported value of 10.65 cubic meters per year. This statistic reflects the country's significant reliance on groundwater for agricultural and domestic purposes, especially given its largely arid and semi-arid climate.

The availability of groundwater resources in Afghanistan is influenced by various factors, including geographic conditions, climate variability, and the impact of prolonged conflict on infrastructure and water management systems. The country's water resources are further strained by a lack of investment in irrigation and water conservation technologies.

Interestingly, Afghanistan's groundwater resources are vital for its largely agrarian economy, where agriculture employs a significant portion of the population. However, challenges such as over-extraction and contamination threaten the sustainability of these vital resources, making effective management and conservation essential for future water security.

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