Total Renewable Groundwater Resources by Country 2002

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 2002 offers a fascinating glimpse into the global distribution of one of the planet's most vital natural resources. This metric quantifies the volume of groundwater that is naturally replenished and available for use, a crucial factor in understanding a country's ability to support agricultural, industrial, and human needs sustainably. In this article, we will explore the key insights drawn from 2002 data, examining geographic patterns, environmental implications, and the significance of renewable groundwater as a global resource.

Global Overview of Groundwater Resources in 2002

In 2002, the assessment of renewable groundwater resources across 186 countries revealed a wide disparity in availability, with values ranging from 0 to 1383 cubic meters per year. The United States stood out as the top country with the highest renewable groundwater resources, boasting an impressive 1383 cubic meters per year. Following closely were China and Russia, with 828.8 and 788 cubic meters per year, respectively. These figures underscore the substantial groundwater endowments that these large, geographically diverse countries possess. In contrast, numerous small island nations and territories such as Kiribati, New Zealand, and Tuvalu reported zero renewable groundwater resources, highlighting their reliance on alternative water sources.

Climate and Environmental Implications

Groundwater resources are deeply intertwined with climate and environmental factors. Regions with abundant rainfall and suitable geological formations tend to have higher renewable groundwater levels. For instance, the rich aquifers in the Amazon basin contribute to Brazil's significant renewable groundwater figure of 645.6 cubic meters per year. Similarly, Indonesia and Colombia benefit from their tropical climates, recording substantial volumes of 457.4 and 510 cubic meters per year, respectively. Conversely, arid and semi-arid regions, or areas with limited aquifer systems, face challenges in maintaining sustainable groundwater supplies, which can strain agricultural productivity and urban water demands.

The distribution of renewable groundwater resources has profound implications for economic stability and social well-being. Countries with ample groundwater can support robust agricultural sectors, key to food security. India, with 432 cubic meters per year, exemplifies how groundwater supports extensive agricultural activities, crucial for feeding its large population. However, reliance on such resources also poses challenges; over-extraction can lead to depletion, necessitating careful management to prevent long-term shortages. In contrast, nations with limited groundwater resources often face heightened risks of water scarcity, which can impact public health and drive geopolitical tensions over shared water basins.

Regional Patterns and Contrasts

Analyzing regional patterns offers further insights into the global landscape of groundwater resources. North America and parts of Asia feature prominently among the top-ranking countries, reflecting their large geographic expanses and diverse climates conducive to groundwater recharge. In Africa, the Congo, Democratic Republic of the stands out with 421 cubic meters per year, highlighting the continent's potential for untapped water resources that could support future development. Meanwhile, Europe presents a mixed scenario, with countries like Russia having abundant resources, whereas smaller nations or those with challenging climates, such as North Macedonia, report negligible values.

Sustainability Challenges and Future Prospects

Ensuring the sustainability of groundwater resources is a pressing concern for many nations in 2002, as it remains today. The average value of renewable groundwater resources across countries that year was 57.34 cubic meters per year, with a median of 7.00 cubic meters per year, indicating significant skewness in distribution. Countries must implement effective management strategies to balance extraction with natural recharge rates, preventing overuse and contamination. As climate change continues to alter precipitation patterns and increase the frequency of extreme weather events, the variability and predictability of groundwater recharge remain uncertain. International cooperation and investment in water-saving technologies will be crucial in securing groundwater sustainability for future generations.

In conclusion, the 2002 data on Total Renewable Groundwater Resources by Country underscores the critical role these resources play in supporting economic vitality and environmental sustainability. Addressing the challenges associated with groundwater management requires a concerted effort from governments, industries, and communities worldwide to ensure that this vital resource remains available and abundant for all.

Insights by country

Ecuador

Ecuador ranks 17th among 188 countries regarding total renewable groundwater resources as of the year 2002, with an impressive total of 134 cubic meters per year. This substantial volume of renewable groundwater resources is critical for the country, particularly given its diverse ecosystems and agricultural needs.

