Total Renewable Groundwater Resources by Country 2008

Total renewable groundwater represents the combined volume of internally generated and externally sourced groundwater that is naturally replenished and available for use.

188 data points•Updated 12/30/2025•World•Food and Agriculture Organization of the United Nations (FAO)•

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Complete Data Rankings

Rank
1	United States	1,383 Cubic meters per year
2	China	828.8 Cubic meters per year
3	Russia	788 Cubic meters per year
4	Brazil	645.6 Cubic meters per year
5	Colombia	510 Cubic meters per year
6	Indonesia	457.4 Cubic meters per year
7	Myanmar	453.7 Cubic meters per year
8	India	432 Cubic meters per year
9	Congo, Democratic Republic of the	421 Cubic meters per year
10	Canada	370 Cubic meters per year
11	Peru	303 Cubic meters per year
12	Venezuela	227 Cubic meters per year
13	Papua New Guinea	211.6 Cubic meters per year
14	Philippines	180 Cubic meters per year
15	Mexico	150 Cubic meters per year
16	Chile	140 Cubic meters per year
17	Ecuador	134 Cubic meters per year
18	Bolivia	130 Cubic meters per year
19	Argentina	128 Cubic meters per year
20	Congo	122 Cubic meters per year
21	France	120 Cubic meters per year
22	Guyana	103 Cubic meters per year
23	Cameroon	100 Cubic meters per year
24	Norway	96 Cubic meters per year
25	Suriname	90 Cubic meters per year
26	Nigeria	87 Cubic meters per year
27	Australia	72 Cubic meters per year
28	Vietnam	71.42 Cubic meters per year
29	Turkey	67.8 Cubic meters per year
30	Malaysia	64 Cubic meters per year
31	Gabon	62 Cubic meters per year
32	Nicaragua	59 Cubic meters per year
33	Angola	58 Cubic meters per year
34	Central African Republic	56 Cubic meters per year
35	Madagascar	55 Cubic meters per year
36	Pakistan	55 Cubic meters per year
37	Iran	49.3 Cubic meters per year
38	Zambia	47 Cubic meters per year
39	Germany	45.7 Cubic meters per year
40	Liberia	45 Cubic meters per year
41	Italy	43 Cubic meters per year
42	Thailand	41.9 Cubic meters per year
43	Paraguay	41.64 Cubic meters per year
44	Honduras	39 Cubic meters per year
45	Guinea	38 Cubic meters per year
46	Laos	37.9 Cubic meters per year
47	Côte d'Ivoire	37.84 Cubic meters per year
48	Costa Rica	37.31 Cubic meters per year
49	Kazakhstan	33.85 Cubic meters per year
50	Guatemala	33.7 Cubic meters per year
51	Tanzania	30 Cubic meters per year
52	Spain	29.9 Cubic meters per year
53	Uganda	29 Cubic meters per year
54	Japan	27 Cubic meters per year
55	Ghana	26.3 Cubic meters per year
56	Sierra Leone	25 Cubic meters per year
57	Iceland	24 Cubic meters per year
58	Uruguay	22.9 Cubic meters per year
59	Ukraine	22 Cubic meters per year
60	Bangladesh	21.122 Cubic meters per year
61	Panama	21 Cubic meters per year
62	Ethiopia	20 Cubic meters per year
63	Mali	20 Cubic meters per year
64	Nepal	20 Cubic meters per year
65	Sweden	20 Cubic meters per year
66	Cambodia	17.6 Cubic meters per year
67	Georgia	17.23 Cubic meters per year
68	Mozambique	17 Cubic meters per year
69	Belarus	15.9 Cubic meters per year
70	Guinea-Bissau	14 Cubic meters per year
71	Kyrgyzstan	13.69 Cubic meters per year
72	Slovenia	13.5 Cubic meters per year
73	South Korea	13.3 Cubic meters per year
74	North Korea	13 Cubic meters per year
75	Poland	12.5 Cubic meters per year
76	Solomon Islands	11.92 Cubic meters per year
77	Bosnia and Herzegovina	11.57 Cubic meters per year
78	Chad	11.5 Cubic meters per year
79	Croatia	11 Cubic meters per year
80	Ireland	10.8 Cubic meters per year
81	Afghanistan	10.65 Cubic meters per year
82	Greece	10.3 Cubic meters per year
83	Equatorial Guinea	10 Cubic meters per year
84	Morocco	10 Cubic meters per year
85	United Kingdom	9.8 Cubic meters per year
86	Burkina Faso	9.5 Cubic meters per year
87	Uzbekistan	8.8 Cubic meters per year
88	Romania	8.46 Cubic meters per year
89	Bhutan	8.1 Cubic meters per year
90	Sri Lanka	7.8 Cubic meters per year
