Total Renewable Groundwater Resources by Country 2016

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 study of "Total Renewable Groundwater Resources by Country" for 2016 offers a compelling glimpse into the world's environmental dynamics. This metric, measured in cubic meters per year, indicates the total volume of groundwater that is naturally replenished within each country. Understanding these statistics is crucial for shaping water management policies and ensuring sustainable usage. This analysis covers insights into global trends, geographical disparities, and the impact of environmental factors on groundwater resources.

Global Context and Significance in 2016

In 2016, renewable groundwater resources were a critical focus worldwide as countries sought to balance ecological sustainability with the needs of growing populations and industrial demands. The significance of this metric lies not only in its environmental implications but also in its socio-economic impact, as water scarcity can affect agriculture, industry, and health sectors. The average renewable groundwater resource across 188 countries was 56.77 cubic meters per year, with a stark contrast between the highest and lowest resource availability.

Top Contributors to Global Groundwater Resources

The United States led the world with an impressive 1383 cubic meters per year of renewable groundwater, reflecting its vast geographical landscape and varied climate. Following closely were China, Russia, and Brazil, with 828.8, 788, and 645.6 cubic meters respectively. These countries benefit from extensive river systems and favorable climatic conditions that contribute to their high groundwater recharge rates. Notably, these top contributors also hold significant global economic power, suggesting a correlation between resource availability and economic strength.

The Zero Groundwater Challenge: Countries with Minimal Resources

At the opposite end of the spectrum, several countries reported negligible or zero renewable groundwater resources in 2016. Small island nations such as Saint Vincent and the Grenadines, Tonga, and Samoa were among those with no significant groundwater recharge. This absence highlights the vulnerability of these countries to water scarcity, exacerbated by their reliance on rainfall and limited land mass. The challenge for these nations is significant, requiring innovative water management strategies and international support to ensure water security.

Climate Influence on Groundwater Availability

Climate plays a pivotal role in determining the availability of renewable groundwater resources. Regions with high rainfall and favorable geological conditions naturally have higher groundwater recharge rates. The data from 2016 emphasizes the impact of climate on water availability, with countries like Indonesia and Brazil benefiting from their tropical climates and abundant rainfall. This underscores the necessity for climate adaptation strategies to mitigate the effects of climate change on water resources, particularly in regions prone to drought and water scarcity.

Regional Disparities and Their Implications

Analysis of the 2016 data reveals significant regional disparities in renewable groundwater resources. North America and parts of Asia boast high resources, a stark contrast to regions in Africa and the Middle East, where water scarcity is more pronounced. These disparities have far-reaching implications, affecting agricultural productivity, economic development, and social stability. Countries with limited resources may experience heightened competition for water, leading to potential conflicts and necessitating international cooperation and innovative resource management approaches.

In conclusion, the "Total Renewable Groundwater Resources by Country" data from 2016 offers invaluable insights into the global water landscape. It highlights the critical need for effective water management policies and international collaboration to ensure sustainable use of this vital resource. As climate change continues to affect global water cycles, understanding and optimizing groundwater resources will remain a priority for governments, environmentalists, and industries worldwide.

Insights by country

Colombia

In 2016, Colombia ranked 5th out of 188 countries in terms of total renewable groundwater resources, with a significant volume of 510 cubic meters per year. This impressive ranking highlights Colombia's abundant water resources, which are essential for agriculture, domestic use, and industrial activities.

The country's extensive river systems and diverse climatic zones contribute to its substantial groundwater reserves. Particularly, the Andean region and the Amazon basin play vital roles in replenishing these resources. Factors such as the country's varied topography and rich biodiversity enhance the capacity for groundwater recharge, making it a crucial element for sustainable development.

Furthermore, it is important to note that Colombia's high ranking in renewable groundwater resources underscores the necessity for sustainable water management practices to address challenges such as urbanization, climate change, and pollution, which can threaten these vital resources in the future.

Eritrea

Eritrea ranks 152nd out of 188 countries in terms of total renewable groundwater resources, with a value of 0.5 cubic meters per year. This limited availability of groundwater resources poses significant challenges for the country's agricultural productivity and overall water security.

The scarcity of groundwater in Eritrea can be attributed to a combination of factors, including its arid and semi-arid climate, which limits precipitation, and the geographical features that affect the replenishment of aquifers. Additionally, the country's ongoing socio-political issues and infrastructure challenges have hindered the development of effective water management systems.

With such minimal renewable groundwater resources, Eritrea faces difficulties in meeting the water needs of its population, which can impact health, agriculture, and economic development. In a broader context, countries with similar water scarcity issues often rely on international aid and innovative water conservation strategies to mitigate the impacts of limited resources.

Cambodia

Cambodia ranks 66th out of 188 countries in terms of total renewable groundwater resources. In 2016, the country had a total of 17.6 cubic meters per year of renewable groundwater resources available for use. This statistic highlights Cambodia's reliance on groundwater, which is critical for agriculture, drinking water, and sanitation.

The availability of renewable groundwater resources in Cambodia is influenced by several factors, including its geographical and climatic conditions. The country experiences a tropical monsoon climate, which contributes to the replenishment of groundwater supplies during the wet season. However, challenges such as water pollution, over-extraction, and climate change pose threats to the sustainability of these resources.

Additionally, approximately 85% of the Cambodian population relies on groundwater as their primary source of drinking water, underscoring the importance of effective water management practices to ensure access to clean water for future generations.

