Total Renewable Groundwater Resources by Country 2019

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 in 2019 present a critical metric for understanding water availability and sustainability across the globe. This measure indicates the volume of groundwater that is naturally replenished and available for utilization, encompassing both internally generated and externally sourced water. Groundwater resources are pivotal for agricultural, industrial, and domestic purposes, making them essential for economic stability and environmental sustainability. In a world increasingly concerned with climate change and resource management, analyzing groundwater availability provides vital insights into global water security.

Global Context and Importance

In 2019, groundwater resources remained a cornerstone of water supply in many nations, particularly in regions where surface water is scarce or unreliable. The global statistics highlight stark differences in resource availability, with 188 countries reporting data on their renewable groundwater resources. The United States led the rankings with a significant 1,383 cubic meters per year, underscoring its vast aquifers and efficient water management systems. In contrast, several island nations, including Saint Vincent and the Grenadines, Tonga, and Seychelles, reported negligible renewable groundwater resources, reflecting their dependence on alternative water sources like rainwater and desalination.

Regional Disparities in Groundwater Availability

The data reveals considerable regional disparities in renewable groundwater resources, strongly influenced by geographical and climatic factors. Countries with extensive river basins and favorable climatic conditions, such as Brazil with 645.6 cubic meters and Indonesia with 457.4 cubic meters, benefit from abundant groundwater supplies. In contrast, arid regions or small island nations struggle with limited resources. This disparity highlights the need for targeted water management policies that address the unique challenges and opportunities faced by different countries. The Democratic Republic of the Congo, with 421 cubic meters, exemplifies a nation where abundant rainfall translates into substantial groundwater resources, yet effective utilization remains a challenge.

Challenges and Opportunities for Sustainability

Ensuring the sustainability of groundwater resources is a growing concern as demand intensifies and climate change alters precipitation patterns. Countries such as India, which reported 432 cubic meters, face significant challenges due to over-extraction and pollution, threatening long-term water security. To address these issues, innovative management strategies, including enhanced recharge techniques and pollution control measures, are essential. Furthermore, international cooperation and knowledge sharing can help countries develop effective policies to protect and sustainably manage their groundwater resources, ensuring availability for future generations.

Climate and its Role in Groundwater Dynamics

Climate change is a critical factor influencing groundwater dynamics, with shifts in weather patterns affecting recharge rates and evaporation. In 2019, no significant changes in average groundwater resource levels were recorded, but the latent effects of climate variability continue to pose a risk. Countries like China, with 828.8 cubic meters, must remain vigilant in monitoring climate impacts to safeguard their extensive water supplies. Understanding the interplay between climate and groundwater is vital for developing resilient strategies that mitigate adverse effects and harness opportunities presented by changing environmental conditions.

Policy Implications and Future Directions

Policy frameworks play a crucial role in managing renewable groundwater resources. Countries need to adopt holistic approaches that integrate water management with agricultural, industrial, and urban planning. For instance, Canada, with its 370 cubic meters of renewable groundwater, benefits from robust policies that promote sustainable usage and conservation. Internationally, cooperation on water-sharing agreements and joint research initiatives can foster improved understanding and management of transboundary aquifers. Looking ahead, enhancing data collection and monitoring capabilities will be vital in adapting to future challenges and ensuring equitable access to this essential resource.

In conclusion, the total renewable groundwater resources by country in 2019 highlight significant disparities and challenges in global water management. Understanding these dynamics is crucial for developing sustainable strategies that address both current and future water security needs. As climate change continues to affect water availability, countries must prioritize resilience and cooperation to safeguard their groundwater resources for generations to come.

Insights by country

Seychelles

Seychelles ranks 185th out of 188 countries in terms of total renewable groundwater resources. For the year 2019, the nation reported a total of 0 cubic meters per year of renewable groundwater resources, indicating a significant scarcity of this vital resource.

This lack of renewable groundwater can be attributed to several factors, including the country's unique geography as an archipelago consisting of 115 islands, which limits the availability of freshwater aquifers. Additionally, the small size of the islands and their relatively high population density contribute to the rapid depletion of available freshwater resources.

Despite the challenges related to groundwater, Seychelles has made efforts to manage its water resources sustainably, relying heavily on rainwater harvesting and desalination technologies. The country also faces ongoing pressures from climate change, which can exacerbate water scarcity through altered precipitation patterns.

Bangladesh

In 2019, Bangladesh ranked 60th out of 188 countries in terms of total renewable groundwater resources, with a reported value of 21.122 cubic meters per year. This statistic highlights the significance of groundwater as a vital resource for the country's agriculture, drinking water supply, and overall economic development.

The abundance of renewable groundwater resources in Bangladesh can be attributed to its geographical features, including a rich network of rivers, monsoon rains, and the aquifer systems that underlie the vast alluvial plains. However, despite this renewable capacity, challenges such as over-extraction, pollution, and climate change pose significant threats to the sustainability of these resources.

Additionally, it is noteworthy that Bangladesh's reliance on groundwater is increasing, particularly in rural areas where surface water sources may be less reliable. The country is also facing issues related to arsenic contamination, which affects the safety of groundwater supplies for millions of people.

Eritrea

Eritrea ranks 152nd out of 188 countries in terms of total renewable groundwater resources, with a reported availability of 0.5 cubic meters per year. This relatively low figure reflects the country’s challenging climatic conditions and limited water infrastructure, which hinder the sustainable management and utilization of groundwater resources.

The scarcity of groundwater in Eritrea can be attributed to several factors, including its arid climate, with much of the country experiencing low annual rainfall and prolonged drought periods. Additionally, the country’s geological characteristics limit the recharge capacity of aquifers, further exacerbating water scarcity issues.