91	Belize	7.51 Cubic meters per year
92	Burundi	7.47 Cubic meters per year
93	Rwanda	7 Cubic meters per year
94	Azerbaijan	6.51 Cubic meters per year
95	Cuba	6.48 Cubic meters per year
96	Bulgaria	6.4 Cubic meters per year
97	Albania	6.2 Cubic meters per year
98	Syrian Arab Republic	6.174 Cubic meters per year
99	El Salvador	6.15 Cubic meters per year
100	Mongolia	6.1 Cubic meters per year
101	Austria	6 Cubic meters per year
102	Hungary	6 Cubic meters per year
103	Tajikistan	6 Cubic meters per year
104	Zimbabwe	6 Cubic meters per year
105	Togo	5.7 Cubic meters per year
106	Jamaica	5.472 Cubic meters per year
107	Fiji	5.273 Cubic meters per year
108	South Africa	4.8 Cubic meters per year
109	Latvia	4.7 Cubic meters per year
110	Netherlands	4.5 Cubic meters per year
111	Vanuatu	4.377 Cubic meters per year
112	Armenia	4.311 Cubic meters per year
113	Denmark	4.3 Cubic meters per year
114	Dominican Republic	4.161 Cubic meters per year
115	Estonia	4 Cubic meters per year
116	Portugal	4 Cubic meters per year
117	Kenya	3.5 Cubic meters per year
118	Senegal	3.5 Cubic meters per year
119	Somalia	3.3 Cubic meters per year
120	Iraq	3.28 Cubic meters per year
121	Lebanon	3.2 Cubic meters per year
122	Malawi	2.5 Cubic meters per year
123	Niger	2.5 Cubic meters per year
124	Switzerland	2.5 Cubic meters per year
125	Finland	2.2 Cubic meters per year
126	Saudi Arabia	2.2 Cubic meters per year
127	Haiti	2.157 Cubic meters per year
128	Namibia	2.1 Cubic meters per year
129	Benin	1.8 Cubic meters per year
130	Slovakia	1.73 Cubic meters per year
131	Botswana	1.7 Cubic meters per year
132	Tunisia	1.595 Cubic meters per year
133	Algeria	1.517 Cubic meters per year
134	Egypt	1.5 Cubic meters per year
135	Yemen	1.5 Cubic meters per year
136	Czech Republic	1.43 Cubic meters per year
137	Oman	1.3 Cubic meters per year
138	Republic of Moldova	1.3 Cubic meters per year
139	Israel	1.225 Cubic meters per year
140	Lithuania	1.1 Cubic meters per year
141	Comoros	1 Cubic meters per year
142	Belgium	0.9 Cubic meters per year
143	Mauritius	0.893 Cubic meters per year
144	Timor-Leste	0.886 Cubic meters per year
145	State of Palestine	0.75 Cubic meters per year
146	Eswatini	0.66 Cubic meters per year
147	Trinidad and Tobago	0.614 Cubic meters per year
148	Libya	0.6 Cubic meters per year
149	Jordan	0.54 Cubic meters per year
150	Eritrea	0.5 Cubic meters per year
151	Gambia	0.5 Cubic meters per year
152	Lesotho	0.5 Cubic meters per year
153	Cyprus	0.41 Cubic meters per year
154	Turkmenistan	0.405 Cubic meters per year
155	Mauritania	0.3 Cubic meters per year
156	Cabo Verde	0.124 Cubic meters per year
157	United Arab Emirates	0.12 Cubic meters per year
158	Bahrain	0.112 Cubic meters per year
159	Brunei Darussalam	0.1 Cubic meters per year
160	Luxembourg	0.08 Cubic meters per year
161	Barbados	0.074 Cubic meters per year
162	Qatar	0.058 Cubic meters per year
163	Malta	0.05 Cubic meters per year
164	Maldives	0.03 Cubic meters per year
165	Kuwait	0.02 Cubic meters per year
166	Saint Kitts and Nevis	0.02 Cubic meters per year
167	Djibouti	0.015 Cubic meters per year
168	Nauru	0.01 Cubic meters per year
169	Antigua and Barbuda	0 Cubic meters per year
170	Bahamas	0 Cubic meters per year
171	Cook Islands	0 Cubic meters per year
172	Dominica	0 Cubic meters per year
173	Faroe Islands	0 Cubic meters per year
174	Grenada	0 Cubic meters per year
175	Kiribati	0 Cubic meters per year
176	New Zealand	0 Cubic meters per year
177	Niue	0 Cubic meters per year
178	North Macedonia	0 Cubic meters per year
179	Saint Lucia	0 Cubic meters per year
180	Saint Vincent and the Grenadines	0 Cubic meters per year
181	Samoa	0 Cubic meters per year
182	Sao Tome and Principe	0 Cubic meters per year
183	Seychelles	0 Cubic meters per year
184	Singapore	0 Cubic meters per year
185	South Sudan	NaN Cubic meters per year
186	Sudan	NaN Cubic meters per year
187	Tonga	0 Cubic meters per year
188	Tuvalu	0 Cubic meters per year

