Total Renewable Groundwater Resources by Country 2014

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

In 2014, the measurement of Total Renewable Groundwater Resources by Country provided critical insights into the sustainable availability of groundwater globally. This metric, expressed in cubic meters per year, reflects the volume of groundwater naturally replenished, forming a vital component of each nation's water resource management. Understanding these dynamics is essential for assessing environmental sustainability, water security, and socio-economic development across the globe.

Geographic Distribution of Groundwater Resources

The distribution of renewable groundwater resources across countries in 2014 reveals significant geographic variations. Dominating the list, the United States boasted the highest volume of renewable groundwater at 1383 cubic meters per year. This abundance underscores the vast aquifer systems spread across the American landscape. Following the U.S., China and Russia recorded substantial figures of 828.8 and 788 cubic meters per year, respectively, highlighting their expansive territories and diverse climatic zones that facilitate groundwater recharge.

Conversely, several island nations such as Saint Vincent and the Grenadines, Tonga, and Samoa reported negligible renewable groundwater resources. These countries face unique challenges due to their limited landmass, which restricts the natural replenishment of groundwater, thus emphasizing the need for alternative water management strategies.

Sustainability Challenges and Environmental Impacts

The disparity in renewable groundwater resources raises important sustainability questions. For instance, large nations with significant groundwater availability may face challenges related to over-extraction and contamination, which can lead to long-term depletion. In contrast, nations with minimal resources must grapple with ensuring water security in the face of population growth and climate change. In 2014, the average total renewable groundwater resources per country stood at 56.77 cubic meters per year, with a median value of just 6.51 cubic meters, indicating significant skewness due to the high volumes in a few large countries.

This uneven distribution necessitates tailored strategies for resource management, focusing on sustainable extraction practices, recharge enhancement, and pollution control to maintain the ecological balance and support human needs.

The Role of Climate in Groundwater Replenishment

Climate plays a pivotal role in the natural replenishment of groundwater resources. Regions with high precipitation rates, such as the tropical zones of Brazil (645.6 cubic meters per year) and Indonesia (457.4 cubic meters per year), naturally possess higher renewable groundwater volumes due to frequent rainfall and effective natural recharge processes. However, climate change poses a significant threat as shifts in precipitation patterns may alter these dynamics, potentially reducing groundwater availability in historically abundant regions.

Moreover, countries like Canada, despite its vast water resources, must account for climatic variations that could impact recharge rates. Therefore, understanding and adapting to these climatic influences remains critical for future water resource planning and resilience building.

Policy Implications and Strategic Resource Management

The data from 2014 underscores the necessity for robust policy frameworks that address the sustainable management of groundwater resources. Countries with high groundwater availability, such as India (432 cubic meters per year) and the Democratic Republic of Congo (421 cubic meters per year), must implement policies that balance extraction with conservation to prevent resource depletion. This involves integrating groundwater management into national water policies, promoting efficient water use practices, and investing in infrastructure for water storage and distribution.

For countries at the lower end of the spectrum, international cooperation, technological innovation, and investment in desalination and rainwater harvesting could be pivotal in enhancing water security. Additionally, collaborative efforts through transboundary water management agreements can help optimize the use and protection of shared water resources.

Future Outlook and Global Trends

Going forward, the interplay between groundwater availability and socio-economic factors will increasingly influence global water management strategies. Urbanization, industrialization, and agricultural demands continue to exert pressure on groundwater systems, necessitating adaptive measures that integrate technological innovation, environmental stewardship, and community engagement. As climate change exacerbates water scarcity issues, countries must prioritize resilient strategies to safeguard their renewable groundwater resources.

In conclusion, the 2014 data on Total Renewable Groundwater Resources by Country highlights the critical need for informed and proactive management of this precious resource. By addressing the challenges and opportunities presented by geographic distribution, climate influences, and policy implications, nations can work toward achieving sustainable water security, ensuring the well-being of their populations and ecosystems alike.