Bahrain

Bahrain ranks 160th out of 188 countries in terms of total renewable groundwater resources as of 2016. The nation has an estimated total renewable groundwater resource of only 0.112 cubic meters per year, highlighting its severe water scarcity.

This limited availability of groundwater is primarily due to Bahrain's arid climate, characterized by low annual rainfall and high evaporation rates. The island's small size and growing population further exacerbate the demand for freshwater resources, leading to increased reliance on desalination and alternative water supply methods.

As a significant fact, Bahrain is one of the countries that have invested heavily in desalination technologies, producing the majority of its drinking water from seawater rather than relying on groundwater, which is increasingly depleted. This reliance emphasizes the critical need for sustainable water management practices in the face of persistent water scarcity challenges.

Antigua and Barbuda

In 2016, Antigua and Barbuda ranked 171 out of 188 countries in terms of total renewable groundwater resources, with a reported value of 0 cubic meters per year. This statistic indicates a significant limitation in the country's freshwater resources, highlighting the challenges faced in water supply and management.

The absence of renewable groundwater resources in Antigua and Barbuda can be attributed to its geographical features, where the predominantly limestone terrain does not facilitate groundwater recharge. Additionally, the islands' tropical climate, characterized by a seasonal rainfall pattern, further complicates the availability and sustainability of freshwater sources.

Consequently, this scarcity of groundwater has necessitated reliance on alternative sources, such as rainwater harvesting and desalination, to meet the water demands of the population and tourism sector. It is noteworthy that many Caribbean nations face similar challenges, underscoring the importance of sustainable water management practices in the region.

Djibouti

In 2016, Djibouti ranked 169th out of 188 countries in terms of total renewable groundwater resources, with a mere 0.015 cubic meters per year. This minimal figure highlights the severe water scarcity facing the country, which is compounded by its arid climate and limited rainfall.

The low availability of renewable groundwater resources in Djibouti can be attributed to several factors, including its geographic location in the Horn of Africa, which is characterized by high temperatures and low precipitation. Additionally, the country's infrastructure for water management is underdeveloped, exacerbating the challenges associated with water supply and access.

Furthermore, Djibouti's rapid urbanization and population growth have heightened the demand for water resources, placing additional strain on already limited supplies. As a result, the government and international organizations are increasingly focusing on sustainable water management strategies to address these pressing challenges.

Botswana

Botswana ranks 133rd out of 188 countries in terms of total renewable groundwater resources as of 2016. The country has an estimated 1.7 cubic meters of renewable groundwater resources per year, a figure that reflects the limited availability of freshwater resources in the region.

This low level of groundwater resources can be attributed to Botswana's predominantly arid climate, characterized by low rainfall and high evaporation rates. The Kalahari Desert covers much of the country, contributing to the challenges in water resource management and agricultural development.

Furthermore, the reliance on groundwater for domestic and agricultural use increases the pressure on these limited resources, making sustainable management crucial. In comparison, neighboring countries may have varying levels of groundwater availability, highlighting the importance of regional cooperation in water resource management.

Iraq

Iraq ranks 121st out of 188 countries in terms of total renewable groundwater resources as of 2016. The country possesses approximately 3.28 cubic meters per year of renewable groundwater resources per capita, which reflects significant challenges in water availability and management.

This statistic is influenced by a combination of factors, including Iraq's geographic location in a semi-arid region, ongoing conflicts, and the effects of climate change that have exacerbated water scarcity. Additionally, the mismanagement of water resources and the over-extraction of groundwater have further strained the already limited supplies.

Interestingly, Iraq's situation highlights the critical importance of sustainable water management practices, as over 90% of its water resources are derived from the Tigris and Euphrates rivers. As the population grows and demands on water resources increase, effective strategies will be necessary to address these challenges and improve water security for the nation's future.

Belgium

In 2016, Belgium ranked 144th out of 188 countries in terms of total renewable groundwater resources, with an estimated availability of 0.9 cubic meters per year. This relatively low figure can be attributed to Belgium's dense population and extensive urban development, which increases water demand while limiting natural replenishment of groundwater sources.

Additionally, Belgium's climate and hydrological conditions, characterized by significant rainfall and a network of rivers, may also influence the reliance on surface water rather than groundwater resources. The country's groundwater is crucial for various sectors, including agriculture, industry, and drinking water supply, making sustainable management essential.

As a member of the European Union, Belgium is subject to regulations aimed at protecting and managing water resources, which may help address the challenges posed by its limited groundwater availability. Furthermore, the country has made strides in implementing water conservation practices and innovative technologies to optimize water usage.

El Salvador

In 2016, El Salvador ranked 99th out of 188 countries in terms of total renewable groundwater resources, with a reported value of 6.15 cubic meters per year. This statistic reflects the country's limited freshwater availability, which is a critical concern given its agricultural dependency and growing population.

The relatively low amount of renewable groundwater resources can be attributed to several factors, including climate change, deforestation, and pollution. These elements have contributed to the depletion and contamination of water sources, exacerbating water scarcity issues in the region.

Moreover, El Salvador's geography and topography, characterized by mountainous terrain and volcanic activity, influence the hydrological cycle and the distribution of groundwater. As a result, the country faces challenges in managing its water resources effectively, making water conservation and sustainable management practices essential for ensuring long-term water security.

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