Total Renewable Groundwater Resources by Country 2003

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 study of "Total Renewable Groundwater Resources by Country" for the year 2003 provides critical insights into the availability and distribution of one of the planet's most vital natural resources. Renewable groundwater resources represent the total volume of groundwater that is naturally replenished each year, combining both rain-fed and external supplies. This metric is crucial for understanding global water security, influencing environmental sustainability, and informing water management policies worldwide.

Global Water Distribution and Variability

In 2003, the variability in renewable groundwater resources across different countries was striking, with a total of 186 countries reporting data. The maximum value recorded was for the United States, with 1,383 cubic meters per year, illustrating the vast scale of groundwater availability in this nation. In contrast, several countries, including Kiribati, New Zealand, and Tonga, reported negligible or zero renewable groundwater resources, underscoring significant regional disparities.

The average groundwater resource availability was recorded at 57.34 cubic meters per year, with a median of just 7.00 cubic meters. These figures highlight that while a few countries boast substantial groundwater resources, many others face limited availability, posing challenges for water security and resource management. This unequal distribution emphasizes the importance of international cooperation and innovative water conservation strategies.

Top Contributors to Groundwater Resources

The top ten countries with the highest renewable groundwater resources in 2003 included major players like China (828.8 cubic meters), Russia (788 cubic meters), and Brazil (645.6 cubic meters). These countries benefit from vast geographic areas with favorable climatic conditions that contribute to significant groundwater recharge rates. For instance, Brazil's abundant rainfall and extensive river systems play a critical role in its position as a leading source of renewable groundwater.

Other nations such as Colombia (510 cubic meters) and Indonesia (457.4 cubic meters) also demonstrated significant groundwater availability, reflecting their rich natural landscapes and tropical climates. The presence of large river basins and high precipitation levels are primary factors contributing to these countries' robust groundwater resources.

Challenges in Water-Deficient Regions

Conversely, several countries reported minimal to no renewable groundwater resources, highlighting the challenges faced by water-deficient regions. Countries such as Singapore, Cook Islands, and Seychelles registered zero groundwater availability, a situation exacerbated by their small landmass and limited catchment areas. These nations are heavily reliant on alternative water sources, such as desalination and rainwater harvesting, to meet their water demands.

The dependency on non-renewable water sources in such regions poses sustainability concerns, emphasizing the need for innovative water management solutions and international support. Addressing these challenges requires a concerted effort to invest in water-saving technologies and to develop integrated water resource management (IWRM) frameworks that can optimize the use of available resources.

Environmental and Policy Implications

The data from 2003 highlights the significant environmental and policy implications of groundwater resource distribution. Countries with abundant groundwater resources, like the United States and China, have the potential to support large agricultural industries and urban populations, provided that sustainable management practices are in place. Conversely, nations with limited resources must balance development needs with environmental conservation to prevent over-exploitation and degradation of ecosystems.

International policies and agreements play a crucial role in managing shared water resources, particularly for countries that share river basins. Strengthening transboundary water cooperation can help mitigate conflicts and ensure equitable access to water resources. Additionally, policies promoting water conservation, pollution control, and investment in water infrastructure are essential to safeguarding future groundwater availability.

Conclusion and Future Trends

The 2003 data on total renewable groundwater resources by country underscores the critical importance of sustainable water management in a world with growing demand and variable climatic conditions. As global populations increase and climate change impacts water availability, countries must adapt by implementing robust water governance frameworks and embracing technological innovations in water conservation.

Moving forward, it is imperative that nations collaborate on a global scale to share knowledge and resources, ensuring that all countries, irrespective of their natural endowments, can secure reliable and sustainable water supplies for their populations. By fostering a holistic approach to groundwater management, society can better prepare for the challenges of the future while preserving this precious resource for generations to come.

Insights by country

Iran

In 2003, Iran ranked 37th out of 188 countries in terms of total renewable groundwater resources, with an estimated 49.3 cubic meters per year available per capita. This statistic reflects the country's considerable reliance on groundwater for agricultural, industrial, and domestic purposes, particularly given its arid and semi-arid climate.

The availability of renewable groundwater is influenced by several factors, including Iran's geographical features, climate variability, and water management practices. The country's diverse topography, which includes mountains and deserts, affects precipitation patterns, leading to significant regional disparities in water resources.

Additionally, over-extraction and mismanagement of water resources have been critical issues in Iran, leading to declining water tables and increased salinity in some areas. Interesting to note, agriculture consumes approximately 92% of Iran's water resources, highlighting the pressure on these renewable groundwater reserves.

North Korea

In 2003, North Korea ranked 74th out of 188 countries in terms of total renewable groundwater resources, with a reported value of 13 cubic meters per year. This statistic reflects the country's limited availability of freshwater resources, which poses significant challenges to its agricultural and industrial sectors.

The low figure can be attributed to a combination of geographical and climatic factors, including the country's mountainous terrain, which limits the effective collection and storage of groundwater, as well as the impact of deforestation and poor land management practices. Additionally, North Korea's ongoing economic struggles and reliance on outdated infrastructure further exacerbate the difficulties in managing and utilizing water resources effectively.

As a result of these issues, North Korea faces ongoing food security challenges, with limited irrigation capabilities impacting agricultural productivity. This situation is compounded by the broader implications of climate change, which can further strain the already scarce water resources in the region.

El Salvador

In 2003, El Salvador ranked 99th out of 188 countries in terms of total renewable groundwater resources, with a reported value of 6.15 cubic meters per year. This statistic reflects the country's limited freshwater resources, which are critical for agriculture, drinking water supply, and overall economic development.