In comparison to other nations, Eritrea's groundwater resources are critically low, impacting agriculture, drinking water supply, and overall economic development. As a result, the country faces significant challenges in ensuring water security for its population, which has led to increased reliance on alternative water sources and international aid.

Chile

Chile ranks 16th among 188 countries in terms of total renewable groundwater resources, with a reported value of 140 cubic meters per year in 2019. This significant ranking indicates that Chile possesses a substantial amount of renewable groundwater, which is crucial for its agricultural sector and overall water supply.

The availability of groundwater resources in Chile is influenced by various factors, including its diverse geography, climate, and extensive river systems. The northern regions, characterized by aridity, rely heavily on groundwater for irrigation, especially in the fertile valleys that support the country's agricultural exports.

Additionally, Chile's proactive water management policies and investments in sustainable practices have contributed to the efficient use of its groundwater resources. However, challenges such as climate change and increasing demand for water due to population growth and industrial activities may impact the sustainability of these resources in the future.

Cyprus

In 2019, Cyprus ranked 155th out of 188 countries in terms of total renewable groundwater resources, with an estimated value of 0.41 cubic meters per year. This low figure reflects the island's limited fresh water resources, which are a crucial component of its overall water supply.

The scarcity of groundwater in Cyprus can be attributed to several factors, including its Mediterranean climate characterized by long, hot summers and relatively low annual rainfall. Additionally, urbanization and agricultural practices have placed significant pressure on existing water resources, further exacerbating the challenges of water management.

Despite these challenges, Cyprus has made efforts to improve its water sustainability through the development of desalination plants and the promotion of water conservation measures. The country also faces ongoing issues related to water quality and distribution, which are essential for supporting its population and tourism industry, both of which heavily rely on stable water supplies.

Colombia

In 2019, Colombia ranked 5th out of 188 countries in terms of total renewable groundwater resources, boasting an impressive 510 cubic meters per year per capita. This significant availability of groundwater resources is crucial for the country, as it supports agricultural activities, drinking water supply, and industrial use.

The high ranking can be attributed to Colombia's diverse geography, which includes numerous rivers, lakes, and aquifers, coupled with a tropical climate that facilitates the replenishment of these water sources. Additionally, Colombia's extensive rainfall, particularly in the Amazon and Andean regions, contributes to the substantial groundwater reserves.

Furthermore, the management of these resources is vital for sustainable development, especially given the challenges posed by climate change, urbanization, and population growth. Effective policies and practices are essential to ensure these resources remain available for future generations, as groundwater is a critical component of the nation’s water security and overall environmental health.

Ethiopia

Ethiopia ranks 62nd out of 188 countries in terms of total renewable groundwater resources as of 2019. The country boasts approximately 20 cubic meters per year of renewable groundwater resources per capita, which is significant for its agricultural and domestic water supply needs.

This statistic reflects Ethiopia's diverse hydrogeological landscape, which includes numerous aquifers that are essential for sustaining both rural and urban populations. However, the country's reliance on groundwater also highlights challenges related to water management, over-extraction, and the impacts of climate change on water availability.

In addition to groundwater resources, Ethiopia is known for its ongoing initiatives to improve water access and sustainability, including the construction of large-scale dams and irrigation projects aimed at enhancing agricultural productivity. These efforts are crucial given that agriculture employs a large segment of the population and is a key driver of the Ethiopian economy.

Comoros

In 2019, Comoros ranked 143rd out of 188 countries in terms of total renewable groundwater resources, with a reported value of 1 cubic meter per year. This limited availability of groundwater underscores the challenges faced by the country in managing its water resources effectively.

The relatively low volume of renewable groundwater resources in Comoros can be attributed to its small land area, volcanic geology, and tropical climate, which together influence both the quantity and quality of freshwater available. The islands experience significant rainfall; however, the capacity to store and recharge groundwater is constrained due to poor infrastructure and limited investment in water management systems.

Additionally, the reliance on groundwater for domestic and agricultural use is heightened by the country's vulnerability to climate variability, making sustainable management practices crucial for ensuring water security. As a result, the government and various organizations are focusing on improving water resource management to address these pressing challenges.

Kiribati

In 2019, Kiribati ranked 177th out of 188 countries in terms of total renewable groundwater resources, with an alarming total of 0 cubic meters per year. This statistic highlights the severe limitations on freshwater resources available for consumption and agricultural use in the country, which consists of 33 atolls and reef islands scattered across the central Pacific Ocean.

The absence of renewable groundwater resources in Kiribati can be attributed to its low-lying geography and porous limestone substrates, which contribute to rapid water infiltration and loss. Additionally, climate change poses significant threats to water security through rising sea levels and increased salinity of freshwater supplies, further exacerbating the challenges faced by the population.

Interestingly, Kiribati is part of a larger trend in many small island developing states, which often experience freshwater scarcity due to their geographical and climatic conditions. The reliance on rainwater harvesting and desalination technologies becomes crucial for ensuring water availability in such regions.

Iceland

Iceland ranks 57th out of 188 countries in terms of total renewable groundwater resources as of 2019. The country possesses approximately 24 cubic meters per year of renewable groundwater resources, reflecting its unique geographical and climatic conditions.

This relatively modest figure can be attributed to Iceland's predominantly volcanic landscape, which significantly influences water retention and distribution. The country's abundant geothermal activity also impacts water sources, creating a complex hydrological system that contributes to both surface and groundwater resources.

Additionally, Iceland's low population density and extensive natural reserves allow for sustainable management of its water resources. The country is known for its commitment to renewable energy and environmental sustainability, which further underscores the importance of preserving its groundwater for future generations.

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