Total Renewable Groundwater Resources by Country 2017

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 "Total Renewable Groundwater Resources by Country" is a critical environmental metric that reflects the volume of groundwater naturally replenished and available for use worldwide. Measured in cubic meters per year, this statistic is crucial for understanding water availability, especially in the face of increasing global water scarcity. The 2017 data reveals significant disparities in groundwater resources among countries, highlighting the need for sustainable water management practices.

Overview of 2017 Groundwater Resources

In 2017, 188 countries reported data on total renewable groundwater resources, with a wide range in values from 0 to 1383 cubic meters per year. The United States topped the list with 1383 cubic meters, showcasing its significant groundwater reserves. China followed with 828.8 cubic meters, and Russia with 788 cubic meters, indicating their substantial groundwater endowments. Conversely, several island nations such as Saint Vincent and the Grenadines, Tonga, and Samoa reported no renewable groundwater resources, underscoring their vulnerability to water shortages.

Environmental Significance and Implications

The distribution and availability of renewable groundwater resources are influenced by various environmental factors, including climate patterns and geological formations. Regions with abundant rainfall and permeable soil structures, such as parts of North America and Asia, tend to have higher groundwater recharge rates. The differences in groundwater availability can have profound implications for ecosystems, agriculture, and human consumption. For instance, countries like Brazil and Indonesia, rich in renewable groundwater, can support diverse ecosystems and intensive agriculture, whereas arid regions must rely more on surface water or imported water resources.

Regional Variations and Comparisons

The 2017 data reveals distinct regional patterns in groundwater availability. North America, led by the United States, exhibits substantial groundwater resources, supporting its large agricultural sector and urban populations. Similarly, Asia's powerhouse economies, such as China and India, rely heavily on their considerable groundwater reserves to sustain agricultural production and growing urban centers. In contrast, island nations and some African countries face significant challenges due to low or negligible renewable groundwater resources, which could hinder their economic and social development.

Policy and Sustainability Challenges

The disparities in groundwater resources highlighted by the 2017 data underscore the importance of robust water management policies. Countries with abundant groundwater, like the United States and China, must focus on sustainable extraction to prevent resource depletion. Meanwhile, nations with limited groundwater must invest in alternative water sources, such as desalination or rainwater harvesting, and implement policies to enhance water-use efficiency. International cooperation and agreements are also crucial in transboundary aquifer management, ensuring equitable access and preventing potential conflicts over shared water resources.

Future Trends and Concerns

Looking forward, climate change poses significant challenges to the stability of renewable groundwater resources. Changes in precipitation patterns and the frequency of extreme weather events could alter recharge rates, affecting groundwater availability. Countries must anticipate these changes and adapt their water management strategies accordingly. The integration of advanced technologies in monitoring and managing groundwater resources will be paramount in ensuring their sustainable use and availability for future generations.

In conclusion, the "Total Renewable Groundwater Resources by Country" metric for 2017 provides essential insights into global water availability and highlights the pressing need for sustainable water management practices. The significant disparities in groundwater resources across countries point to the importance of tailored policies and international cooperation in addressing water scarcity challenges and ensuring a sustainable future.

Insights by country

Equatorial Guinea

In 2017, Equatorial Guinea ranked 83rd out of 188 countries in terms of total renewable groundwater resources, with a reported value of 10 cubic meters per year. This statistic highlights the country’s limited freshwater availability compared to many other nations, which can impact agricultural practices, drinking water supply, and overall sustainability.

The relatively low figure can be attributed to several factors, including the country’s geographic characteristics and climate, which limit the recharge of aquifers. Additionally, the reliance on rainfall and surface water resources for the majority of the population's water needs places significant pressure on the already scarce groundwater supplies.

It is also worth noting that Equatorial Guinea, despite its wealth from oil reserves, faces challenges in water management and infrastructure development, which can affect the efficient use of available water resources. As a comparison, many countries with similar economic profiles tend to have more developed systems for managing both surface and groundwater resources.

Malawi

In 2017, Malawi ranked 124th out of 188 countries in terms of total renewable groundwater resources, with a value of 2.5 cubic meters per year. This statistic highlights the country's limited freshwater availability, which is critical for agriculture, drinking water, and sanitation.

The relatively low figure for renewable groundwater resources can be attributed to a combination of factors, including climatic variability, population pressure on water resources, and land use changes. Additionally, Malawi's reliance on rainfed agriculture makes the country particularly vulnerable to droughts, which can exacerbate water scarcity issues.

Malawi's water resource challenges are further compounded by its increasing population, which places additional stress on existing sources. Approximately 80% of the population depends on agriculture for their livelihood, making sustainable water management vital for food security and economic stability.

Belgium

In 2017, Belgium ranked 144th out of 188 countries in terms of total renewable groundwater resources, with a reported value of 0.9 cubic meters per year. This low ranking highlights the limited availability of renewable groundwater resources in the country, which can impact agricultural practices, water supply, and overall sustainability.

Several factors contribute to Belgium's groundwater resource situation, including its geographical characteristics, urbanization, and industrial activities. The dense population and extensive urban development have led to increased water demand, putting pressure on existing water resources and complicating their management.

Additionally, Belgium is known for its well-developed water management policies, which aim to optimize water use and protect groundwater quality. However, the country's reliance on surface water sources and the complexity of its hydrological systems can create challenges in achieving long-term water sustainability.

