Total Renewable Groundwater Resources by Country 2006

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)•

View data for:

Interactive Map

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 in 2006 represent an essential component of the global water supply, encompassing both naturally replenished and externally sourced groundwater. This metric, measured in cubic meters per year, provides insights into the environmental capacities and water management strategies of various countries. Understanding these resources is vital not only for addressing water scarcity but also for planning sustainable development, especially in regions heavily dependent on groundwater for agriculture, industry, and personal use.

Global Distribution Patterns

The distribution of renewable groundwater resources across the globe in 2006 exhibited stark contrasts, highlighting both geographical and climatic influences. The United States led the global statistics with a substantial 1,383 cubic meters per year, reflecting its vast and diverse geographical landscape which supports significant aquifer systems. This was followed by China with 828.8 cubic meters and Russia with 788 cubic meters, both countries benefiting from extensive land areas and varied climatic zones conducive to groundwater replenishment.

In contrast, several island nations such as Kiribati, New Zealand, and Tonga reported minimal to no renewable groundwater resources, underscoring the challenges faced by small island developing states in accessing sustainable freshwater supplies. These disparities underscore the importance of regional geographical features and climatic conditions in determining groundwater availability and emphasize the need for tailored water management strategies.

Climatic Influence and Sustainability Concerns

The role of climate in shaping renewable groundwater resources is significant. Regions with high precipitation and extensive river networks, like Brazil (645.6 cubic meters) and Indonesia (457.4 cubic meters), naturally possess more substantial groundwater reserves. However, climate change poses a growing threat to these resources, potentially altering precipitation patterns and affecting groundwater recharge rates. Sustainable management and conservation efforts become vital in these scenarios to ensure that natural replenishment remains consistent with consumption rates.

Countries with high renewable groundwater resources are encouraged to implement effective water conservation techniques, especially in agriculture and industry, to mitigate the potential impacts of climate variability. By doing so, they can enhance the resilience of their water supplies against future climatic uncertainties.

Economic and Policy Impacts

Groundwater resources have profound economic implications, particularly in countries with agricultural economies dependent on irrigation. India, with 432 cubic meters of renewable groundwater, relies heavily on these resources to sustain its vast agricultural output. Effective management of groundwater not only supports food security but also drives economic growth by stabilizing water costs and ensuring consistent agricultural productivity.

Policy frameworks play a crucial role in regulating groundwater extraction and use. Countries with robust water policies can better manage their resources, preventing over-extraction and ensuring long-term availability. International cooperation and agreements can further enhance resource management, especially for countries sharing transboundary aquifer systems.

Yearly Stability and Future Projections

The data from 2006 indicated minimal year-over-year changes in renewable groundwater resources, reflecting a period of relative stability. The average change remained negligible, highlighting either the effective management of these resources or the natural equilibrium in their replenishment rates. However, this stability should not lead to complacency, as future projections often take into account the evolving challenges posed by climate change, population growth, and increased industrial demand.

Countries are increasingly adopting innovative technologies such as groundwater recharge projects and advanced irrigation systems to ensure efficient water use. These initiatives, combined with global efforts to mitigate climate change, could define the trajectory of groundwater resource sustainability in the coming decades.

Regional Comparisons and Challenges

A regional analysis reveals significant differences in renewable groundwater availability that often correlate with economic development levels and geographical characteristics. For instance, Canada, with 370 cubic meters, benefits from abundant freshwater resources, contrasting sharply with countries like Singapore, which reported no renewable groundwater resources in 2006. Such disparities highlight the critical need for international cooperation in water resource management, technology transfer, and investment in infrastructure to address the challenges faced by resource-strapped nations.

Overall, while 2006's data provides a snapshot of renewable groundwater resources by country, it also underscores the need for ongoing vigilance and proactive policy-making to preserve these vital resources for future generations.

Insights by country

Tonga

Tonga ranks 187th out of 188 countries in terms of total renewable groundwater resources as of the year 2006. The country has recorded a total of 0 cubic meters per year for renewable groundwater resources, indicating a significant scarcity of this vital resource.