↑Top 10 Countries

Analysis: These countries represent the highest values in this dataset, showcasing significant scale and impact on global statistics.

↓Bottom 10 Countries

Context: These countries or territories have the lowest values, often due to geographic size, administrative status, or specific characteristics.

Analysis & Context

The measurement of total renewable groundwater resources by country in 2008 offers a significant insight into how nations manage and rely on their natural water reserves. These statistics, defined in cubic meters per year, represent the combined volume of internally generated and externally sourced groundwater that is naturally replenishable. Understanding the distribution and availability of these resources is crucial given global climate challenges, as water security becomes increasingly intertwined with national economic stability and public health.

Environmental Significance and Global Context

Groundwater resources are critical to sustaining ecological balance and supporting agricultural activities, especially in arid regions. In 2008, the global distribution of renewable groundwater showcased stark contrasts, with the United States leading at 1383 cubic meters per year. This considerable figure underscores the importance of sustainable management practices in maintaining these resources. The data also highlights countries like China and Russia, with renewable groundwater resources at 828.8 and 788 cubic meters per year, respectively. These figures reflect the vast geographical areas and diverse climates influencing water availability. The year saw minimal changes in year-over-year statistics, emphasizing the ongoing challenges and opportunities in managing these vital resources effectively.

Geographic Distribution and Patterns

The geographical distribution of renewable groundwater resources in 2008 revealed notable patterns. Countries situated in tropical regions, such as Brazil (645.6 cubic meters per year) and Colombia (510 cubic meters per year), demonstrated substantial natural replenishment due to high rainfall and extensive river systems. In contrast, nations with less favorable climatic conditions, like the Democratic Republic of the Congo (421 cubic meters per year) and Canada (370 cubic meters per year), had lower figures indicative of variances in natural water cycle processes.

Furthermore, the data outlined countries with no recorded renewable groundwater resources, such as Kiribati, New Zealand, and Tonga. This absence often results from limited landmass, insufficient aquifer recharge, or heavy reliance on alternative water sources like desalination. These geographic variances necessitate tailored water management strategies to ensure sustainability and adequate supply under diverse environmental conditions.

Sustainability Challenges and Policy Implications

As nations become more acutely aware of climate change impacts, the sustainability of groundwater resources has come under increased scrutiny. With an average renewable groundwater resource value of 57.34 cubic meters per year across 186 countries, there is a pressing need for policies that promote efficient usage and replenishment. The balance between consumption and natural recharge is delicate; hence, governments worldwide are tasked with implementing robust conservation measures.

Countries with higher figures, such as the United States and China, face challenges in maintaining these numbers amidst growing industrial demands and population pressures. Conversely, nations with lower resources must innovate to secure water for their populations, which may involve international cooperation and investment in water-saving technologies. The year 2008, therefore, marked a period where policy frameworks surrounding water sustainability began to gain prominence globally, although disparities in implementation and effectiveness remain.