The availability of such a significant amount of groundwater can be attributed to Ecuador's varied topography, which includes the Amazon rainforest, Andean highlands, and coastal regions. These geographical features contribute to a rich hydrological cycle, allowing for substantial aquifer recharge and sustainable groundwater management.

Furthermore, the reliance on groundwater for irrigation in agricultural sectors highlights the importance of this resource. As agriculture plays a vital role in Ecuador's economy, the effective use of renewable groundwater resources is crucial for food security and rural livelihoods, making it an essential focus for sustainable development initiatives in the region.

Croatia

In 2002, Croatia was ranked 79th out of 188 countries in terms of total renewable groundwater resources, with an estimated 11 cubic meters per year per capita. This statistic underscores the importance of water resource management in Croatia, a country characterized by its diverse landscapes and significant rainfall.

The relatively low level of renewable groundwater resources can be attributed to various factors, including geographical features, climatic conditions, and land use practices. Croatia's karst topography plays a crucial role in its hydrology, influencing both the quantity and quality of available groundwater.

Additionally, with a growing population and increasing agricultural and industrial demands, the sustainability of groundwater resources remains a critical issue. Croatia's reliance on both surface and groundwater for its economy, particularly in tourism and agriculture, highlights the need for effective water conservation strategies.

South Sudan

In 2002, South Sudan ranked 185 out of 188 countries in terms of total renewable groundwater resources, with a reported value of null cubic meters per year. This ranking indicates a critically low availability of renewable groundwater resources, which is essential for sustaining the population's water needs and agricultural activities.

The lack of reported groundwater resources can be attributed to several factors, including the ongoing conflict in the region, inadequate infrastructure, and limited investment in water management systems. Additionally, the country's geographic features, such as its large swamplands and seasonal flooding, complicate the extraction and management of groundwater supplies.

Access to water resources is vital for development, and South Sudan's situation highlights the challenges many nations face regarding water scarcity. According to the United Nations, the country experiences significant humanitarian issues, exacerbated by its limited access to clean water and sanitation facilities, which further complicates efforts to improve public health and agricultural productivity.

Dominican Republic

The Dominican Republic ranks 114th out of 188 countries in terms of total renewable groundwater resources as of 2002. The country's total renewable groundwater resources are estimated at 4.161 cubic meters per year. This statistic reflects the availability of freshwater resources that are replenished by precipitation and other natural processes, which is crucial for the nation’s agriculture, drinking water supply, and overall economic development.

Several factors influence the amount of renewable groundwater available in the Dominican Republic, including the country's geographical features, climate patterns, and land use practices. The mountainous terrain and varying rainfall across different regions contribute to the distribution and quantity of groundwater resources. Additionally, urbanization and agricultural activities can impact groundwater recharge rates and quality.

It is noteworthy that the Dominican Republic faces challenges related to water management and sustainability, which are common in many Caribbean nations. An increasing population and tourism demand can strain water resources, prompting the need for effective policies to ensure the preservation and sustainable use of both surface and groundwater resources.

Slovenia

In 2002, Slovenia ranked 72nd out of 188 countries in terms of total renewable groundwater resources, with a measured value of 13.5 cubic meters per year. This statistic highlights Slovenia’s relatively moderate groundwater availability compared to other nations.

The country's favorable geographical and climatic conditions contribute to its renewable groundwater resources, including a combination of its mountainous terrain and abundant precipitation. Slovenia's water management policies and practices have also played a role in maintaining sustainable groundwater levels.

Interestingly, Slovenia is part of the larger Dinaric Alps region, which influences its hydrological systems. This region is known for its karst landscapes, which can affect the replenishment and quality of groundwater resources. Effective management of these resources is crucial for supporting agriculture, industry, and domestic needs in a country where water is a vital element of the ecosystem.