Insights by country

Angola

In 2014, Angola ranked 33rd out of 188 countries in terms of total renewable groundwater resources, with an estimated availability of 58 cubic meters per year per capita. This statistic highlights the significant water resource potential in Angola, which is crucial for its agricultural and economic development.

The country's abundant groundwater resources can be attributed to its diverse climatic conditions and geological formations. However, the effective management and sustainable use of these resources remain challenges, particularly in rural areas where access to clean water is limited. Factors such as population growth, urbanization, and climate variability can impact groundwater levels and quality.

Moreover, Angola's reliance on agriculture, which employs a large portion of the population, underscores the importance of groundwater resources for food security. As of 2014, the country was working on improving its water management policies to ensure that its groundwater resources are utilized sustainably to support its development goals.

Fiji

In 2014, Fiji ranked 107 out of 188 countries in terms of total renewable groundwater resources, with an estimated 5.273 cubic meters per year available per capita. This statistic highlights the significance of freshwater resources for the island nation, which relies heavily on groundwater for drinking water and agriculture.

The relatively modest volume of renewable groundwater can be attributed to Fiji's geographical characteristics, including its small landmass and the impact of climate variability on water availability. Additionally, the country's reliance on rainfall for freshwater supplies means that groundwater resources can fluctuate significantly, particularly during periods of drought or extreme weather events.

Fiji's growing population and increasing demand for water due to urbanization and tourism further strain these renewable resources. Sustainable management practices are crucial to ensure long-term water availability, especially as climate change poses challenges to traditional water sources.

Luxembourg

In 2014, Luxembourg ranked 162nd out of 188 countries in terms of total renewable groundwater resources, with a reported value of 0.08 cubic meters per year. This low figure reflects the country's limited natural aquifer systems and the small size of its geographical area, which constrains the volume of groundwater that can be sustainably extracted.

The factors influencing this statistic include Luxembourg's urbanized landscape and substantial development in infrastructure, which can affect groundwater recharge and availability. Additionally, the country's reliance on surface water sources for drinking and industrial use may further limit the emphasis on groundwater resources.

Interestingly, Luxembourg's situation is not unique among small European nations. Many such countries face similar challenges due to limited land area and high population density, which can lead to increased competition for water resources and necessitate careful management strategies to ensure sustainability.

Cabo Verde

Cabo Verde ranks 158th out of 188 countries in terms of total renewable groundwater resources as of 2014. The nation's total renewable groundwater resources are estimated at 0.124 cubic meters per year, reflecting the significant challenges it faces in water resource management.

The low availability of groundwater in Cabo Verde can be attributed to its geographical characteristics, including its status as an archipelago with a predominantly dry climate and limited freshwater sources. The scarcity of rain and high evaporation rates further exacerbate the water shortage, making effective water management crucial for the country's sustainability.

In addition to groundwater scarcity, Cabo Verde has made strides in addressing its water needs through initiatives aimed at enhancing water efficiency and exploring alternative water sources like desalination. The country's unique challenges highlight the importance of integrating innovative solutions to ensure water security for its population.

Saint Vincent and the Grenadines

In 2014, Saint Vincent and the Grenadines ranked 182nd out of 188 countries in terms of total renewable groundwater resources, with a reported value of 0 cubic meters per year. This statistic highlights a significant limitation in the country's freshwater resources, which is critical for sustaining both its population and agricultural activities.

The lack of renewable groundwater resources can be attributed to various factors, including the island's geology, which may not support substantial aquifer formations, as well as the effects of climate change that can exacerbate water scarcity. Additionally, the topography of Saint Vincent and the Grenadines, characterized by mountainous terrain, can lead to rapid runoff and limit the recharge of groundwater supplies.

Interestingly, the reliance on surface water resources and rainwater harvesting systems is prevalent in the region, as countries with limited groundwater supplies often invest in alternative water management strategies. The situation underscores the need for sustainable practices and infrastructure development to ensure water security for the inhabitants of Saint Vincent and the Grenadines.

