Total Renewable Groundwater Resources by Country 2010

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 are a vital measure of a nation's water security and environmental health. These resources represent the combined volume of internally generated and externally sourced groundwater that is naturally replenished and available for use. In 2010, understanding the distribution of these resources by country offers valuable insights into global environmental trends and national water management strategies. With data available for 186 countries, the figures reveal stark contrasts and highlight critical areas for policy focus and sustainable development.

Global Water Snapshot of 2010

In 2010, the global landscape of renewable groundwater resources presented a wide range of values, from complete scarcity in some island nations to substantial abundance in large countries. The United States led with a remarkable 1,383 cubic meters per year, reflecting its vast territory and diverse climates that facilitate groundwater replenishment. China followed with 828.8 cubic meters, driven by significant internal water generation capabilities. Conversely, several countries, including Kiribati and Singapore, reported zero renewable groundwater resources, underscoring their reliance on alternative water sources or imports. This disparity in groundwater resources highlights the varying degrees of water security across the globe and the critical need for tailored water management policies.

Regional Variations and Influences

Analyzing the geographical distribution of renewable groundwater resources in 2010 reveals significant regional variations influenced by both natural and anthropogenic factors. In North America, countries like Canada and the United States benefit from extensive aquifers and favorable climatic conditions, while in South America, Brazil and Colombia enjoy abundant resources due to their rain-rich environments. In contrast, island nations in the Pacific and Indian Oceans, such as Tonga and Seychelles, face challenges due to limited land area and dependence on rainfall, resulting in zero reported renewable groundwater resources. These regional differences underscore the importance of tailored water conservation efforts and technology-driven solutions to optimize resource use and ensure sustainability.

Sustainability Challenges and Opportunities

The 2010 data on renewable groundwater resources also points to broader sustainability challenges and opportunities. Countries with limited groundwater must implement innovative water management strategies, such as desalination, water reuse technologies, and robust import strategies, to meet both current and future demands. For instance, Singapore has invested heavily in desalination plants and NEWater technology to augment its water supply. On the other hand, countries with abundant resources, such as Russia and Indonesia, are tasked with ensuring that their groundwater is managed sustainably to prevent over-extraction and maintain ecological balance. Policymakers must focus on integrated water resource management that considers both current water availability and projected climate change impacts.

Policy Implications and Water Management

The stark contrasts in total renewable groundwater resources by country in 2010 have significant policy implications. Nations with abundant resources are better positioned to support agricultural and industrial activities that rely heavily on water, thus enhancing their economic resilience. Countries with limited resources, however, face increased vulnerability to water scarcity and must prioritize policies that encourage water conservation and sustainable usage. International cooperation and knowledge exchange can play a crucial role in addressing these challenges, facilitating the adoption of best practices and innovative technologies across borders. For instance, global forums and agreements on water sharing and management can help mitigate potential conflicts and promote efficient resource use.

Future Outlook and Projections

Looking ahead, the management of renewable groundwater resources will be increasingly influenced by factors such as population growth, urbanization, and climate change. As water demand continues to rise, countries must adapt by enhancing their water management strategies, investing in technology, and fostering international collaboration. Projections suggest that climate change may alter precipitation patterns, impacting groundwater recharge rates and further complicating resource management. Countries must therefore prioritize resilience-building measures, such as improving water infrastructure and promoting conservation practices, to ensure long-term water security for their populations and ecosystems.

In conclusion, the 2010 data on total renewable groundwater resources by country reflects not only the present state of water availability but also the broader environmental, economic, and policy challenges and opportunities facing nations worldwide. By understanding and addressing these issues, countries can better prepare for an uncertain future where water resources will remain a crucial determinant of human and ecological well-being.

Insights by country

Malta

In 2010, Malta ranked 163rd out of 188 countries in terms of total renewable groundwater resources, with a mere 0.05 cubic meters per year. This significantly low figure highlights the island nation's challenges in water resource management, primarily due to its geographic and climatic conditions.

Malta is characterized by a semi-arid climate and limited natural freshwater sources, which exacerbates its water scarcity issues. The high population density, combined with tourism demands, places additional pressure on the already limited groundwater supplies, making sustainable management crucial for the nation's water security.

Furthermore, Malta's reliance on desalination as a primary source of potable water underscores the importance of innovative solutions to overcome its natural resource limitations. In contrast to many countries that have abundant freshwater resources, Malta's situation serves as a reminder of the vulnerabilities faced by small island nations in the context of global water resource distribution.

Niger

Niger ranks 123rd out of 188 countries in terms of total renewable groundwater resources as of the year 2010. The country has an estimated 2.5 cubic meters per year of total renewable groundwater resources, which reflects the limited availability of freshwater resources in the region.

This statistic is particularly significant given Niger's geographical and climatic challenges, including arid and semi-arid conditions, which hinder the replenishment of groundwater supplies. Factors contributing to this low figure include high evaporation rates, climatic variability, and inadequate infrastructure for water management and conservation.

Furthermore, the scarcity of freshwater resources in Niger poses challenges for agriculture, drinking water supplies, and overall economic development. As a result, the country is heavily reliant on external assistance and innovative water management practices to enhance its water security and sustainability.

Libya

In 2010, Libya ranked 148 out of 188 countries in terms of total renewable groundwater resources, with a reported availability of 0.6 cubic meters per year per capita. This figure reflects the challenges Libya faces in water resource management, particularly in a largely arid environment where water scarcity is a significant concern.

The limited renewable groundwater resources can be attributed to several factors, including the country's geographical features, climate conditions characterized by low rainfall, and high evaporation rates. Additionally, Libya's reliance on fossil water from the Great Man-Made River, which taps into ancient aquifers, highlights the unsustainable nature of its current water supply strategy.

