Total Renewable Groundwater Resources by Country 2018

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 2018, the measure of total renewable groundwater resources by country provided critical insights into the environmental landscape and the availability of one of the most essential natural resources—water. Total renewable groundwater represents the volume of groundwater that is naturally replenished and available for use, combining both internally generated and externally sourced resources. This metric is crucial for understanding water security, sustainability trends, and potential geopolitical implications across the globe.

Global Resource Allocation in 2018

The allocation of renewable groundwater resources in 2018 showcased a significant disparity among countries worldwide. The United States led the list with an impressive 1383 cubic meters per year, followed by China at 828.8 cubic meters per year. These figures underline the capability of these nations to sustain large populations and extensive agricultural demands. Meanwhile, Russia, Brazil, and Colombia also featured prominently, reflecting their vast territories and rich natural endowments. However, a striking observation is the complete lack of renewable groundwater resources in smaller countries such as Saint Vincent and the Grenadines, Singapore, and Grenada, highlighting the challenges these nations face in achieving water security.

Environmental Sustainability and Water Management

Effective management of groundwater resources is pivotal for sustainable development, especially for countries with significant agricultural and industrial sectors. Countries like India, with a considerable 432 cubic meters per year of renewable groundwater, must continually innovate in water conservation techniques to support its growing population and economic activities. Similarly, nations with ample resources, such as Canada and Indonesia, have the responsibility to manage these reserves sustainably to mitigate the risks of over-extraction and environmental degradation. The 2018 data highlights the importance of implementing policies that balance economic growth with resource sustainability, ensuring that future generations have access to essential water supplies.

Climatic and Geographical Influences

Climatic conditions and geographical features play a significant role in the distribution of renewable groundwater resources. Countries with diverse topographies and abundant rainfall, such as Brazil (645.6 cubic meters) and Indonesia (457.4 cubic meters), benefit from higher groundwater replenishment rates. In contrast, arid and semi-arid regions generally face more significant challenges in maintaining renewable groundwater reserves due to limited precipitation and higher evaporation rates. These patterns emphasize the need for region-specific strategies to enhance water resource management tailored to climatic and geographical conditions.

Regional Disparities and Policy Implications

The stark differences in renewable groundwater availability across regions in 2018 call for targeted policy interventions. Developed nations with abundant resources, like the United States and Canada, have the potential to pioneer technological advancements in water management that could be shared globally. Conversely, countries with limited resources must prioritize international cooperation and investment in water infrastructure to improve their resilience. The global nature of water resource challenges underscores the necessity for collaborative efforts to ensure equitable access and sustainable management practices, aligning with international agreements like the United Nations' Sustainable Development Goals.

Future Projections and Emerging Trends

Looking forward, the trends observed in 2018 signal the need for enhanced focus on water conservation, climate adaptation, and international collaboration. As climate change continues to impact rainfall patterns and water availability, proactive measures are essential to safeguard renewable groundwater resources. Future projections suggest that countries with already scarce resources will face increasing pressures, highlighting the urgency for innovative solutions and effective governance frameworks. The 2018 data serves as a baseline for tracking progress and identifying areas where intensified efforts are required to secure a sustainable water future for all.

In conclusion, the total renewable groundwater resources by country in 2018 illustrate the vital role that water plays in global sustainability and development. By understanding the distribution and management of these resources, policymakers and stakeholders can work towards ensuring that groundwater remains a viable and equitable resource for generations to come.

Insights by country

Uganda

In 2018, Uganda ranked 53rd out of 188 countries in terms of total renewable groundwater resources, with 29 cubic meters per year per capita. This statistic highlights the country's significant reliance on groundwater as a vital resource for agriculture, drinking water, and sanitation.

The availability of renewable groundwater resources in Uganda can be influenced by various factors, including the country's geography, climate patterns, and land use practices. The presence of numerous lakes and wetlands, coupled with a tropical climate, contributes to the replenishment of these groundwater resources.

Furthermore, as Uganda continues to develop, the demand for water resources is expected to increase due to population growth and urbanization, which may place additional pressure on these renewable groundwater supplies. It is essential for the government and stakeholders to manage these resources sustainably to ensure long-term availability for future generations.

Tajikistan

Tajikistan ranks 103rd out of 188 countries in terms of total renewable groundwater resources as of 2018. The country has an estimated 6 cubic meters per year of renewable groundwater resources per capita, highlighting significant water scarcity issues faced by its population.

This limited availability of groundwater is influenced by several factors, including the country's mountainous terrain, which affects water retention and aquifer replenishment, as well as the impacts of climate change that alter precipitation patterns and reduce snowmelt from glaciers, a critical water source for the region.

Additionally, Tajikistan's reliance on agriculture, which consumes a substantial portion of its water resources, exacerbates the pressure on its already constrained groundwater supplies. In this context, sustainable water management practices are essential for the country's economic stability and food security.

Sao Tome and Principe

Sao Tome and Principe ranks 184th out of 188 countries in terms of total renewable groundwater resources, with a reported value of 0 cubic meters per year for the year 2018. This statistic indicates a significant scarcity of groundwater resources, which is critical for potable water supply and agricultural activities.

The lack of renewable groundwater resources in Sao Tome and Principe can be attributed to a combination of geographical and climatic factors, including its small island size and the relatively high levels of rainfall that do not translate into substantial groundwater recharge. Additionally, the country's infrastructure for water resource management may not be sufficiently developed to harness and store available water effectively.

