Total Renewable Groundwater Resources by Country 2013

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 critical component of global water management, representing the combined volume of groundwater that is naturally replenished and available for use. In 2013, understanding these resources by country provided significant insights into environmental trends and global disparities in water availability. This article delves into the patterns observed in 2013, highlighting key countries, their groundwater statistics, and the broader implications of these figures.

Climate Influence on Groundwater Resources

The availability of renewable groundwater resources is heavily influenced by climatic conditions, which dictate precipitation patterns and consequently, groundwater recharge rates. In 2013, countries like the United States and China topped the list with renewable groundwater resources of 1383 and 828.8 cubic meters per year, respectively. These figures can be attributed to diverse climatic conditions that include significant rainfall and snowmelt, contributing to robust aquifer recharge processes. Conversely, countries with zero recorded renewable groundwater resources, such as Saint Vincent and the Grenadines, face different climatic challenges where limited precipitation fails to adequately replenish underground aquifers.

Geographic Distribution and Disparities

The geographic distribution of renewable groundwater resources in 2013 revealed significant global disparities. Countries with vast land areas and varied climates, like Russia (788 cubic meters per year) and Brazil (645.6 cubic meters per year), benefited from their expansive natural landscapes that facilitate groundwater recharge. On the other hand, small island nations such as Tonga and Samoa recorded no renewable groundwater resources, underscoring the challenges faced by smaller geographic entities in capturing sufficient groundwater. These stark contrasts highlight the need for tailored water management strategies that consider geographical and climatic nuances.

Policy Impact and Sustainability Trends

In 2013, the management of groundwater resources was critically linked to national policies aimed at sustainability and environmental protection. Countries with significant groundwater resources, like India (432 cubic meters per year) and Canada (370 cubic meters per year), were particularly focused on policies that promote sustainable usage to prevent over-extraction and depletion. The Democratic Republic of the Congo, with 421 cubic meters per year, exemplifies a nation where adequate policy frameworks could mitigate the impact of climate variability and ensure resource availability for future generations. These policies are crucial as they help to maintain the delicate balance between usage and natural replenishment.

Regional Clustering of Groundwater Resources

In examining the regional clustering of renewable groundwater resources, it is evident that continents with diverse ecosystems and substantial rainfall generally reported higher figures. For instance, South American countries such as Brazil and Colombia (510 cubic meters per year) benefitted from the Amazon Basin's abundant rainfall, while Southeast Asian nations like Indonesia (457.4 cubic meters per year) and Myanmar (453.7 cubic meters per year) enjoyed the monsoon season's contributions. Such regional clustering emphasizes the importance of cooperation and shared management frameworks in regions where water resources transcend national boundaries.

Historical Context and Future Projections

While the 2013 data did not show significant year-over-year changes, understanding historical context provides a foundation for predicting future trends. The consistent figures across top countries like the United States and China suggest a stable pattern of groundwater availability, which is vital for long-term planning. However, as climate change continues to alter precipitation patterns globally, countries must remain vigilant and adaptive in their groundwater management strategies. Future projections should focus on integrating climate models with groundwater data to anticipate potential shifts in availability and address them preemptively. This foresight ensures that nations can sustainably harness their groundwater resources amid changing environmental conditions.

In conclusion, the analysis of total renewable groundwater resources by country in 2013 underscores the critical relationship between climate, geography, and policy in determining groundwater availability. This understanding is essential for shaping effective water management policies that ensure sustainability and equitable distribution of this vital resource.

Insights by country

Ghana

In 2013, Ghana ranked 55th out of 188 countries in terms of total renewable groundwater resources, with a significant availability of 26.3 cubic meters per year. This statistic highlights the country's reliance on groundwater as a crucial source of water for agriculture, drinking, and industrial uses.

The substantial renewable groundwater resources in Ghana can be attributed to its diverse climatic zones and geological formations, which facilitate the recharge of aquifers. However, challenges such as population growth, urbanization, and climate change pose threats to the sustainability of these resources.

Interestingly, Ghana's groundwater resources are part of a broader context where many African nations face water scarcity. Despite the relatively high groundwater availability, the management and equitable distribution of water resources remain critical issues for the country's development and food security.

Afghanistan

In 2013, Afghanistan ranked 81st out of 188 countries in terms of total renewable groundwater resources, with an estimated volume of 10.65 cubic meters per year. This substantial figure reflects the country's reliance on groundwater for agriculture, drinking water, and other essential uses, particularly in a region where surface water is limited and highly variable.

The availability of groundwater in Afghanistan has critical implications for food security and livelihoods, especially in rural areas where agriculture is the backbone of the economy. Factors contributing to the groundwater availability include the country's mountainous terrain, which influences hydrological cycles, and its climatic conditions, which can lead to variable precipitation patterns.

Additionally, Afghanistan faces challenges such as over-extraction of groundwater resources, pollution, and lack of infrastructure for water management. The ongoing conflict and instability have hampered efforts to develop sustainable water management practices, further complicating the country's water resource issues.

Brunei Darussalam

In 2013, Brunei Darussalam ranked 161 out of 188 countries in terms of total renewable groundwater resources, with a measured value of 0.1 cubic meters per year. This low figure reflects the country's limited freshwater resources, which are primarily dependent on rainfall and surface water systems.

The scarcity of renewable groundwater resources in Brunei can be attributed to its small land area and the predominantly urbanized nature of its environment. Additionally, the country's reliance on surface water for its freshwater supply diminishes the demand for groundwater extraction, leading to lower groundwater resource availability.

