Total Renewable Groundwater Resources by Country 2005

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

Total renewable groundwater resources by country is a crucial measurement that captures the volume of groundwater naturally replenished and available for use. This data holds immense importance as it reflects the capacity of countries to sustain their populations and ecosystems through renewable water sources. In 2005, an analysis of 186 countries revealed significant disparities in groundwater resources, emphasizing both the potential for sustainable water management and the challenges inherent in achieving it. This article delves into various aspects of groundwater distribution, the role of climate, and the implications for sustainability.

Climate and Groundwater Availability

Climate plays a pivotal role in the distribution and replenishment of groundwater resources. Regions with abundant rainfall, such as equatorial areas and parts of the temperate zone, often enjoy higher volumes of renewable groundwater. For instance, the United States tops the list with 1383 cubic meters per year, largely due to its diverse climate zones that include significant precipitation, contributing to groundwater recharge. Similarly, Brazil, with 645.6 cubic meters per year, benefits from the Amazon basin's extensive rainfall, making it one of the richest regions in renewable water resources.

The contrast is stark when compared to arid or semi-arid regions where renewable groundwater is minimal or nonexistent. Countries like Kiribati, New Zealand, and Tonga reported zero cubic meters per year in 2005, highlighting the acute challenges they face in sourcing sustainable water supplies. Such disparities underscore the critical need for efficient water management and innovative solutions to enhance groundwater replenishment in drier climates.

Regional Disparities in Groundwater Resources

The distribution of renewable groundwater resources is not uniform across the globe, with significant regional variations. In Asia, China and India are notable examples, reporting 828.8 and 432 cubic meters per year, respectively. These figures reflect their vast geographical areas and diverse climates, which include significant monsoon influences that enhance water availability. Despite these resources, both countries face challenges in managing their groundwater sustainably due to high population densities and agricultural demands.

In contrast, countries in Africa, such as the Democratic Republic of the Congo, which possesses 421 cubic meters per year, have substantial groundwater potential but often lack the infrastructure necessary to harness and distribute these resources effectively. This highlights broader developmental challenges where natural wealth in water resources does not necessarily translate to accessibility or efficient utilization.

Sustainability Implications and Policy Considerations

The disparities in renewable groundwater resources have significant implications for sustainability. Nations with abundant groundwater resources, like the United States and Brazil, are better positioned to support their populations and ecosystems sustainably. However, this does not eliminate the need for prudent management to prevent over-extraction and contamination that could compromise these resources in the future.

Conversely, countries with limited or zero renewable groundwater must adopt innovative approaches and policies to secure water supplies. This may include investing in technologies for water conservation, enhancing artificial recharge techniques, or exploring alternative water sources such as desalination. International cooperation and shared learning, especially in the context of climate change, are essential to support countries facing severe water shortages.

The availability of renewable groundwater resources significantly impacts economic activities and social well-being. In nations like Canada, which reported 370 cubic meters per year, water resources support extensive agricultural activities, industrial growth, and urban development. The economic benefits of robust groundwater supplies are evident in enhanced food security, industrial outputs, and overall economic resilience.

However, the social implications of limited groundwater are profound in regions with scarce water supply. Countries with minimal resources experience heightened vulnerability to water scarcity, affecting health, sanitation, and overall quality of life. Addressing these challenges requires a multifaceted approach, integrating policy advances, technological innovation, and community engagement to build resilience against water-related adversities.

Global Perspectives and Future Outlook

Looking ahead, the global perspective on renewable groundwater resources will likely be shaped by continued climate variability and increasing demands from population growth and economic development. While 2005 data shows no year-over-year changes in the recorded figures, the potential for fluctuations due to climate events or policy shifts remains.

Efforts to enhance water sustainability must focus on improving data accuracy, investing in water infrastructure, and promoting policies that encourage equitable water distribution. The international community must collaborate to address the impending challenges posed by water scarcity, ensuring that all nations can leverage their groundwater resources effectively for sustainable development.