Cameroon

In 2017, Cameroon ranked 23rd out of 188 countries in terms of total renewable groundwater resources, with an estimated availability of 100 cubic meters per year. This significant ranking reflects the country's substantial groundwater reserves, which are crucial for supporting agricultural activities, drinking water supply, and sanitation.

The high availability of renewable groundwater resources in Cameroon can be attributed to its diverse climatic zones and abundant rainfall in certain regions, which contribute to the replenishment of aquifers. However, challenges such as population growth, urbanization, and climate change pose threats to the sustainability of these water resources.

Additionally, it is noteworthy that while Cameroon has rich groundwater resources, approximately 30% of the population still lacks access to clean drinking water. This disparity highlights the need for improved water management and infrastructure to harness these resources more effectively.

Afghanistan

In 2017, Afghanistan ranked 81st out of 188 countries in terms of total renewable groundwater resources, with a notable value of 10.65 cubic meters per year. This figure reflects the country's reliance on groundwater for agricultural and domestic use, particularly given its arid and semi-arid climate.

The relatively low renewable groundwater resources in Afghanistan can be attributed to various factors, including geographical challenges, such as mountainous terrain and limited rainfall, which restrict natural water accumulation. Additionally, ongoing conflict has hindered the development of proper water management infrastructure, impacting the accessibility and sustainability of these resources.

Moreover, Afghanistan's agricultural sector, which employs a significant portion of the population, heavily depends on irrigation from groundwater, making the management of these resources crucial for food security and economic stability. Enhancing groundwater management practices could improve resilience against droughts and support sustainable development in the region.

Benin

In 2017, Benin ranked 131 out of 188 countries in terms of total renewable groundwater resources, with a notable value of 1.8 cubic meters per year. This statistic highlights the country's limited freshwater availability, which can have significant implications for agricultural practices, drinking water supply, and overall economic development.

The relatively low volume of renewable groundwater resources in Benin can be attributed to several factors, including its geographical location, climate variability, and population pressure on water resources. Moreover, the country faces challenges such as inadequate infrastructure for water management and seasonal fluctuations in rainfall, which can exacerbate water scarcity.

Additionally, it is important to recognize that Benin's reliance on groundwater is critical for sustaining its agricultural sector, which employs a large portion of the population. As a result, concerted efforts toward improved water resource management and conservation strategies are essential to support both the economy and the well-being of its citizens.

Armenia

In 2017, Armenia ranked 112th out of 188 countries in terms of total renewable groundwater resources, with a total of 4.311 cubic meters per year per capita. This figure highlights the country's limited freshwater resources, which are crucial for agricultural, industrial, and domestic use.

The relatively low volume of renewable groundwater can be attributed to several factors, including geographical features, climate conditions, and water management practices. Armenia's mountainous terrain and continental climate contribute to variations in water availability throughout the year, often leading to seasonal shortages.

Moreover, water scarcity issues in Armenia are exacerbated by factors such as increased urbanization, agricultural demands, and the impacts of climate change. As a landlocked country with a history of political and economic challenges, effective management of water resources remains a critical concern for sustainable development.

Bangladesh

In 2017, Bangladesh ranked 60th out of 188 countries in terms of total renewable groundwater resources, with a reported volume of 21.122 cubic meters per year. This statistic highlights the significant availability of groundwater resources in Bangladesh, which is crucial for the country's agricultural and drinking water needs.

The substantial groundwater resources are influenced by the country's extensive river systems and monsoon climate, which contribute to replenishing aquifers. However, the over-extraction of groundwater for irrigation and domestic use poses sustainability challenges, raising concerns about water quality and long-term availability.

Additionally, Bangladesh's vulnerability to climate change, including increased flooding and salinity intrusion, further complicates the management of these vital water resources. The reliance on groundwater for nearly 90% of rural drinking water supply underscores its importance in supporting the livelihoods of millions of people across the country.

Barbados

In 2017, Barbados ranked 163rd out of 188 countries in terms of total renewable groundwater resources, with a measured value of 0.074 cubic meters per year. This low figure reflects the island's limited freshwater resources, which are primarily dependent on rainfall and surface water sources.

The scarcity of renewable groundwater resources in Barbados can be attributed to its geographic and climatic conditions, including high population density and a tropical climate that experiences seasonal variations in rainfall. Furthermore, the island's porous limestone geology allows for rapid drainage of rainwater, reducing the availability of groundwater recharge.

As a result, the management of water resources is critical for Barbados, where over 90% of the population relies on groundwater for drinking water and agricultural needs. The government has implemented various conservation and management strategies to address these challenges, emphasizing sustainable practices to ensure water security.

Albania

In 2017, Albania ranked 97th out of 188 countries in terms of total renewable groundwater resources, with a reported value of 6.2 cubic meters per year. This statistic underscores the significance of groundwater as a crucial resource for the nation's agricultural and domestic needs, particularly in rural areas where surface water may be less accessible.

The total renewable groundwater resources in Albania reflect the country's varied topography and climate, which influence water availability. Factors such as geological formations, precipitation patterns, and human activities, including water extraction for irrigation and urban consumption, play a vital role in determining the sustainability of these resources.

Moreover, the management of groundwater resources is essential for ensuring long-term water security in Albania, especially given the challenges posed by climate change and increased demand from population growth and economic development. Effective policies and practices are needed to safeguard these vital resources for future generations.

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