Total Renewable Groundwater Resources by Country 2012

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	South Sudan	4 Cubic meters per year
118	Kenya	3.5 Cubic meters per year
119	Senegal	3.5 Cubic meters per year
120	Somalia	3.3 Cubic meters per year
121	Iraq	3.28 Cubic meters per year
122	Lebanon	3.2 Cubic meters per year
123	Sudan	3 Cubic meters per year
124	Malawi	2.5 Cubic meters per year
125	Niger	2.5 Cubic meters per year
126	Switzerland	2.5 Cubic meters per year
127	Finland	2.2 Cubic meters per year
128	Saudi Arabia	2.2 Cubic meters per year
129	Haiti	2.157 Cubic meters per year
130	Namibia	2.1 Cubic meters per year
131	Benin	1.8 Cubic meters per year
132	Slovakia	1.73 Cubic meters per year
133	Botswana	1.7 Cubic meters per year
134	Tunisia	1.595 Cubic meters per year
135	Algeria	1.517 Cubic meters per year
136	Egypt	1.5 Cubic meters per year
137	Yemen	1.5 Cubic meters per year
138	Czech Republic	1.43 Cubic meters per year
139	Oman	1.3 Cubic meters per year
140	Republic of Moldova	1.3 Cubic meters per year
141	Israel	1.225 Cubic meters per year
142	Lithuania	1.1 Cubic meters per year
143	Comoros	1 Cubic meters per year
144	Belgium	0.9 Cubic meters per year
145	Mauritius	0.893 Cubic meters per year
146	Timor-Leste	0.886 Cubic meters per year
147	State of Palestine	0.75 Cubic meters per year
148	Eswatini	0.66 Cubic meters per year
149	Trinidad and Tobago	0.614 Cubic meters per year
150	Libya	0.6 Cubic meters per year
151	Jordan	0.54 Cubic meters per year
152	Eritrea	0.5 Cubic meters per year
153	Gambia	0.5 Cubic meters per year
154	Lesotho	0.5 Cubic meters per year
155	Cyprus	0.41 Cubic meters per year
156	Turkmenistan	0.405 Cubic meters per year
157	Mauritania	0.3 Cubic meters per year
158	Cabo Verde	0.124 Cubic meters per year
159	United Arab Emirates	0.12 Cubic meters per year
160	Bahrain	0.112 Cubic meters per year
161	Brunei Darussalam	0.1 Cubic meters per year
162	Luxembourg	0.08 Cubic meters per year
163	Barbados	0.074 Cubic meters per year
164	Qatar	0.058 Cubic meters per year
165	Malta	0.05 Cubic meters per year
166	Maldives	0.03 Cubic meters per year
167	Kuwait	0.02 Cubic meters per year
168	Saint Kitts and Nevis	0.02 Cubic meters per year
169	Djibouti	0.015 Cubic meters per year
170	Nauru	0.01 Cubic meters per year
171	Antigua and Barbuda	0 Cubic meters per year
172	Bahamas	0 Cubic meters per year
173	Cook Islands	0 Cubic meters per year
174	Dominica	0 Cubic meters per year
175	Faroe Islands	0 Cubic meters per year
176	Grenada	0 Cubic meters per year
177	Kiribati	0 Cubic meters per year
178	New Zealand	0 Cubic meters per year
179	Niue	0 Cubic meters per year
180	North Macedonia	0 Cubic meters per year
181	Saint Lucia	0 Cubic meters per year
182	Saint Vincent and the Grenadines	0 Cubic meters per year
183	Samoa	0 Cubic meters per year
184	Sao Tome and Principe	0 Cubic meters per year
185	Seychelles	0 Cubic meters per year
186	Singapore	0 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 component of our planet's water supply, representing the volume of groundwater naturally replenished and available for use. In 2012, understanding the distribution of these resources by country provides critical insight into global water security, environmental sustainability, and resource management challenges. This data underscores the importance of sustainable water management practices in coping with the increasing demand for freshwater amid a changing climate and growing populations.

Global Distribution Analysis

In 2012, the distribution of total renewable groundwater resources varied significantly across the 188 countries analyzed. The United States tops the list with 1,383 cubic meters per year, highlighting its substantial natural groundwater reserves. Following closely are China with 828.8 cubic meters and Russia with 788 cubic meters, both benefitting from extensive land areas and diverse ecosystems. Brazil and Colombia, with 645.6 and 510 cubic meters respectively, also demonstrate the crucial role that tropical forests play in groundwater replenishment. Among the bottom-ranked countries, several island nations such as Saint Vincent and the Grenadines, Tonga, and Samoa report negligible renewable groundwater resources, pointing to their reliance on alternative water sources like rainwater harvesting and desalination.