Interestingly, Brunei is known for its rich oil and gas reserves, which significantly influence its economy, potentially diverting attention from the sustainable management of water resources. As a result, the overall focus on groundwater conservation and resource management may not be as prioritized compared to other nations where water scarcity is a more pressing issue.

Mauritania

Mauritania ranks 157th out of 188 countries in terms of total renewable groundwater resources. In 2013, the country had a total renewable groundwater resource value of 0.3 cubic meters per year, indicating a limited availability of this critical resource.

The scarcity of renewable groundwater in Mauritania can be attributed to several factors, including its predominantly arid climate, which significantly limits natural water replenishment. The country is characterized by vast desert regions, where rainfall is sparse and irregular, further exacerbating water scarcity issues.

In addition to its low groundwater resources, Mauritania faces challenges related to water management and infrastructure, which can hinder effective use of existing water supplies. The reliance on groundwater in arid regions often necessitates sustainable management practices to ensure long-term availability for agricultural and domestic needs.

Israel

In 2013, Israel ranked 141 out of 188 countries in terms of total renewable groundwater resources, with a total of 1.225 cubic meters per year. This relatively low figure reflects the country's significant challenges regarding water scarcity, which is exacerbated by its arid climate and limited natural freshwater resources.

Various factors contribute to Israel's groundwater situation, including its geographical location in a predominantly desert region and high population density. The country has implemented advanced water management practices, such as desalination and wastewater recycling, to supplement its freshwater supply. Despite these efforts, the reliance on groundwater remains critical for agricultural and domestic use.

Notably, Israel's innovative water technologies have positioned it as a leader in water conservation and management, showcasing effective solutions to address water scarcity that could be beneficial for other nations facing similar challenges.

Slovakia

In 2013, Slovakia ranked 132nd out of 188 countries in terms of total renewable groundwater resources, with an estimated availability of 1.73 cubic meters per year per capita. This figure reflects the country's limited water resources, which can be influenced by geographical and climatic conditions.

Slovakia's groundwater resources are impacted by its topography, with mountainous regions that may restrict the natural replenishment of aquifers. Additionally, agricultural practices and industrial usage can further strain these vital water resources, making sustainable management crucial.

Interestingly, Slovakia is part of the Carpathian region, which is known for its rich biodiversity and ecological significance. The sustainable management of groundwater not only serves the needs of human consumption and agriculture but also plays a critical role in preserving the natural habitats and ecosystems within the country.

Lithuania

Lithuania ranks 142nd out of 188 countries in terms of total renewable groundwater resources as of the year 2013. The country has a reported total renewable groundwater resource of 1.1 cubic meters per year, which reflects its limited capacity to rely on groundwater as a sustainable water source.

This relatively low figure can be attributed to several factors, including Lithuania's geographical characteristics and its climate, which influences both surface water and groundwater replenishment. The country experiences a temperate climate with distinct seasons, which affects precipitation patterns and subsequently groundwater levels.

Additionally, Lithuania is part of the larger Baltic region, where water management practices and policies may also impact the availability of groundwater resources. The reliance on surface water sources, combined with the challenges of pollution and over-extraction, plays a significant role in the country's groundwater sustainability.

Seychelles

Seychelles ranks 185th out of 188 countries in terms of total renewable groundwater resources, with an alarming figure of 0 cubic meters per year. This statistic indicates that the archipelago, which consists of 115 islands, lacks significant groundwater resources for sustainable use.

The absence of renewable groundwater can be attributed to several factors, including the country's small land area, limited freshwater aquifers, and high susceptibility to climate change impacts. As a result, Seychelles relies heavily on rainwater harvesting and desalination for its freshwater supply.

Interestingly, despite its low groundwater resources, Seychelles is known for its biodiversity and stunning natural landscapes, which attract tourists and contribute to the economy. The country has made efforts to promote sustainable water management practices in light of its water scarcity challenges.

Iceland

Iceland ranks 57th out of 188 countries in terms of total renewable groundwater resources. In 2013, the country reported a total of 24 cubic meters per year of renewable groundwater resources. This relatively modest figure reflects Iceland's unique geological and climatic conditions, which include a high level of precipitation and extensive glacial meltwater.

The availability of groundwater in Iceland is influenced by its volcanic landscape, which allows for significant aquifer recharge. However, the country's low population density and limited agricultural demands mean that groundwater resources are not as heavily exploited as in more densely populated regions. Additionally, Iceland's focus on sustainable energy production and conservation practices contributes to the responsible management of its water resources.

Interestingly, Iceland is renowned for its abundant geothermal energy resources, which supply a significant portion of the country's energy needs, demonstrating a commitment to utilizing renewable energy sources alongside groundwater management.

Myanmar

In 2013, Myanmar ranked 7th out of 188 countries in terms of total renewable groundwater resources, boasting a significant volume of 453.7 cubic meters per year. This high ranking reflects the country's vast aquifer systems and the monsoonal climate, which replenishes groundwater supplies annually.

The abundance of renewable groundwater resources in Myanmar is crucial for agricultural practices, particularly in a nation where agriculture employs a large portion of the population. This resource is vital for irrigation, drinking water, and sustaining livelihoods, especially in rural areas.

Factors contributing to this substantial groundwater availability include the country's geographical features, such as its mountainous regions and river systems, combined with effective rainfall during the monsoon season. However, the management of these resources faces challenges such as over-extraction, pollution, and climate change impacts, which could threaten their sustainability in the future.

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