Insights by country

Mongolia

Mongolia ranks 100th out of 188 countries in terms of total renewable groundwater resources as of the year 2005. The country possesses 6.1 cubic meters per year of renewable groundwater resources, which is a critical statistic given its vast, arid landscapes and sparse population density.

This limited availability of groundwater resources can be attributed to Mongolia's geographical features, including its high elevation and continental climate, which contribute to low precipitation levels. The reliance on groundwater is particularly significant in rural areas where access to surface water is limited.

Furthermore, Mongolia's growing population and economic development have intensified pressure on these water resources, as agriculture and livestock farming rely heavily on groundwater for sustainability. The country faces challenges in managing these resources effectively, making this statistic a vital consideration for future water resource planning and environmental management.

Iran

In 2005, Iran was ranked 37th out of 188 countries in terms of total renewable groundwater resources, with a recorded value of 49.3 cubic meters per year. This statistic underscores the significant role groundwater plays in Iran's water supply, particularly given the country's arid climate and reliance on agriculture.

The relatively high ranking reflects both the natural endowments of the region and the extensive use of groundwater in agricultural practices, which are vital for food security in a country where more than 60% of the population depends on farming. However, challenges such as over-extraction, pollution, and climate change pose serious risks to the sustainability of these groundwater resources.

Additionally, it is worth noting that Iran's water management policies and practices have faced criticism for inefficiencies and misallocation, which could exacerbate the pressures on its groundwater systems. The country's ongoing struggle with water scarcity highlights the importance of sustainable water resource management to ensure long-term availability.

Spain

In 2005, Spain ranked 52nd out of 188 countries regarding total renewable groundwater resources, with a reported volume of 29.9 cubic meters per year. This statistic highlights Spain's significant reliance on groundwater for agricultural and domestic use, particularly in regions with limited surface water resources.

The relatively high ranking can be attributed to Spain's geographic diversity, which includes arid and semi-arid areas where groundwater serves as a crucial resource. Factors such as climate variability, population density, and agricultural practices exert pressure on these renewable groundwater supplies, necessitating effective management to ensure sustainability.

Moreover, Spain's groundwater resources play a vital role in supporting its extensive agricultural sector, which is among the largest in Europe. The country is particularly known for its production of olives, grapes, and citrus fruits, which are heavily dependent on irrigation drawn from groundwater sources.

Niue

In 2005, Niue was ranked 177 out of 188 countries in terms of total renewable groundwater resources, with an astonishing value of 0 cubic meters per year. This statistic highlights the island's significant challenges regarding freshwater availability, primarily due to its small land area and limited natural freshwater sources.

The absence of renewable groundwater resources in Niue can be attributed to its geological composition, which is largely made up of limestone and coral, limiting the capacity to store and recharge groundwater. Additionally, the island's tropical climate, characterized by seasonal rainfall, further complicates the situation, as rainwater is often the primary source of freshwater, necessitating careful management to meet the needs of its population.

Niue's situation underscores the importance of sustainable water management practices, especially in small island nations where freshwater resources are scarce. It is also notable that, as a member of the Pacific Islands Forum, Niue collaborates with regional partners to address water security and resilience against climate change, which poses ongoing threats to its freshwater systems.

Niger

Niger ranks 123rd out of 188 countries in terms of total renewable groundwater resources as of 2005. The country has an estimated 2.5 cubic meters of renewable groundwater resources per year, indicating a limited availability of this vital resource.

This scarcity of groundwater can be attributed to several factors, including Niger's predominantly arid climate, which is characterized by low rainfall and high evaporation rates. The country is situated in the Sahel region, where desertification and climate change have further exacerbated water shortages.

Moreover, the high population growth rate in Niger places additional pressure on available water resources, impacting agricultural productivity and access to clean drinking water. As a result, Niger faces significant challenges in managing its water resources to meet the needs of its population.