This statistic is reflective of Tonga's geographical and climatic conditions, which include a limited land area and a tropical maritime climate that can lead to high rates of evaporation. Additionally, the archipelagic nature of Tonga, consisting of numerous islands, complicates freshwater resource management and limits the availability of groundwater.

In contrast to its groundwater resources, Tonga relies heavily on rainwater harvesting and surface water for its freshwater supply. The reliance on rainfall makes the country vulnerable to climate variability and changes, which can impact water availability and agricultural productivity.

India

In 2006, India ranked eighth out of 188 countries in terms of total renewable groundwater resources, with a substantial availability of 432 cubic meters per year. This position reflects India's significant reliance on groundwater for agricultural, domestic, and industrial uses, making it a critical resource for the country's economy and food security.

The extensive groundwater resources can be attributed to India's diverse climatic zones and the extensive network of rivers and aquifers. However, the over-extraction of groundwater due to increasing agricultural demands and urbanization poses a significant challenge, leading to concerns about sustainability and long-term availability.

Additionally, it is noteworthy that India is home to approximately 16% of the world's population but accounts for only about 4% of its freshwater resources, highlighting the pressure on its groundwater supplies. This situation necessitates effective management strategies to secure water availability for future generations.

Bangladesh

In 2006, Bangladesh ranked 60th out of 188 countries regarding its total renewable groundwater resources, with an estimated availability of 21.122 cubic meters per year. This significant volume of groundwater resources plays a critical role in supporting the country's agriculture, drinking water supply, and industrial activities.

The relatively high availability of groundwater in Bangladesh can be attributed to its geographic and hydrological characteristics, including a vast network of rivers and a monsoon climate that replenishes aquifers. However, the over-extraction of groundwater for irrigation and the impacts of climate change pose challenges to sustainable management of these resources.

Additionally, it is noteworthy that Bangladesh faces issues such as groundwater contamination and salinity intrusion, particularly in coastal areas, which can threaten the quality and availability of this vital resource. Ensuring the sustainability of groundwater resources is crucial for the nation’s food security and overall development.

Equatorial Guinea

In 2006, Equatorial Guinea ranked 83rd out of 188 countries in terms of total renewable groundwater resources, with a reported value of 10 cubic meters per year. This statistic reflects the country's limited availability of groundwater, which is essential for supporting agriculture, human consumption, and industrial activities.

The relatively low figure can be attributed to several factors, including the country's geographic and climatic conditions, which influence water availability and distribution. Additionally, the lack of comprehensive water management infrastructure and investment in sustainable practices may further exacerbate the challenges surrounding groundwater resources.

It is also noteworthy that Equatorial Guinea is endowed with significant oil reserves, which may divert attention and resources from developing its freshwater resources. As a result, the country faces ongoing challenges in balancing its economic development with the necessity of ensuring sustainable water supply for its population.

Mauritius

Mauritius ranked 143rd out of 188 countries in terms of total renewable groundwater resources in the year 2006. The country has a reported total of 0.893 cubic meters per year of renewable groundwater resources, which reflects its limited freshwater availability.

This statistic is significant for Mauritius, an island nation in the Indian Ocean, where freshwater resources are crucial for both agricultural and domestic use. The relatively low amount of renewable groundwater can be attributed to factors such as the island's small land area, high population density, and the impacts of climate change, which can lead to variations in rainfall patterns and groundwater recharge.

Additionally, Mauritius has made strides in water management and conservation efforts to address its water scarcity issues, including investments in infrastructure and the promotion of water-saving practices. As of 2006, the country's situation highlights the ongoing challenges faced by small island developing states in ensuring sustainable water resources for their populations.

Saint Vincent and the Grenadines

In 2006, Saint Vincent and the Grenadines ranked 180 out of 188 countries in terms of total renewable groundwater resources, with an alarming figure of 0 cubic meters per year. This statistic indicates that the country does not possess significant renewable groundwater resources for sustainable use, which can have serious implications for water supply and agricultural practices.

The lack of renewable groundwater resources in Saint Vincent and the Grenadines can be attributed to its geographical characteristics, including volcanic terrain and limited aquifer systems. Additionally, the island's reliance on rainfall for freshwater supply and the vulnerability to climate change further exacerbate water scarcity issues.