International Comparisons and Insights

Comparing the top and bottom countries on the list of renewable groundwater resources provides insight into global disparities. While the United States, China, and Russia boast abundant resources, the zero-value countries exemplify the challenges of water scarcity. The absence of renewable groundwater in these nations often necessitates reliance on imported water or advanced technologies such as desalination plants, impacting their economic structures and environmental policies.

Interestingly, the median value of 7.00 cubic meters per year highlights a significant skew in resource distribution, with a few countries possessing vast reserves while many others face considerable challenges. This unequal distribution prompts discussions about fair resource allocation and the role of international aid and cooperation in addressing global water security.

The data from 2008 underscores the importance of understanding and managing total renewable groundwater resources effectively. As an essential component of the planet's hydrological system, these resources play a pivotal role in global environmental sustainability and economic development. The insights drawn highlight the necessity for continued research, policy evolution, and international collaboration to meet the growing demands and ecological challenges of the 21st century.

Insights by country

Saudi Arabia

In 2008, Saudi Arabia ranked 126th out of 188 countries in terms of total renewable groundwater resources, with an estimated availability of 2.2 cubic meters per year. This limited figure reflects the country's arid climate and significant dependence on groundwater for agricultural and domestic use.

The scarcity of renewable groundwater resources in Saudi Arabia can be attributed to its geographical features, which include vast desert areas and minimal rainfall. As a result, the country has invested heavily in desalination technology and water management strategies to supplement its water supply, as groundwater extraction often exceeds natural replenishment rates.

Interestingly, Saudi Arabia's reliance on non-renewable groundwater has raised concerns regarding sustainability and environmental impact. The nation continues to face challenges in balancing water demand with conservation efforts, making water resource management a critical issue for its future development.

Hungary

In 2008, Hungary ranked 102nd out of 188 countries in terms of total renewable groundwater resources, with a total of 6 cubic meters per year available per capita. This relatively low figure reflects the country's hydrological conditions and the challenges it faces in water resource management.

The total renewable groundwater resources are influenced by factors such as Hungary's geographical location, climate, and land use practices. The country primarily relies on its river systems, particularly the Danube, for freshwater, which may affect the replenishment rates of groundwater aquifers.

Additionally, Hungary has made efforts to improve water conservation and management practices, especially given the increasing pressures from agricultural demands and industrial usage. Notably, the country is also home to thermal waters, which play a crucial role in its spa culture and tourism industry, contributing to the overall water resource landscape.

Cambodia

Cambodia ranks 66th out of 188 countries in terms of total renewable groundwater resources as of 2008, with a reported volume of 17.6 cubic meters per year. This statistic highlights the country's reliance on groundwater as a crucial resource for agricultural, domestic, and industrial purposes.

The relatively modest availability of groundwater resources in Cambodia can be attributed to a combination of factors, including the country's climatic conditions, which are characterized by a pronounced wet and dry season, and the extensive reliance on monsoon rains for surface water supply. Additionally, urbanization and agricultural expansion have increased the demand for groundwater, potentially leading to over-extraction and depletion issues in certain areas.

In comparison to regional peers, Cambodia's groundwater resources are vital for sustaining livelihoods, particularly in rural areas where dependence on agriculture is high. The country's ongoing efforts to manage and protect its water resources are essential for ensuring long-term sustainability and addressing challenges posed by climate change and population growth.

Azerbaijan

Azerbaijan ranks 94th out of 188 countries in terms of total renewable groundwater resources as of 2008. The country has an estimated total of 6.51 cubic meters per year of renewable groundwater resources available.

This statistic reflects Azerbaijan's geographical and climatic conditions, where groundwater is a crucial resource for agriculture and drinking water supply. The country's diverse landscapes, including mountainous regions and lowland plains, influence the distribution and availability of groundwater resources.

Factors contributing to this level of renewable groundwater resources include the country's hydrological cycle, the efficiency of water management practices, and the impact of climate change on water availability. Additionally, Azerbaijan faces challenges such as water pollution and over-extraction, which may affect future groundwater sustainability.

El Salvador

In 2008, El Salvador ranked 99th out of 188 countries in terms of total renewable groundwater resources, with an estimated availability of 6.15 cubic meters per year. This statistic highlights the country's limited freshwater resources, which are crucial for sustaining agriculture, drinking water supplies, and overall economic development.

