Total Renewable Groundwater Resources by Country 2004

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 measure of "Total Renewable Groundwater Resources by Country" for 2004 provides a critical lens through which we can understand the availability and sustainability of groundwater resources worldwide. As a significant component of the global water cycle, renewable groundwater resources are essential for agricultural purposes, human consumption, industrial use, and maintaining natural ecosystems. This resource is replenished naturally through precipitation and infiltration, making it a vital indicator of environmental health and a key factor in socio-economic development.

Global Significance of Groundwater Resources

In 2004, the distribution of renewable groundwater resources showcased intriguing disparities across different nations, reflecting varied climatic conditions, land management practices, and policy frameworks. The United States, leading with a substantial 1383 cubic meters per year, underscores the vastness of its aquifers and advanced water management systems. Meanwhile, countries like China and Russia also demonstrated significant groundwater volumes, with 828.8 and 788 cubic meters respectively, indicating their vast geographical expanses and diverse hydrogeological environments.

Contrasting Nations: Top and Bottom Tiers

The data reveals a stark contrast between the top and bottom countries in terms of renewable groundwater resources. While the United States and China dominate with expansive resources, smaller island nations such as Kiribati, New Zealand, and Tonga reported negligible renewable groundwater resources, each with a value of 0 cubic meters. This disparity highlights the challenges faced by island nations in groundwater replenishment, often reliant on external sources and vulnerable to climate variability. This underscores the importance of sustainable water management practices and international cooperation in addressing water scarcity in these regions.

Geographic Distribution and Environmental Factors

The geographic distribution of groundwater resources in 2004 reflects distinct environmental and climatic conditions. Tropical regions like Brazil and Indonesia, with renewable resources of 645.6 and 457.4 cubic meters respectively, benefit from high rainfall and dense forest cover, which enhance groundwater recharge. Conversely, drier regions such as those in the Middle East and parts of Africa experience limited groundwater replenishment due to arid climates and minimal precipitation. This variation underscores the role of climate in groundwater availability and the need for adaptive water management strategies tailored to specific environmental contexts.

Sustainability and Policy Implications

With growing populations and increasing demand for water, the sustainability of groundwater resources has become a pressing global concern. In 2004, countries with substantial groundwater reserves, such as India and Canada, with resources of 432 and 370 cubic meters respectively, were faced with the challenge of balancing water extraction with natural replenishment rates. Policy measures, such as groundwater management plans, regulatory frameworks, and investment in water-efficient technologies, are essential to maintain the viability of these resources. The integration of scientific research and community engagement in policy development can further enhance sustainable groundwater management practices.

Impact of Climate Change on Groundwater

Climate change poses a significant threat to the availability and sustainability of renewable groundwater resources. In regions where groundwater reserves are already limited, shifts in precipitation patterns and increasing temperatures can exacerbate water scarcity. The 2004 data suggests the need for proactive measures to mitigate the impact of climate variability on groundwater resources. Strategies such as enhancing recharge rates through artificial methods, improving irrigation efficiency, and developing climate-resilient agricultural practices can help safeguard groundwater resources against future climatic uncertainties.

International Collaboration and Future Outlook

Addressing the challenges of groundwater management requires international collaboration and shared commitments. Global efforts to exchange knowledge, technologies, and best practices can enhance the resilience of groundwater systems worldwide. As countries continue to navigate the complexities of water security, the data from 2004 serves as a reminder of the interconnected nature of water resources and the collective responsibility to ensure their sustainability for future generations.

In conclusion, the 2004 statistics on total renewable groundwater resources by country highlight critical patterns and challenges in water resource management. The disparities between nations underscore the need for tailored strategies and international cooperation to promote sustainable use and conservation of groundwater resources. As we look forward, continued research and innovation will be pivotal in adapting to changing environmental conditions and ensuring water security across the globe.

Insights by country

Eritrea

Eritrea ranked 150th out of 188 countries in terms of total renewable groundwater resources in the year 2004. The country possesses a total of 0.5 cubic meters per year of renewable groundwater resources, indicating a significant scarcity of this vital resource.

This limited availability of groundwater can be attributed to several factors, including the country's arid climate, limited rainfall, and geological conditions that affect water retention and aquifer recharge. Additionally, Eritrea's infrastructure challenges and ongoing political and economic issues have hampered effective water management and conservation efforts.

In the context of water resources, Eritrea's situation highlights the broader challenges faced by many countries in the Horn of Africa, where climate variability and increasing demand for water due to population growth further exacerbate water scarcity issues.

Bosnia and Herzegovina

Bosnia and Herzegovina ranked 77th out of 188 countries for total renewable groundwater resources in the year 2004. The country has a reported total of 11.57 cubic meters per year of renewable groundwater resources per capita, indicating a significant availability of water resources relative to its population.

This statistic is reflective of Bosnia and Herzegovina's diverse topography, which includes mountainous regions and abundant rainfall, contributing to the recharge of groundwater aquifers. The country's hydrogeological conditions, along with its relatively low population density, allow for a sustainable supply of groundwater resources.

Factors influencing this figure include the country’s geographical features and climate, which facilitate the replenishment of aquifers, as well as the effective management of water resources. It is noteworthy that while Bosnia and Herzegovina has adequate groundwater resources, challenges such as pollution and infrastructure issues can impact the quality and accessibility of this vital resource.

Suriname

In 2004, Suriname ranked 25th out of 188 countries in terms of total renewable groundwater resources, with a significant availability of 90 cubic meters per year per capita. This statistic highlights the country's relatively abundant groundwater resources, which are crucial for both domestic and agricultural use in a nation characterized by its tropical climate and dense rainforest.