Interestingly, while the country has limited groundwater resources, it relies heavily on surface water sources for its freshwater supply. The total reliance on these sources poses challenges during periods of drought, emphasizing the importance of sustainable water management practices to ensure water security for its population.

Eritrea

Eritrea ranks 152nd out of 188 countries in terms of total renewable groundwater resources. In the year 2018, Eritrea's total renewable groundwater resources were recorded at 0.5 cubic meters per year, reflecting a significant limitation in the country’s freshwater availability.

This low volume of groundwater resources can be attributed to various factors, including the country’s arid climate, geographical constraints, and limited infrastructure for water management and conservation. The harsh environmental conditions, combined with historical challenges such as conflicts and economic isolation, have hindered effective resource utilization and development.

Additionally, Eritrea's reliance on groundwater is critical, as the country faces challenges related to surface water scarcity and seasonal rainfall variability. The situation underscores the importance of sustainable water management practices to enhance resilience against droughts and ensure water security for the population.

El Salvador

In 2018, 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 highlights the country's limited freshwater resources, which are crucial for sustaining agriculture, drinking water supply, and overall ecosystem health.

The relatively low renewable groundwater resources in El Salvador can be attributed to several factors, including geographical characteristics, such as its mountainous terrain and volcanic activity, which impact water retention and availability. Additionally, climate change has exacerbated water scarcity issues, leading to prolonged dry seasons and increased demand for water resources.

Furthermore, El Salvador faces challenges related to urbanization and population growth, which place additional stress on existing water supplies. The country has been making efforts to improve water management and conservation practices to better utilize its limited groundwater resources, emphasizing the importance of sustainable practices in addressing the water crisis.

Libya

In 2018, Libya ranked 150th out of 188 countries in terms of total renewable groundwater resources, with a meager availability of 0.6 cubic meters per year. This limited groundwater resource is a significant concern for the country, which is predominantly desert and faces acute water scarcity challenges.

The low ranking and value can be attributed to Libya's geographic and climatic conditions, where vast arid regions dominate the landscape, leading to minimal natural replenishment of groundwater supplies. Additionally, the over-extraction of groundwater for agricultural and domestic use exacerbates the situation, further depleting an already limited resource.

Water scarcity in Libya has serious implications for agriculture, drinking water supply, and overall economic development. The country has been heavily reliant on the Great Man-Made River project, one of the largest irrigation projects in the world, to supplement its water needs. However, the sustainability of such projects is often challenged by the limited renewable groundwater availability.

Nepal

Nepal ranks 64th out of 188 countries in terms of total renewable groundwater resources as of 2018. The nation possesses approximately 20 cubic meters of renewable groundwater resources per year, reflecting its significant reliance on this vital resource for agriculture and domestic use.

This statistic is particularly important in the context of Nepal's predominantly agrarian economy, where groundwater serves as a crucial source of irrigation, especially in regions with limited rainfall. Factors contributing to the availability of groundwater include the country's diverse topography and the presence of numerous rivers and aquifers.

Moreover, the management of groundwater resources in Nepal faces challenges such as over-extraction, pollution, and seasonal variability in availability, which can impact agricultural productivity and water security. As a result, sustainable practices and effective water management strategies are essential for ensuring the long-term viability of groundwater resources in the country.

Laos

Laos ranks 46th out of 188 countries in terms of total renewable groundwater resources. In 2018, the country had a reported total of 37.9 cubic meters per year of renewable groundwater resources available per capita.

This significant volume of groundwater resources is crucial for the agricultural sector, which is a major component of Laos's economy. The availability of groundwater helps to support irrigation and drinking water supplies, particularly in rural areas where surface water may be less accessible.

Factors contributing to this statistic include Laos's extensive river systems, high annual rainfall, and the geological composition of its landscape, which facilitates groundwater recharge. Additionally, the country's ongoing development projects may impact water resource management and sustainability in the coming years.

Gambia

In 2018, Gambia ranked 153rd out of 188 countries in terms of total renewable groundwater resources, with a reported value of 0.5 cubic meters per year. This low figure reflects the country's limited freshwater resources, which are critical for agricultural, domestic, and industrial needs.

The scarcity of renewable groundwater in Gambia can be attributed to several factors, including climatic conditions such as low annual rainfall, as well as over-extraction of groundwater resources for irrigation and other uses. Additionally, the country's infrastructure challenges and reliance on traditional agricultural practices further exacerbate water scarcity issues.

Access to freshwater is a significant concern in Gambia, where approximately 70% of the population relies on agriculture for their livelihood. This dependence on limited water resources highlights the need for sustainable water management practices to ensure food security and economic stability in the region.

Kazakhstan

Kazakhstan ranks 49th out of 188 countries in terms of total renewable groundwater resources as of the year 2018. The country possesses approximately 33.85 cubic meters per year of renewable groundwater resources, which plays a crucial role in supporting its agriculture and drinking water supply.

This substantial volume of groundwater is essential for Kazakhstan, which experiences a continental climate with significant temperature variations and limited rainfall in many regions. The reliance on groundwater is particularly critical in arid and semi-arid areas, where surface water sources may be sparse.

Factors influencing the availability and management of these resources include historical land use practices, regional climate conditions, and ongoing challenges related to water management and infrastructure. Additionally, the country faces pressures from agricultural demands and industrial usage, which can impact the sustainability of groundwater resources in the long term.

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Food and Agriculture Organization of the United Nations (FAO)

The Food and Agriculture Organization (FAO) is a specialized agency of the United Nations that leads international efforts to defeat hunger.

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