Total Renewable Groundwater Resources by Country 2015

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

The availability of total renewable groundwater resources by country is a crucial environmental metric that indicates how groundwater is naturally replenished and sustainably available for use. In 2015, this measure provided essential insights into global water resource management, highlighting disparities and opportunities in environmental stewardship. This article delves into the global patterns of groundwater resources, revealing geographic and environmental insights that help shape international water policies and conservation strategies.

Global Overview of Groundwater Resources in 2015

In 2015, the total renewable groundwater resources were measured across 188 countries, revealing significant variability in water availability. The United States led the world with an impressive 1,383 cubic meters per year, followed by China at 828.8 cubic meters and Russia at 788 cubic meters. These figures underscore the substantial groundwater reserves accessible to some of the world's largest nations, supporting their extensive agricultural and industrial activities. Conversely, small island nations such as Saint Vincent and the Grenadines, Tonga, and Samoa reported no renewable groundwater resources, highlighting the pressing need for alternative water management strategies in such regions.

Climate and Environmental Influences

Climate patterns play a pivotal role in the natural replenishment of groundwater resources. Countries with abundant rainfall, such as Brazil and Indonesia, which reported 645.6 and 457.4 cubic meters per year respectively, benefit significantly from regular precipitation that recharges their aquifers. In contrast, arid regions face challenges in replenishing groundwater, necessitating innovative conservation measures. The data from 2015 highlights the critical intersection of climatic conditions and groundwater availability, prompting countries to adopt sustainable practices that align with their environmental contexts. The Democratic Republic of the Congo, with 421 cubic meters per year, exemplifies how natural rainforest ecosystems contribute to significant groundwater reserves due to consistent rainfall.

Geographic Disparities in Groundwater Resources

Geographically, the data from 2015 reveals notable disparities in groundwater resources across continents. North America and Asia dominate with substantial reserves, as seen in the United States and China. However, African nations exhibit varied access to groundwater; while some, like the Democratic Republic of the Congo, enjoy ample reserves, others face scarcity. The data illustrates the need for tailored water management approaches that consider regional ecological and topographical conditions. Moreover, countries like Canada, with 370 cubic meters per year, benefit from vast natural landscapes conducive to groundwater replenishment, underscoring the influence of geology and geography on water resource availability.

Sustainability and Future Trends

The 2015 data on renewable groundwater resources underscores the urgency of sustainable management practices. Countries with abundant resources, such as Russia and India, reporting 788 and 432 cubic meters per year respectively, need to implement measures that prevent over-extraction and pollution, ensuring long-term resource availability. As water scarcity becomes a pressing global issue, nations are increasingly focusing on sustainable groundwater management practices that include monitoring, regulation, and community engagement. The stability of these resources also reflects the impact of international agreements and policies aimed at preserving the hydrological cycle and promoting cross-border cooperation in water management.

Policy Implications and International Cooperation

The disparities in groundwater resources highlighted by the 2015 data have significant policy implications. Countries with limited resources, particularly small island nations, require international support to develop desalination and water recycling technologies. Additionally, cross-border aquifers necessitate cooperative management strategies to prevent conflicts and ensure equitable distribution. The data underscores the importance of global frameworks like the United Nations Sustainable Development Goals, which emphasize the need for universal access to clean water and the sustainable management of water resources. Such international cooperation is vital in addressing the challenges posed by climate change and ensuring water security for future generations.

In summary, the total renewable groundwater resources by country in 2015 paint a complex picture of global water availability, influenced by climatic, geographic, and policy factors. This metric serves as a barometer for environmental health and a guide for sustainable water management practices worldwide.

Insights by country

Malawi

In 2015, Malawi ranked 124th out of 188 countries in terms of total renewable groundwater resources, with a reported availability of 2.5 cubic meters per year. This figure highlights the country's relatively limited groundwater resources, which are crucial for agricultural and domestic use.

The low total renewable groundwater resources in Malawi can be attributed to various factors, including the country's geographic features, climatic conditions, and seasonal rainfall patterns. The reliance on rain-fed agriculture exacerbates the challenges posed by water scarcity, particularly during periods of drought.

Additionally, Malawi's population growth and increasing demand for water resources put further pressure on its groundwater systems. It is noteworthy that groundwater serves as a vital source of drinking water for many Malawians, emphasizing the need for sustainable management of these resources to ensure water security for future generations.

Lebanon

In 2015, Lebanon ranked 122nd out of 188 countries in terms of total renewable groundwater resources, with an estimated availability of 3.2 cubic meters per year. This relatively low figure highlights the challenges Lebanon faces in managing its water resources, particularly in the context of increasing demand due to population growth and agricultural needs.

The limited groundwater resources can be attributed to several factors, including geographic constraints, climate variability, and over-extraction of water for domestic and agricultural use. Furthermore, the ongoing political instability and lack of effective water management policies have exacerbated the situation, leading to significant water stress in many regions of the country.

Interestingly, Lebanon's water scarcity is also influenced by its high population density and the presence of a large number of refugees, which has placed additional strain on the already limited water resources. This underscores the need for comprehensive water management strategies to ensure sustainable use and protect Lebanon's vital groundwater supplies.

Panama

In 2015, Panama ranked 61st out of 188 countries in terms of total renewable groundwater resources, with a reported value of 21 cubic meters per year. This statistic highlights the country's considerable reliance on its freshwater resources, which are vital for both human consumption and agricultural activities.

Panama's abundant rainfall, particularly in its tropical rainforest regions, contributes significantly to its renewable groundwater resources. Factors such as the country's geographical diversity and the presence of numerous rivers and lakes further enhance its water availability. However, challenges such as deforestation and urbanization pose risks to water quality and availability.