The relatively low availability of renewable groundwater resources can be attributed to several factors, including geological conditions, deforestation, and climate change, which have impacted the hydrological cycle. Furthermore, El Salvador's high population density exacerbates the pressure on these limited water resources, leading to challenges in water management and sustainability.

Additionally, it is noteworthy that El Salvador has been facing issues related to water pollution and contamination, which further strain the already limited freshwater availability. This situation underscores the importance of effective water resource management and conservation strategies in ensuring the long-term viability of the country's groundwater resources.

Benin

In 2003, Benin ranked 129th out of 188 countries in terms of total renewable groundwater resources, with a reported value of 1.8 cubic meters per year. This figure reflects the nation's limited access to sustainable water resources, which is crucial for agricultural and domestic use.

The relatively low level of renewable groundwater resources in Benin can be attributed to several factors, including climatic conditions that influence rainfall patterns, as well as population growth that increases demand for water. Additionally, the country's reliance on surface water sources and inadequate infrastructure for groundwater extraction further complicates water availability.

Interestingly, groundwater management continues to be a significant challenge in Benin, where over-exploitation and pollution threaten the sustainability of existing water supplies. As a result, enhancing groundwater resource management and developing sustainable practices is essential for ensuring the water security of the population.

Solomon Islands

In 2003, the Solomon Islands ranked 76th out of 188 countries in terms of total renewable groundwater resources, possessing an estimated 11.92 cubic meters per year of renewable groundwater. This statistic reflects the country's geographical features, characterized by its mountainous terrain and tropical climate, which contribute to the natural replenishment of groundwater resources.

The relatively low volume of renewable groundwater resources can be attributed to factors such as the limited land area, population distribution, and seasonal rainfall patterns that influence water availability. Moreover, the Solomon Islands face challenges related to environmental degradation and climate change, which can further impact groundwater recharge rates.

In comparison to other Pacific Island nations, the Solomon Islands' groundwater resources are significant but require careful management to ensure sustainability, especially considering the growing demands from agriculture and domestic use. The reliance on groundwater underscores the importance of implementing effective water resource management strategies in the face of changing climatic conditions.

Costa Rica

Costa Rica ranks 48th out of 188 countries in terms of total renewable groundwater resources as of the year 2003. The country has an estimated total renewable groundwater resource of 37.31 cubic meters per year, reflecting its rich natural water resources.

This substantial availability of groundwater is influenced by Costa Rica's diverse topography, which includes mountains and various ecosystems that contribute to the recharge of aquifers. Additionally, the country's commitment to environmental conservation and sustainable water management practices has played a significant role in maintaining its groundwater resources.

Furthermore, Costa Rica's extensive network of protected areas and national parks helps preserve watershed areas, ensuring the integrity of both surface and groundwater supplies. The nation's progressive policies towards sustainability and conservation have made it a global leader in ecological preservation.

Lebanon

In 2003, Lebanon was ranked 121st out of 188 countries in terms of total renewable groundwater resources, with a reported value of 3.2 cubic meters per year. This statistic highlights the country's relatively limited freshwater resources, which are critical for agricultural, domestic, and industrial uses.

The scarcity of groundwater in Lebanon can be attributed to various factors, including geographical constraints, population density, and environmental degradation. Urbanization and over-extraction of groundwater have further exacerbated the challenges faced in managing these vital resources.

Interestingly, Lebanon's water management issues are compounded by political instability and infrastructural deficiencies, which hinder the sustainable development of water resources. The country's groundwater resources are essential for supporting its population and agricultural sectors, making effective management crucial for future sustainability.

Djibouti

In 2003, Djibouti ranked 167th out of 188 countries in terms of total renewable groundwater resources, with a meager availability of 0.015 cubic meters per year. This extremely low figure highlights the severe water scarcity faced by the nation, which is situated in the arid Horn of Africa.

The limited groundwater resources can be attributed to several factors, including the country's predominantly desert climate, minimal rainfall, and high evaporation rates. Additionally, Djibouti's rapid urbanization and population growth have further strained its already scarce water supplies, necessitating reliance on imported water and desalination processes.

Interestingly, Djibouti's situation mirrors that of other countries in arid regions, where water scarcity poses significant challenges to development, agriculture, and overall quality of life. As a result, the government has been exploring innovative solutions to water management and sustainable resource use to combat these pressing issues.

Mongolia

Mongolia ranked 100th out of 188 countries in terms of total renewable groundwater resources in the year 2003. The nation has an estimated total of 6.1 cubic meters of renewable groundwater resources per year, reflecting the challenges it faces in water resource management.

This relatively low figure can be attributed to several factors, including Mongolia's harsh climate, characterized by extreme temperatures and limited precipitation. The majority of the country is covered by arid and semi-arid landscapes, which significantly affect water availability.

Moreover, increasing demand for water resources due to agricultural expansion, mining activities, and urbanization places further stress on the existing groundwater supplies. Notably, Mongolia's reliance on surface water and the seasonal variability of water sources contribute to the challenges in ensuring sustainable water management practices.

Timor-Leste

In 2003, Timor-Leste ranked 144th out of 188 countries concerning total renewable groundwater resources, with a reported value of 0.886 cubic meters per year. This statistic reflects the limited availability of fresh groundwater, which is crucial for sustaining agriculture, drinking water supplies, and overall economic development in the nation.

The relatively low volume of renewable groundwater resources can be attributed to several factors, including the country's mountainous terrain, limited infrastructure for water resource management, and challenges related to environmental degradation. Additionally, the impact of climate variability can further exacerbate water scarcity issues.

Interestingly, Timor-Leste's reliance on groundwater underscores the importance of developing sustainable water management practices, especially as the population grows and agricultural demands increase. The nation faces ongoing challenges regarding water security, making effective resource management vital for its future development.

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