Climate and Environmental Factors

Climate conditions and environmental features profoundly impact the availability of renewable groundwater resources. Countries with extensive forested areas, such as Brazil and Indonesia, benefit from higher groundwater recharge rates due to effective precipitation infiltration. Conversely, arid regions and small island nations often face limited groundwater replenishment due to low rainfall and high evaporation rates. The near-zero groundwater resources in countries like Seychelles and Singapore highlight the challenges of limited natural water reserves and emphasize the need for innovative water management strategies.

Geographic Patterns and Regional Variations

The geographic distribution of renewable groundwater resources reveals distinct regional patterns. North America and parts of Asia, home to the largest volumes of renewable groundwater, are characterized by diverse climatic zones and abundant natural resources. In contrast, regions such as the Middle East and North Africa face water stress due to arid climates and limited renewable groundwater. This disparity underscores the importance of international cooperation and knowledge exchange in developing effective water management and conservation strategies to address regional challenges.

Policy Impacts and Sustainability Trends

Policy frameworks and sustainability initiatives play a vital role in managing renewable groundwater resources. Countries like the United States and China have invested in extensive water management infrastructure and regulatory frameworks aimed at balancing water extraction with replenishment rates. However, achieving sustainable groundwater management remains a complex challenge, necessitating policies that incorporate scientific research, technological innovation, and community involvement. The zero recorded values for several island nations suggest a reliance on policy-driven water conservation strategies and international aid to mitigate their water security challenges.

Future Projections and Global Implications

Looking forward, the projection of renewable groundwater resources is expected to be influenced by global phenomena such as climate change and population growth. As higher temperatures and erratic precipitation patterns alter groundwater recharge rates, the resilience of existing water management systems will be tested. Countries with robust resource management strategies, like Canada and Australia, may adapt more effectively to these changes. However, nations with limited resources may face exacerbated water scarcity challenges, necessitating international collaboration and support to ensure equitable access to this essential resource. Therefore, understanding the intricacies of renewable groundwater distribution is crucial for global sustainability efforts and resource planning.

In conclusion, the 2012 data on total renewable groundwater resources by country reveals significant disparities in global water availability. These patterns are shaped by geographical, environmental, and policy factors, highlighting the necessity for sustainable management practices. As we face growing environmental pressures, it is imperative that countries work collaboratively to protect and manage their precious groundwater resources effectively.

Insights by country

Sri Lanka

Sri Lanka ranked 90th out of 188 countries in terms of total renewable groundwater resources in 2012. The nation possesses an estimated 7.8 cubic meters per year of renewable groundwater resources, highlighting its reliance on aquifers for freshwater supply.

This figure reflects the geographical and climatic conditions of Sri Lanka, which features a tropical climate with significant rainfall. However, the country faces challenges such as over-extraction of groundwater, pollution, and climate change impacts, which can affect the sustainability of these resources.

Moreover, the agricultural sector, which is a critical part of Sri Lanka's economy, heavily depends on groundwater for irrigation. This dependency underscores the importance of effective water management practices to ensure the long-term availability of groundwater resources in the face of increasing demand.

South Africa

In 2012, 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 country's limited freshwater resources, which are critical for agricultural, industrial, and domestic use.

The relatively low ranking can be attributed to several factors, including climatic variability, which impacts rainfall patterns, and increasing demand from a growing population and economic activities. Additionally, issues such as inefficient water management and pollution of water sources further exacerbate the challenges faced in groundwater sustainability.

South Africa's water scarcity is a pressing concern, making it essential to implement effective water conservation and management strategies. Interestingly, the country's water resources are also impacted by its status as a semi-arid region, which contributes to the ongoing challenges of ensuring sufficient water supply for all sectors.

Japan

In 2012, Japan ranked 54th out of 188 countries in terms of total renewable groundwater resources. The country possesses a total of 27 cubic meters of renewable groundwater resources per year, which reflects its significant hydrological infrastructure and management practices.

This statistic is indicative of Japan's extensive rainfall and geographical features, which contribute to groundwater recharge. Factors such as the country's mountainous terrain and the dense population in urban areas can strain these resources, prompting the need for effective water management policies.

Additionally, Japan is known for its advanced technological approaches to water conservation and management, highlighting its commitment to sustainable practices amid challenges posed by natural disasters like earthquakes and tsunamis. In comparison, other countries with similar geographical features may have different groundwater resource availability due to varying management practices and climatic conditions.

Samoa

Samoa ranks 183rd out of 188 countries in terms of total renewable groundwater resources, with a reported value of 0 cubic meters per year as of 2012. This statistic indicates that the country lacks significant renewable groundwater supplies, which can be crucial for sustainable water management and agriculture.

The absence of renewable groundwater resources in Samoa can be attributed to its geographical and climatic conditions, including its volcanic landscape and limited freshwater aquifers. Additionally, the small land area and population density may lead to increased competition for available water resources, further exacerbating the issue.