The relatively low level of renewable groundwater resources can be attributed to several factors, including deforestation, urbanization, and climate change, which have impacted the natural replenishment of aquifers. Additionally, the over-extraction of groundwater for agricultural and industrial purposes has further strained these resources.

El Salvador's water scarcity challenges underscore the need for sustainable water management practices, especially given that agriculture accounts for a significant portion of its economy. Furthermore, the World Bank has noted that improving water governance and investing in infrastructure are vital for enhancing the country’s resilience to water-related challenges.

Benin

In 2008, Benin ranked 129th out of 188 countries in terms of total renewable groundwater resources, with a reported availability of 1.8 cubic meters per year. This statistic reflects the country's limited freshwater resources, which can impact agriculture, drinking water supply, and overall public health.

The relatively low level of renewable groundwater resources in Benin can be attributed to various factors, including its geographical characteristics, climate variability, and the over-extraction of existing groundwater supplies for various uses. Additionally, the country faces challenges such as inadequate infrastructure for water management and distribution, which further complicates the sustainable use of available water resources.

As a West African nation, Benin is part of a region where water scarcity is a growing concern due to population growth and climate change. This situation highlights the importance of implementing effective water management strategies to ensure sustainable access to water for both current and future generations.

Brunei Darussalam

In 2008, Brunei Darussalam ranked 159th out of 188 countries regarding its total renewable groundwater resources, with a reported value of 0.1 cubic meters per year. This low figure indicates limited groundwater availability, which can pose challenges for water security and management in the country.

The scarcity of renewable groundwater resources in Brunei may be attributed to its geographical characteristics, including its relatively small land area and tropical rainforest climate, which affects the natural replenishment of groundwater aquifers. Additionally, urban development and industrial activities can impact water quality and availability.

Interestingly, Brunei is known for its significant oil and gas reserves, which has led to substantial economic wealth; however, this reliance on fossil fuels can sometimes overshadow the need for sustainable water management practices. As such, the government is encouraged to explore alternative water sources and conservation strategies to ensure long-term water sustainability.

Bolivia

In 2008, Bolivia ranked 18th out of 188 countries in terms of total renewable groundwater resources, boasting a substantial 130 cubic meters per year. This figure highlights the country's significant freshwater resources, which play a crucial role in supporting both agriculture and drinking water supply across its diverse geography.

The availability of groundwater in Bolivia can be attributed to its varied topography, which includes highland areas where aquifers are replenished by melting glaciers and rainfall. However, challenges such as climate change, pollution, and over-extraction pose threats to these vital resources, making sustainable management essential for the future.

Additionally, Bolivia's groundwater resources represent a critical asset for rural communities, which rely heavily on these supplies for irrigation and household use. The country’s unique hydrological features, including the presence of the Amazon Basin, further underscore its importance in regional water resource management.

Bahamas

In 2008, the Bahamas ranked 170th out of 188 countries in terms of total renewable groundwater resources, with a recorded value of 0 cubic meters per year. This statistic highlights the country's unique geographic and hydrological characteristics, as the Bahamas is composed primarily of limestone and coral formations, which limits the availability of freshwater resources.

The absence of renewable groundwater resources can be attributed to several factors, including the country's low elevation, high evaporation rates, and limited rainfall. Additionally, the reliance on rainwater harvesting and desalination for potable water further underscores the challenges faced by the islands in managing their freshwater supply.

Interestingly, the Bahamas' situation reflects broader trends in small island developing states (SIDS), which often confront similar water management issues due to their geographical isolation and vulnerability to climate change impacts. This emphasizes the need for sustainable water management practices to ensure the resilience of such nations.

Ghana

In 2008, Ghana ranked 55th out of 188 countries in terms of total renewable groundwater resources, with a reported value of 26.3 cubic meters per year. This statistic highlights the significant freshwater resources available for the country's agricultural, industrial, and domestic needs.

The availability of groundwater in Ghana is influenced by various factors, including the country's geology, climate, and land use practices. As a largely agricultural economy, the reliance on groundwater for irrigation and drinking water is crucial, especially in rural areas where surface water may be scarce.

Additionally, Ghana's groundwater resources are integral to its development, as they support not only the population's water supply but also economic activities such as farming and mining. Sustainable management of these resources is essential to mitigate the impacts of climate change and population growth on water availability.

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