Paraguay

In 2005, Paraguay ranked 43rd out of 188 countries regarding total renewable groundwater resources, with a notable value of 41.64 cubic meters per year. This statistic highlights the significant availability of groundwater in a country that is largely characterized by its agricultural sector, which heavily relies on such resources for irrigation and livestock.

The abundant groundwater resources in Paraguay can be attributed to its geographical features, including the presence of extensive aquifers and a favorable climate that supports water recharge. Additionally, the country’s relatively low population density and extensive natural landscapes contribute to the sustainability of its groundwater supply.

Interestingly, Paraguay's renewable groundwater resources play a crucial role in not only supporting local agriculture but also in providing drinking water for its population. The management and conservation of these resources are vital, especially in light of challenges such as climate change and potential over-extraction, which could threaten this valuable asset in the future.

Burkina Faso

In 2005, Burkina Faso ranked 86th out of 188 countries in terms of total renewable groundwater resources. The country has approximately 9.5 cubic meters of renewable groundwater resources per year, highlighting its reliance on this vital resource for agricultural and domestic use.

This statistic is significant considering Burkina Faso's climate, which is characterized by a predominantly arid environment, making groundwater a critical component for sustaining livelihoods. Factors influencing this groundwater availability include geological formations, rainfall patterns, and the country's overall water management practices.

Additionally, Burkina Faso faces challenges such as population growth, climate change, and land degradation, which can further strain its groundwater resources. The importance of sustainable water management strategies is thus underscored, as they are essential for ensuring the long-term availability of this critical resource for the country's development.

Bosnia and Herzegovina

Bosnia and Herzegovina ranks 77th out of 188 countries for total renewable groundwater resources as of the year 2005. The country has a total renewable groundwater resource of 11.57 cubic meters per year, reflecting its relatively abundant freshwater resources compared to many other nations.

This statistic can be attributed to the country's diverse geography, which includes mountainous regions, numerous rivers, and significant rainfall, contributing to its groundwater reservoirs. However, the management and quality of these resources can be influenced by various factors, including urbanization, pollution, and the impacts of climate change.

Interestingly, the availability of renewable groundwater resources is crucial for Bosnia and Herzegovina, as it supports agriculture, drinking water supply, and industrial processes. The country’s reliance on these resources emphasizes the importance of sustainable water management practices to ensure long-term availability and quality.

North Macedonia

In 2005, North Macedonia was ranked 178 out of 188 countries in terms of total renewable groundwater resources, reporting a value of 0 cubic meters per year. This statistic indicates a significant scarcity of renewable groundwater resources within the country, which can have serious implications for agricultural and domestic water supply.

The lack of renewable groundwater resources may be attributed to several factors, including the country's geographical characteristics, climate variability, and historical water management practices. North Macedonia is situated in a region with a Mediterranean climate, which can lead to limited water availability, especially during dry seasons.

Furthermore, the reliance on surface water sources and the challenges of water pollution and over-extraction further exacerbate the difficulties in managing water resources effectively. This situation highlights the need for sustainable water resource management strategies to ensure the availability of water for future generations.

Saint Vincent and the Grenadines

In 2005, Saint Vincent and the Grenadines ranked 180th out of 188 countries in terms of total renewable groundwater resources, reporting a total of 0 cubic meters per year. This statistic indicates a significant limitation in the availability of renewable groundwater for the country's needs.

The absence of renewable groundwater resources can be attributed to various geographical and climatic factors, including the island's relatively small land area and the nature of its volcanic terrain, which can affect water retention and aquifer recharge. Moreover, the country's reliance on rainfall for water supply makes it vulnerable to seasonal variations and climate change impacts.

Additionally, it is noteworthy that Saint Vincent and the Grenadines has a population of approximately 110,000 people, which increases the demand for water resources. The government has been focusing on improving water management practices and exploring alternative water sources to address these challenges.

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