Interestingly, despite its low ranking in renewable groundwater resources, Libya has significant potential for solar energy, which could be harnessed for desalination processes to improve water availability in the future. The need for sustainable water management strategies is critical, given the projected increases in population and demand for water resources in the coming decades.

New Zealand

In 2010, New Zealand ranked 176th out of 188 countries in terms of total renewable groundwater resources, recording a value of 0 cubic meters per year. This statistic indicates that New Zealand does not rely on groundwater as a significant source of renewable water resources, which is unusual compared to many other countries.

The absence of renewable groundwater resources in New Zealand is largely due to its geographical and hydrological characteristics. The country is endowed with abundant surface water resources, such as rivers and lakes, which are primarily fed by rainfall and snowmelt, reducing the dependency on groundwater. Moreover, New Zealand's relatively small population and effective water management strategies contribute to the sustainable use of these surface water resources.

Interestingly, while New Zealand does not utilize groundwater extensively, it is known for its high-quality drinking water sourced from pristine aquifers and surface water systems. The country's stringent environmental regulations and conservation efforts help maintain the overall quality and availability of its freshwater resources.

Yemen

In 2010, Yemen ranked 135th out of 188 countries in terms of total renewable groundwater resources, with a measured value of 1.5 cubic meters per year. This statistic highlights the severe water scarcity issues faced by the country, where groundwater is a critical resource for agriculture and domestic use.

The limited availability of renewable groundwater resources in Yemen can be attributed to several factors, including arid climate conditions, over-extraction of water for irrigation, and inadequate infrastructure for water management. The ongoing conflict in the region has further exacerbated these challenges, hindering efforts to improve water access and sustainability.

Additionally, Yemen is among the countries projected to face severe water shortages in the coming years, with an increasing population and rising demand for water resources. In a broader context, Yemen's water crisis is a significant factor contributing to humanitarian challenges and is a critical area of concern for both local authorities and international organizations.

Oman

In 2010, Oman ranked 137th out of 188 countries in terms of total renewable groundwater resources, with an estimated availability of 1.3 cubic meters per year. This statistic reflects the country's challenges in managing its water resources, particularly in a predominantly arid climate where fresh water is scarce.

The limited availability of renewable groundwater in Oman is influenced by several factors, including high evaporation rates, low precipitation levels, and increasing demands from agricultural and urban development. The reliance on groundwater has led to concerns regarding sustainability and the depletion of aquifers.

Moreover, Oman has implemented various measures to address water scarcity, such as investing in desalination technologies and promoting water conservation practices. Interestingly, the country also possesses significant oil reserves, which has allowed for investment in infrastructure to enhance water management and supply.

Turkey

In 2010, Turkey ranked 29th out of 188 countries in terms of total renewable groundwater resources, with a significant volume of 67.8 cubic meters available per year. This statistic reflects Turkey's diverse geography and climate, which includes both arid and fertile regions, impacting its water resource management.

The substantial groundwater resources can be attributed to Turkey's extensive aquifer systems, which are replenished by seasonal rainfall and snowmelt from the country's mountainous areas. However, challenges such as over-extraction, pollution, and climate change pose threats to the sustainability of these water resources.

Moreover, Turkey has made significant investments in water management infrastructure, which is essential for agriculture—an important sector of its economy. As the country continues to develop, balancing groundwater use with conservation efforts will be critical in maintaining its water resources for future generations.

Eswatini

In 2010, Eswatini ranked 146th out of 188 countries in terms of total renewable groundwater resources, with an estimated value of 0.66 cubic meters per year. This relatively low figure highlights the country's limited freshwater resources, which can pose challenges for agricultural and domestic water use.

The scarcity of groundwater in Eswatini can be attributed to several factors, including its geographical location, climatic conditions, and seasonal rainfall patterns. The country experiences a semi-arid climate, leading to inconsistent water availability throughout the year, which affects both surface and groundwater levels.

Moreover, the reliance on groundwater is significant in many rural areas of Eswatini, where access to clean and sufficient water sources is critical for livelihoods. As such, the management and conservation of these groundwater resources are essential for ensuring water security and supporting the population's needs.

Netherlands

In 2010, the Netherlands ranked 110th out of 188 countries regarding total renewable groundwater resources, with a reported value of 4.5 cubic meters per year. This relatively low figure highlights the country's unique geographical and hydrological characteristics, including its extensive use of surface water and sophisticated water management systems.

The modest amount of renewable groundwater resources can be attributed to several factors, such as the country's high population density, urbanization, and the prevalence of agricultural activities, which place significant demands on water resources. Additionally, the Netherlands has a significant portion of its land below sea level, leading to reliance on surface water and technological innovations in flood management.

Interestingly, the Netherlands is renowned for its advanced water management practices, which include the use of dikes, pumps, and canals to control water levels and ensure sustainable use of water resources. This expertise has positioned the country as a leader in global water management, despite its limited renewable groundwater resources.

Australia

In 2010, Australia ranked 27th out of 188 countries in terms of total renewable groundwater resources, with a significant figure of 72 cubic meters per year. This statistic highlights the country's substantial groundwater availability, which is crucial for supporting agricultural activities, drinking water supply, and industrial processes.

The relatively high level of renewable groundwater resources in Australia can be attributed to its diverse climatic conditions and geographical features, which include large river systems and aquifers. However, the management of these resources is critical, especially in light of recurring droughts and increasing water demand due to population growth and agricultural expansion.

It is noteworthy that Australia's reliance on groundwater resources is significant, as approximately 30% of the nation's water supply comes from groundwater, underscoring the importance of sustainable management practices to ensure the long-term viability of these resources.

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