Albania

In 2014, Albania ranked 97th out of 188 countries in terms of total renewable groundwater resources, with an estimated availability of 6.2 cubic meters per year. This statistic reflects the country's relatively modest groundwater resources compared to other nations, which can impact agricultural practices, water supply, and overall economic development.

The availability of groundwater in Albania is influenced by various factors, including the country's geography, climate, and human activities. The mountainous terrain and seasonal precipitation patterns contribute to the recharge of groundwater aquifers, but challenges such as pollution and over-extraction can threaten these resources.

Additionally, Albania's reliance on hydropower for energy generation underscores the importance of water resources in supporting its economy. As a country striving for sustainable development, effective management of its groundwater resources will be crucial for ensuring water security and supporting future growth.

Australia

In 2014, Australia ranked 27th out of 188 countries in terms of total renewable groundwater resources, with an estimated availability of 72 cubic meters per year. This statistic underscores the significance of groundwater in Australia's water management strategy, particularly in arid and semi-arid regions where surface water resources are limited.

The country's substantial groundwater resources are influenced by its diverse climate and geography, with vast areas experiencing low rainfall and high evaporation rates. As a result, groundwater serves as a critical resource for agricultural irrigation, drinking water supply, and industrial use, especially in the more remote and rural areas of Australia.

Furthermore, the reliance on groundwater resources has raised concerns regarding sustainability and management practices, as over-extraction can lead to depletion and degradation of these vital resources. As of 2014, the Australian government has been actively implementing policies to ensure the sustainable use of groundwater, balancing the needs of agriculture and the environment.

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. This statistic indicates that the nation does not have significant renewable groundwater resources available for use, which can impact water supply and agricultural practices.

The lack of renewable groundwater resources in Samoa can be attributed to its geological and climatic conditions, which feature a predominance of volcanic rock formations and high rainfall levels that do not contribute to large groundwater aquifers. Instead, the country relies heavily on surface water and rainwater harvesting for its freshwater needs.

It is noteworthy that reliance on alternative water sources can pose challenges, especially during periods of drought or climate variability, impacting food security and public health. In addition, Samoa's geographical isolation and small landmass further exacerbate the difficulties in water resource management.

Zambia

Zambia ranks 38th out of 188 countries in terms of total renewable groundwater resources. In 2014, the country had a total renewable groundwater resource of 47 cubic meters per year. This substantial volume of groundwater is vital for agricultural irrigation, drinking water supply, and industrial use in a nation where surface water resources can be limited and seasonal.

The availability of groundwater in Zambia is influenced by various factors, including the country's geological formations, rainfall patterns, and the efficiency of water management practices. The reliance on groundwater is particularly significant in rural areas, where access to clean and safe drinking water remains a challenge.

Additionally, Zambia experiences periodic droughts, which can strain surface water resources, making groundwater an essential buffer against water scarcity. It is noteworthy that sustainable management of these groundwater resources is critical given the pressures from population growth and climate change, which may affect future availability.

Costa Rica

Costa Rica ranks 48th out of 188 countries in terms of total renewable groundwater resources as of the year 2014. The country possesses approximately 37.31 cubic meters per year of renewable groundwater resources, indicative of its rich hydrological landscape.

This substantial availability of groundwater resources can be attributed to Costa Rica's diverse ecosystems, which include tropical rainforests and mountainous regions that facilitate the natural replenishment of aquifers. Furthermore, the nation's commitment to environmental conservation has played a crucial role in maintaining water quality and availability.

Notably, Costa Rica has made significant strides in sustainable water management, which is essential for supporting its agricultural sector and the growing demands of ecotourism. Additionally, the country has been recognized internationally for its efforts in preserving biodiversity and promoting sustainable practices, which may further enhance its groundwater resources in the future.

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