Total Renewable Groundwater Resources by Country 2009

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 in 2009 is a crucial metric that illustrates the availability of naturally replenished groundwater across the globe. Understanding this statistic is essential as it highlights the capacity of nations to sustain water availability, which is not only a fundamental human need but also pivotal for agriculture, industry, and ecosystem health. As the world grapples with climate change and increasing water demand, these statistics shed light on resource sustainability and global water management challenges.

Global Leaders in Renewable Groundwater Resources

In 2009, the United States led the world with a staggering 1,383 cubic meters of renewable groundwater resources per year. This significant volume underscores the country's vast land area and diverse climatic conditions that contribute to high groundwater recharge rates. Following the United States, China boasted 828.8 cubic meters, illustrating its extensive river systems and substantial rainfall in certain regions. Russia and Brazil were also among the top contributors, with resources of 788 and 645.6 cubic meters, respectively. These countries benefit from expansive geographical areas and rich natural resources, which bolster their groundwater replenishment capabilities. Notably, Brazil's Amazon basin plays a crucial role in its high groundwater availability, making it a critical player in global water security.

Environmental Implications and Sustainability

Total renewable groundwater resources are a key indicator of environmental health. Regions with abundant resources often enjoy lush ecosystems and support diverse wildlife. However, the presence of renewable groundwater alone does not guarantee sustainability. Effective management practices must accompany this natural wealth to prevent over-exploitation. Countries like Canada and Indonesia, with resources of 370 and 457.4 cubic meters respectively, must focus on sustainable practices to maintain their reserves. Mismanagement could lead to depletion, affecting agriculture, drinking water supply, and ecological balance.

Contrasting Regional Availability

In stark contrast to the leading nations, several countries reported negligible renewable groundwater resources in 2009. Islands and small nations such as Kiribati, New Zealand, and the Cook Islands registered zero cubic meters, emphasizing their reliance on alternative water sources like desalination and rainwater harvesting. This disparity highlights the geographic and climatic limitations faced by these nations, which can exacerbate vulnerability to climate change and population growth. As global temperatures rise and weather patterns become more erratic, these regions might experience exacerbated challenges in ensuring water security.

Policy and Governance Influence

Governance plays a pivotal role in the management of renewable groundwater resources. Countries with robust regulatory frameworks often see better resource management and conservation outcomes. In 2009, countries like India and the Democratic Republic of the Congo, with resources of 432 and 421 cubic meters respectively, implemented policies that emphasized groundwater conservation. However, challenges remain due to rapid urbanization and infrastructural deficits. International cooperation and policy reforms are necessary to address transboundary water issues and ensure equitable access to groundwater resources.

Future Considerations and Trends

Looking ahead, the need for innovative water management strategies becomes ever more critical. The global population is projected to increase significantly, thereby escalating the demand for water resources. Climate change further complicates this scenario, altering precipitation patterns and impacting groundwater recharge rates. Nations must leverage technology and collaborative international efforts to enhance water conservation, promote efficient usage, and invest in infrastructure improvements. By understanding and addressing these challenges, countries can better safeguard their renewable groundwater resources, ensuring sustainable development and resilience against water scarcity.

Insights by country

Mauritania

Mauritania ranks 155th out of 188 countries in terms of total renewable groundwater resources, with a notably low figure of 0.3 cubic meters per year. This scarcity of groundwater resources significantly impacts the nation, which faces challenges in meeting the water needs of its population and agricultural sectors.

The limited availability of renewable groundwater in Mauritania can be attributed to several factors, including its predominantly arid climate, characterized by low rainfall and high evaporation rates. Additionally, the extensive desert areas and the lack of major river systems further exacerbate the country's water resource challenges.

As a result of these conditions, Mauritania is heavily reliant on surface water and external sources for its water supply, making the management and conservation of existing water resources crucial for sustainable development. In light of these challenges, the country has been exploring various strategies to improve water resource management and enhance water accessibility for its citizens.

Costa Rica

Costa Rica ranks 48th out of 188 countries in terms of total renewable groundwater resources. In 2009, the country had a total renewable groundwater resource of 37.31 cubic meters per year, indicating a significant availability of freshwater resources relative to its population size.

This statistic reflects Costa Rica's extensive network of rivers, lakes, and aquifers, which are largely replenished by consistent rainfall, particularly in the wet season. The country’s commitment to environmental sustainability and conservation has also contributed to maintaining these vital water resources.

Factors such as deforestation, climate change, and urbanization can impact groundwater quality and availability, prompting ongoing efforts by the Costa Rican government to manage water resources sustainably. Additionally, Costa Rica is known for its progressive environmental policies, which have established it as a leader in ecological preservation in the region.

Angola

In 2009, Angola ranked 33rd out of 188 countries in terms of total renewable groundwater resources, with a reported availability of 58 cubic meters per year per capita. This statistic highlights the country's significant groundwater resources, which are crucial for supporting agriculture, drinking water supply, and other essential services in a nation where surface water resources can be limited.

The availability of renewable groundwater in Angola is influenced by its diverse climatic zones and varying rainfall patterns, which can impact water recharge rates. Additionally, the country's ongoing development and infrastructure challenges, including limited access to clean water in rural areas, underscore the importance of sustainable groundwater management practices to support its growing population and economic needs.

Moreover, Angola's groundwater resources play a vital role in food security, particularly in regions where agriculture is heavily reliant on irrigation. The sustainable utilization of these resources is essential for fostering economic growth and improving the quality of life for Angolans.