Additionally, it is noteworthy that Panama's total renewable groundwater resources are an essential part of the nation's efforts to manage water sustainably, particularly as it continues to develop economically. The importance of groundwater management is underscored by the increasing pressures from climate change and population growth.

Saint Vincent and the Grenadines

In 2015, 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 ranking indicates a significant scarcity of renewable groundwater resources, which can have profound implications for the country's water supply and agricultural practices.

The absence of renewable groundwater resources in Saint Vincent and the Grenadines can be attributed to its geographical and climatic conditions. The islands experience a tropical climate, characterized by seasonal rainfall, which may limit the replenishment of groundwater aquifers. Additionally, the topographical nature of the islands, being predominantly volcanic, may hinder the formation and retention of groundwater resources.

As a small island developing state, Saint Vincent and the Grenadines faces challenges related to water management, particularly in the context of climate change and increasing demand for freshwater. The reliance on surface water sources and rainwater harvesting becomes critical, as does the need for sustainable water management policies to ensure adequate water availability for its population and agricultural sectors.

Malta

In 2015, Malta ranked 165th out of 188 countries regarding total renewable groundwater resources, with a meager availability of 0.05 cubic meters per year. This low figure is reflective of the island nation's limited natural freshwater sources, exacerbated by its small land area and high population density.

Several factors contribute to Malta's scarcity of renewable groundwater. The Mediterranean climate, characterized by hot, dry summers and mild, wet winters, limits the replenishment of aquifers. Additionally, over-extraction of groundwater for agriculture and domestic use has further diminished the available resources, leading to concerns about sustainable water management.

Interestingly, Malta's situation underscores the broader challenges faced by small island nations regarding water security and resource management. While the country has made strides in utilizing desalination technology to meet water demand, the reliance on such methods highlights the critical need for effective conservation and management strategies to ensure long-term sustainability.

Timor-Leste

Timor-Leste ranks 146th out of 188 countries in terms of total renewable groundwater resources, with a reported value of 0.886 cubic meters per year. This statistic highlights the limited availability of freshwater resources, which poses challenges for agriculture, drinking water supply, and overall economic development in the country.

The relatively low level of renewable groundwater resources can be attributed to several factors, including Timor-Leste's geographical features, which consist of mountainous terrain and limited aquifer systems. Additionally, the country has faced environmental issues such as deforestation and soil erosion, which can further impact water availability.

In a broader context, access to safe and reliable water sources is critical for Timor-Leste's efforts to improve public health and support sustainable development. As a result, the government and various organizations are actively working to enhance water management practices and increase the resilience of water resources against climate change impacts.

Faroe Islands

In 2015, the Faroe Islands ranked 175th out of 188 countries regarding total renewable groundwater resources, with a reported value of 0 cubic meters per year. This statistic reflects the unique geographical and climatic conditions of the islands, which are characterized by a rugged landscape and a maritime climate that limits the availability of groundwater resources.

The absence of substantial renewable groundwater resources in the Faroe Islands can be attributed to several factors, including the islands' small size, high levels of precipitation, and reliance on surface water and rainfall for freshwater supplies. The population primarily depends on rainwater collection systems and surface water sources, which are abundant due to the islands' wet climate.

Additionally, the Faroe Islands are known for their sustainable management of natural resources, with a focus on environmental conservation. The lack of groundwater resources prompts the authorities to prioritize alternative water supply methods, ensuring a sustainable and reliable freshwater supply for the local population.

Azerbaijan

Azerbaijan ranks 94th out of 188 countries in terms of total renewable groundwater resources. In 2015, the country reported a total of 6.51 cubic meters per year of renewable groundwater resources. This figure reflects the availability of freshwater resources that can be replenished naturally through precipitation and other hydrological processes.

The relatively moderate amount of groundwater resources in Azerbaijan can be attributed to its geographical and climatic conditions, which include arid and semi-arid zones. Additionally, factors such as urbanization, agricultural practices, and industrial needs put pressure on these water resources, potentially leading to over-extraction and depletion.

It is noteworthy that Azerbaijan's water management strategies and policies are crucial for sustainability, especially given the increasing demand for water due to population growth and economic development. Furthermore, the country has been making efforts to improve its water governance and infrastructure to ensure better management of its limited freshwater resources.

Benin

In 2015, Benin ranked 131 out of 188 countries in terms of total renewable groundwater resources, with a reported value of 1.8 cubic meters per year. This statistic highlights the limited availability of renewable groundwater resources in the country, which can have significant implications for water supply and agricultural productivity.

The relatively low level of renewable groundwater resources in Benin may be influenced by various factors, including climatic conditions, population density, and agricultural practices. The nation experiences a tropical climate characterized by distinct wet and dry seasons, which can affect groundwater recharge rates.

Additionally, the pressure on water resources is exacerbated by increasing population growth and urbanization, leading to heightened demand for water for domestic, agricultural, and industrial purposes. These factors underscore the importance of sustainable water management practices to ensure long-term water security in Benin.

Mauritania

Mauritania ranks 157th out of 188 countries in terms of total renewable groundwater resources as of 2015. The nation has a notably low availability of 0.3 cubic meters per year of renewable groundwater resources per capita, highlighting significant challenges in water resource management.

This limited groundwater availability is primarily influenced by the country's arid climate and extensive desert landscapes, which contribute to low precipitation rates and high evaporation. Furthermore, population growth and agricultural practices increase the demand for water, exacerbating the scarcity.

As a result, Mauritania faces critical challenges in ensuring sustainable water supply for its population, particularly in rural areas where access to safe drinking water is limited. The situation underscores the need for innovative water management strategies and infrastructure development to address the pressing water needs of its citizens.

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