The substantial groundwater resources in Suriname can be attributed to its geographical location and hydrological characteristics, including high rainfall levels and a vast network of rivers and wetlands that contribute to groundwater recharge. Furthermore, the country's low population density allows for a sustainable extraction of groundwater without immediate risk of depletion.

Interestingly, Suriname's reliance on groundwater is complemented by its relatively undeveloped infrastructure, which limits the extensive use of surface water resources. As a result, the management and conservation of these renewable groundwater resources are essential for ensuring long-term water security, particularly as climate variability becomes a growing concern across the region.

Angola

In 2004, Angola ranked 33rd out of 188 countries in terms of total renewable groundwater resources, with a reported value of 58 cubic meters per year. This statistic highlights the country's substantial groundwater availability, which is crucial for agricultural and domestic use, particularly in a nation where water scarcity can pose significant challenges.

The relatively high renewable groundwater resources in Angola can be attributed to its diverse geography and climatic conditions, which include both arid and tropical zones. However, the distribution of these resources is uneven, influenced by factors such as regional rainfall patterns and the country's extensive river systems.

Furthermore, access to clean and safe groundwater remains a critical issue in Angola, as infrastructure challenges and population growth can strain these resources. As a result, effective management and sustainable practices are essential to ensure that groundwater remains a viable resource for future generations.

Singapore

In 2004, Singapore ranked 184th out of 188 countries regarding total renewable groundwater resources, with a reported value of 0 cubic meters per year. This statistic highlights the country's significant constraints in natural freshwater resources, particularly groundwater.

The absence of renewable groundwater resources can be attributed to Singapore's limited land area and high population density, which exert considerable pressure on its water supply systems. Furthermore, the country has invested heavily in advanced water management technologies, including desalination and recycling, to counterbalance the lack of natural freshwater sources.

To address its water scarcity, Singapore has developed an integrated water management system known as the "Four National Taps," which includes imported water, local catchment water, desalinated water, and reclaimed water (NEWater). This innovative approach has positioned Singapore as a leader in sustainable water management, despite its challenging natural resource limitations.

Argentina

In 2004, Argentina ranked 19th out of 188 countries in terms of total renewable groundwater resources, with an impressive 128 cubic meters per year available per capita. This statistic highlights Argentina's significant freshwater resources, which are crucial for both agricultural and domestic use.

The abundant groundwater resources in Argentina can be attributed to its extensive aquifer systems, particularly the Guaraní Aquifer, which spans several countries in South America. This rich groundwater supply supports the country's agricultural sector, which is known for its production of soybeans, corn, and other crops.

Additionally, the effective management and conservation of these resources are vital, considering the increasing pressures from climate change and population growth. Emerging challenges, such as over-extraction and pollution, could threaten the sustainability of these vital water resources in the future.

Timor-Leste

In 2004, Timor-Leste ranked 144 out of 188 countries in terms of total renewable groundwater resources, with a value of 0.886 cubic meters per year. This relatively low level of groundwater resources reflects the country's geographic and hydrological conditions, characterized by mountainous terrain and limited aquifer capacity.

The scarcity of renewable groundwater can be attributed to several factors, including climate variability, which affects rainfall patterns, and deforestation, which can lead to decreased water retention in the soil. Additionally, the country has faced challenges related to infrastructure and water management, impacting the sustainable use of its water resources.

Interestingly, Timor-Leste's water resource management is crucial for its agricultural sector, which relies heavily on irrigation. With limited groundwater availability, the country must focus on improving water conservation practices and exploring alternative sources of water to support its developing economy.

Comoros

In 2004, Comoros ranked 141st out of 188 countries in terms of total renewable groundwater resources, with a reported value of 1 cubic meter per year. This low figure reflects the limited freshwater resources available for the population residing in this island nation.

The scarcity of groundwater resources in Comoros can be attributed to various factors, including its volcanic landscape, which affects water retention, and the impact of climate variability on rainfall patterns. Additionally, the country's small land area and high population density exacerbate the challenges associated with water availability.

In comparison, many other countries with larger land masses or more favorable climates enjoy significantly higher groundwater resources, highlighting the vulnerability of Comoros to water-related issues. As a result, effective management and conservation of existing water resources are crucial for sustaining the population and supporting agricultural activities.

Colombia

In the year 2004, Colombia ranked fifth out of 188 countries in terms of total renewable groundwater resources, boasting an impressive 510 cubic meters per year per capita. This statistic highlights the country's significant reserves of freshwater resources, crucial for agriculture, industry, and domestic use.

The high ranking and substantial groundwater resources can be attributed to Colombia's diverse geography, which includes the Andes mountains, lush rainforests, and extensive river systems. These natural features contribute to the country's ability to capture and replenish its groundwater supplies effectively.

In addition to its groundwater resources, Colombia is home to a wide variety of ecosystems, making it one of the most biodiverse countries in the world. This biodiversity is supported by the availability of water, which is essential for both the environment and the economy, particularly in agricultural sectors that rely on irrigation.

Uganda

In 2004, Uganda ranked 53rd out of 188 countries regarding total renewable groundwater resources, with an estimated availability of 29 cubic meters per year. This statistic highlights Uganda's significant groundwater resources, which are crucial for supporting agriculture, drinking water supply, and maintaining ecosystems in a predominantly rural population.

The relatively high rank in groundwater resources can be attributed to Uganda's diverse topography and favorable climate, which contribute to the replenishment of aquifers. However, challenges such as population growth, deforestation, and climate change may pose threats to the sustainability of these vital water resources in the future.

Moreover, groundwater serves as a critical resource in Uganda, where access to clean and safe drinking water remains a pressing issue for many communities. Enhancing groundwater management practices is essential to ensure that this resource continues to meet the needs of the population as the country develops.

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