Angola

In 2002, Angola ranked 33rd out of 188 countries in terms of total renewable groundwater resources, with a reported availability of 58 cubic meters per person per year. This statistic underscores the significant potential for groundwater as a crucial resource for the nation, particularly given the arid and semi-arid regions that dominate much of the country.

The availability of renewable groundwater in Angola can be attributed to its diverse topography and climate, which influences the distribution of water resources. Factors such as seasonal rainfall patterns, geological formations, and existing water infrastructure also play critical roles in determining the accessibility and sustainability of groundwater resources.

Additionally, Angola's reliance on groundwater is significant, especially in rural areas where surface water sources may be scarce. The effective management and conservation of these groundwater resources are essential for supporting agriculture, drinking water supply, and economic development in the country.

Peru

In 2002, Peru ranked 11th out of 188 countries in terms of total renewable groundwater resources, with a significant availability of 303 cubic meters per year. This substantial volume of groundwater underscores the country's rich hydrological resources, which are vital for its agriculture, domestic use, and industrial activities.

The abundance of groundwater in Peru can be attributed to its diverse geography, which includes the Amazon rainforest and the Andes mountains, both of which contribute to significant rainfall and aquifer recharge. Additionally, the country's varied climate zones allow for different patterns of water availability, although challenges such as pollution and over-extraction pose risks to these resources.

Interestingly, the management of water resources in Peru is crucial, given that the country faces periodic droughts and potential impacts from climate change. The reliance on groundwater is further emphasized by the fact that nearly 60% of the population depends on aquifers for their water supply, highlighting the need for sustainable management practices to protect this essential resource.

Equatorial Guinea

In 2002, Equatorial Guinea ranked 83rd out of 188 countries in terms of total renewable groundwater resources, with an estimated availability of 10 cubic meters per year. This statistic highlights the limited freshwater resources in the country, which can pose challenges for agricultural and domestic use.

The relatively low figure for renewable groundwater resources can be attributed to the country's geographical and climatic conditions, including its tropical rainforest climate, which may influence water availability. Additionally, the rapid urbanization and economic development driven by oil wealth could strain existing water resources.

In the broader context, Equatorial Guinea's water resources management is crucial for ensuring sustainable development, particularly as the population grows and the demand for water increases. The country’s reliance on groundwater underscores the importance of effective water conservation and management strategies to support its economic and social needs.

Belgium

In the year 2002, Belgium was ranked 142nd out of 188 countries in terms of total renewable groundwater resources, with a measured value of 0.9 cubic meters per year. This relatively low figure reflects the country's limited capacity for sustainable groundwater replenishment.

The modest renewable groundwater resources in Belgium can be attributed to its dense population and extensive urbanization, which exert significant pressure on water resources. Additionally, the country's geographical and climatic conditions, characterized by a temperate maritime climate, contribute to fluctuating groundwater levels.

It is noteworthy that Belgium's reliance on surface water and the management of its groundwater resources are critical for meeting the needs of its population and industries, particularly in light of increasing challenges related to climate change and pollution. The focus on water conservation and sustainable management practices is essential to ensure the long-term viability of available groundwater resources.

Iraq

Iraq ranks 120th out of 188 countries in terms of total renewable groundwater resources as of the year 2002. The country has an estimated total renewable groundwater resource of 3.28 cubic meters per year, which reflects the challenges faced in managing and sustaining water resources in the region.

This limited availability of renewable groundwater is influenced by factors such as arid climate conditions, political instability, and infrastructural challenges that have hindered effective water management practices. Additionally, the over-extraction of groundwater to meet agricultural and domestic needs has exacerbated the situation, leading to concerns about long-term sustainability.

Moreover, Iraq's water resources are heavily reliant on transboundary rivers, primarily the Tigris and Euphrates, which are subject to geopolitical tensions and upstream dam constructions in neighboring countries. This has significant implications for both the quantity and quality of freshwater available for Iraqi citizens.

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