Armenia

In 2009, Armenia ranked 112th out of 188 countries in terms of total renewable groundwater resources, with a reported value of 4.311 cubic meters per year. This statistic reflects the country's limited availability of freshwater resources, which are critical for agricultural, domestic, and industrial use.

The relatively low level of renewable groundwater resources in Armenia can be attributed to several factors, including geographical features, such as mountainous terrain and climate conditions that limit precipitation. Furthermore, historical over-extraction and pollution of water resources have also contributed to the challenges in managing and sustaining groundwater supplies.

Armenia's water management is influenced by its location in the South Caucasus region, where water scarcity is a growing concern due to climate change and increasing demand from agriculture and urbanization. The situation underscores the importance of sustainable water resource management practices to ensure the availability of this vital resource for future generations.

Comoros

In 2009, Comoros ranked 141 out of 188 countries in terms of total renewable groundwater resources, with a reported value of 1 cubic meter per year. This statistic highlights the limited availability of freshwater resources in the archipelago, which is crucial for both domestic consumption and agricultural activities.

The low level of renewable groundwater resources in Comoros can be attributed to several factors, including its small land area, volcanic geography, and climatic conditions that contribute to variable rainfall patterns. These factors significantly impact the groundwater recharge rates, essential for sustaining freshwater supplies.

Additionally, the country's reliance on agriculture, which employs a substantial portion of the population, exacerbates the challenges related to water resource management. The limited freshwater availability puts pressure on the agricultural sector, making it critical for the government and communities to explore sustainable water management practices to ensure food security and support economic development.

Central African Republic

The Central African Republic ranks 34th out of 188 countries in terms of total renewable groundwater resources as of 2009, with a substantial availability of 56 cubic meters per year. This statistic highlights the country’s considerable groundwater reserves, which are crucial for supporting agriculture, drinking water supplies, and overall economic development.

Several factors contribute to the Central African Republic's groundwater resource levels, including its geographical features, climate, and hydrological cycles. The country is situated in a region with numerous rivers and lakes, which can enhance groundwater recharge. However, the exploitation of these resources is often challenged by infrastructural deficiencies and varying climatic conditions that can affect water tables.

It is noteworthy that despite this relatively high ranking in renewable groundwater resources, the Central African Republic faces significant challenges related to water management and distribution, exacerbated by political instability and economic constraints. Additionally, the reliance on groundwater is essential for rural populations, where access to clean water remains a pressing issue.

Bhutan

In 2009, Bhutan ranked 89th out of 188 countries in terms of total renewable groundwater resources, with a reported value of 8.1 cubic meters per year. This statistic reflects the country's limited but significant groundwater availability, which is influenced by its mountainous terrain and monsoon climate.

The relatively low value of groundwater resources can be attributed to Bhutan's geographical features, where steep slopes and high altitudes can restrict groundwater recharge. Additionally, the country’s commitment to environmental conservation and sustainable water management practices plays a role in maintaining its water resources.

Interestingly, Bhutan's focus on Gross National Happiness over economic growth illustrates its unique approach to development, which may impact water resource management and utilization. As a country that prioritizes ecological balance, Bhutan continues to explore sustainable methods to harness its water resources amidst changing climate conditions.

Lebanon

In 2009, Lebanon ranked 121st out of 188 countries in terms of total renewable groundwater resources, with a reported availability of 3.2 cubic meters per year. This figure reflects the limited freshwater resources available to the nation, which has been shaped by both natural and anthropogenic factors.

The country's topography, characterized by mountainous terrain, influences groundwater recharge rates, while urbanization, pollution, and over-extraction pose significant challenges to sustainable water management. Additionally, Lebanon's ongoing socio-political issues, including economic instability and the effects of regional conflicts, have further strained its water resources and infrastructure.

Interestingly, Lebanon's water resource management is critical not only for its population but also for the agricultural sector, which relies heavily on consistent water supply. The challenges faced in managing these resources underscore the importance of strategic planning and international cooperation to enhance water sustainability in the region.

Turkey

In 2009, Turkey ranked 29th out of 188 countries in terms of total renewable groundwater resources, with an impressive availability of 67.8 cubic meters per year. This statistic highlights Turkey's significant groundwater potential, which plays a crucial role in supporting agriculture, drinking water supply, and industrial activities across the nation.

The availability of groundwater resources in Turkey can be attributed to its diverse topography and climate, which create various aquifer systems. Additionally, the country's substantial agricultural sector relies heavily on irrigation, further underscoring the importance of sustainable groundwater management practices to ensure long-term water security.

It is noteworthy that Turkey's groundwater resources are threatened by factors such as over-extraction, pollution, and climate change, which could impact future water availability. As a response, Turkey has engaged in various water conservation initiatives to promote sustainable usage and protect its vital groundwater resources.

Bolivia

In 2009, Bolivia ranked 18th out of 188 countries in terms of total renewable groundwater resources, with a significant value of 130 cubic meters per year. This statistic highlights Bolivia's substantial groundwater availability, which is critical for the country's agricultural sector and overall water supply.

The considerable groundwater resources can be attributed to Bolivia's diverse geography, which includes highland areas of the Andes and lowland regions of the Amazon basin, allowing for varied hydrological systems. Moreover, the country experiences significant rainfall in certain regions, contributing to the replenishment of groundwater aquifers.

Additionally, Bolivia's reliance on groundwater is influenced by factors such as limited infrastructure for surface water management, making groundwater a vital resource for rural communities and farming activities. As a comparison, many countries with similar climatic conditions and economic structures often face challenges in water management, emphasizing the importance of this statistic for Bolivia's sustainable development.

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