It is noteworthy that the country heavily depends on surface water sources, primarily from rivers and reservoirs, to meet its water needs. This dependency highlights the critical importance of effective water management strategies to ensure water availability in the face of environmental changes.

Haiti

In 2006, Haiti ranked 127th out of 188 countries in terms of total renewable groundwater resources, with a recorded amount of 2.157 cubic meters per year. This figure highlights the limited availability of freshwater resources crucial for agricultural, domestic, and industrial use in the country.

The relatively low volume of renewable groundwater resources can be attributed to several factors, including deforestation, soil erosion, and climate variability, which have historically impacted Haiti's environment and water supply. The country’s mountainous terrain and tropical climate also contribute to the challenges of water management.

Access to clean and adequate water remains a significant issue for Haiti, which faces ongoing developmental challenges. In addition to groundwater limitations, the country is prone to natural disasters, such as hurricanes and earthquakes, that further strain its water infrastructure and resources.

Republic of Moldova

The Republic of Moldova ranks 138th out of 188 countries in terms of total renewable groundwater resources as of 2006. The country has a total renewable groundwater resource of 1.3 cubic meters per year, indicating a relatively low availability of this vital resource compared to many other nations.

This limited groundwater availability can be attributed to several factors, including the country's geographical characteristics, climate conditions, and water management practices. Moldova's landscape, primarily composed of hills and valleys, along with its continental climate, can lead to variability in groundwater recharge rates.

Additionally, Moldova faces challenges such as agricultural pressure and pollution, which can further impact the quality and sustainability of its groundwater resources. For perspective, effective water management and conservation strategies are essential for ensuring the long-term availability of clean water in the region, as Moldova's reliance on both surface and groundwater sources is critical for its agricultural sector and overall economic stability.

Liberia

Liberia ranks 40th out of 188 countries in terms of total renewable groundwater resources, with a reported value of 45 cubic meters per year. This significant volume of renewable groundwater is crucial for the nation's water supply, particularly in rural areas where access to clean water is essential for health and agriculture.

The abundance of groundwater resources in Liberia can be attributed to its tropical climate, which supports a high rate of rainfall and surface water replenishment. However, the management of these resources poses challenges due to factors such as infrastructure deficits, political instability, and the impacts of deforestation.

Additionally, while Liberia has relatively high groundwater resources, the country still faces issues related to water quality and accessibility. It is noteworthy that approximately 60% of Liberia's population lacks access to improved water sources, highlighting the need for sustainable management and investment in water infrastructure.

South Africa

In 2006, South Africa ranked 108th out of 188 countries in terms of total renewable groundwater resources, with an estimated availability of 4.8 cubic meters per year per capita. This statistic highlights the challenges the country faces regarding water resource management, particularly in a region characterized by varying climatic conditions.

The relatively low availability of renewable groundwater resources can be attributed to several factors, including the country's semi-arid climate, which leads to high evaporation rates, and the uneven distribution of rainfall across different regions. Additionally, factors such as urbanization, agricultural demands, and over-extraction of water resources further strain the already limited groundwater supplies.

South Africa's water scarcity issues are compounded by its historical context of water governance and infrastructure challenges. Notably, the country is home to diverse ecosystems and significant agricultural activities, which place additional pressure on its renewable water resources. The government has implemented various policies aimed at improving water conservation and management, reflecting the critical importance of sustainable practices in addressing the water needs of its population.

Data Source

Food and Agriculture Organization of the United Nations (FAO)

The Food and Agriculture Organization (FAO) is a specialized agency of the United Nations that leads international efforts to defeat hunger.

Visit Data Source

Historical Data by Year

Explore Total Renewable Groundwater Resources by Country data across different years. Compare trends and see how statistics have changed over time.

More Environment Facts

Agricultural land

Agricultural land measures the area dedicated to farming and cultivation in countries, impacting food production and sustainability. Understanding this statistic is crucial for assessing agricultural capacity and economic development.

View data

Browse All Environment

Explore more facts and statistics in this category

All Categories

Discover more categories with comprehensive global data