In the broader context, Samoa relies heavily on rainwater harvesting and surface water sources to meet its water needs. This reliance poses challenges, particularly during periods of drought or climate variability, which can affect water availability and quality.

Mali

Mali ranks 63rd out of 188 countries in terms of total renewable groundwater resources as of the year 2012. The country has an estimated 20 cubic meters of renewable groundwater resources per year, which plays a crucial role in supporting agriculture and drinking water supply in this predominantly arid region.

This statistic reflects Mali's geographical and climatic conditions, where much of the land is characterized by desert and semi-arid environments, limiting surface water resources. The reliance on groundwater is essential for irrigation and sustenance, especially in rural areas where agriculture is a primary livelihood.

Factors contributing to the availability of groundwater resources in Mali include geological formations that allow for aquifer recharge, as well as the country's ongoing challenges with water management and climate variability. The importance of sustainable groundwater management is underscored by the growing pressures from population growth and agricultural demands.

Indonesia

In 2012, Indonesia ranked 6th out of 188 countries in terms of total renewable groundwater resources, with a significant availability of 457.4 cubic meters per year. This positions Indonesia among the top nations globally for groundwater availability, highlighting its vast hydrological resources.

The abundance of renewable groundwater in Indonesia can be attributed to its geographical features, which include numerous rivers, lakes, and a tropical climate that facilitates significant rainfall. This natural environment ensures a continuous recharge of groundwater aquifers.

Additionally, the high ranking reflects the importance of groundwater for domestic, agricultural, and industrial use in Indonesia, underscoring the necessity for sustainable management practices to maintain this vital resource. Notably, groundwater supplies approximately 50% of the country's drinking water and is crucial for irrigation in its extensive agricultural sector.

Guatemala

In 2012, Guatemala ranked 50th out of 188 countries for its total renewable groundwater resources, measuring 33.7 cubic meters per year. This statistic reflects the country's significant reliance on groundwater for agricultural, domestic, and industrial uses, particularly in rural areas where access to surface water may be limited.

The availability of groundwater resources in Guatemala is influenced by various factors, including the country's topography, climate, and land use practices. The predominantly mountainous terrain and tropical climate contribute to varying precipitation patterns, which can affect the recharge rate of aquifers and the sustainability of groundwater supplies. Additionally, deforestation and agricultural expansion can lead to increased runoff and reduced water infiltration, further impacting groundwater availability.

Overall, Guatemala's groundwater resources are critical for supporting its population and economic activities. The sustainable management of these resources is vital given the increasing demands from a growing population and the challenges posed by climate change and environmental degradation.

Ecuador

Ecuador ranks 17th out of 188 countries in terms of total renewable groundwater resources as of the year 2012. The country possesses 134 cubic meters of renewable groundwater resources per year, reflecting its significant hydrological potential.

This substantial amount of groundwater resources can be attributed to Ecuador's diverse geography, which includes the Andes mountains and the Amazon rainforest, both contributing to the replenishment of aquifers. Additionally, the country's climatic variability, ranging from tropical to temperate zones, supports various hydrological processes essential for groundwater recharge.

Moreover, Ecuador's renewable groundwater resources are vital for agricultural activities, particularly in rural areas where irrigation is crucial for crop production. It is important to manage these resources sustainably to ensure long-term availability, especially in the context of climate change and increasing water demand.

Peru

In 2012, Peru ranked 11th out of 188 countries in terms of total renewable groundwater resources, with a significant volume of 303 cubic meters per year. This substantial availability of groundwater resources is crucial for the country, supporting agriculture, drinking water supplies, and industrial activities.

The high ranking can be attributed to Peru's diverse geography, which includes the Andes mountains and the Amazon rainforest, both of which contribute to the replenishment of groundwater through various hydrological cycles. However, factors such as climate change, deforestation, and over-extraction pose threats to the sustainability of these water resources.

Additionally, while Peru has ample renewable groundwater resources, the distribution and accessibility of this water can vary significantly across regions, impacting both urban and rural populations. The country’s water management policies are essential in ensuring that this vital resource is used efficiently and sustainably.

Eritrea

Eritrea ranks 152nd out of 188 countries in terms of total renewable groundwater resources as of 2012, with a modest yield of 0.5 cubic meters per year. This low figure indicates significant challenges in water availability, which can impact agriculture, drinking water supply, and overall public health.

The limited groundwater resources in Eritrea can be attributed to several factors, including its arid climate, limited rainfall, and geological conditions that restrict the recharge of aquifers. Additionally, ongoing conflicts and economic constraints have hindered the development of infrastructure necessary for efficient water management and conservation.

As a country that heavily relies on agriculture, the scarcity of renewable groundwater poses risks to food security and livelihoods. In 2012, Eritrea faced ongoing challenges related to water scarcity, which highlights the importance of sustainable water resource management to address both current and future needs.

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