Total Renewable Groundwater Resources by Country 2020

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 measurement of Total Renewable Groundwater Resources by Country for the year 2020 offers a critical lens through which we can analyze the availability and replenishment of groundwater resources globally. This metric, expressed in cubic meters per year, reflects the sustainability of water resources essential for both environmental balance and human consumption. As climate change and rapid development continue to pose challenges, understanding these resources' distribution and trends becomes more crucial.

Global Significance of Groundwater Resources

Groundwater serves as the backbone of the global water supply, sustaining agriculture, industry, and domestic needs. The total renewable groundwater resources highlight both internally generated and externally sourced water supplies that are naturally replenished. In 2020, data from 188 countries revealed a wide disparity in groundwater availability. For instance, the United States, with the highest value of 1383 cubic meters per year, exemplifies a nation with abundant groundwater resources, a stark contrast to countries like Singapore and several island nations that recorded zero renewable groundwater resources. This disparity underscores the importance of efficient water management and international cooperation to address potential water scarcity challenges.

Geographic Distribution Patterns

Analyzing the geographic distribution of renewable groundwater resources reveals significant variations. The top ten countries, including China (828.8 cubic meters per year), Russia (788), and Brazil (645.6), are predominantly characterized by vast land areas with diverse climatic conditions that favor groundwater replenishment. In contrast, many smaller island nations, such as Saint Vincent and the Grenadines and Tuvalu, reported no renewable groundwater resources due to limited land area and reliance on rainwater collection. Such geographic disparities necessitate targeted policy interventions and technological innovations to enhance water sustainability in water-scarce regions.

Sustainability and Environmental Challenges

The sustainability of groundwater resources is intricately linked with environmental challenges like climate change and deforestation. Countries with significant renewable resources like Indonesia (457.4 cubic meters per year) and the Democratic Republic of the Congo (421) are experiencing ecological pressures that threaten to undermine their natural water reserves. Deforestation, particularly in tropical regions, reduces groundwater recharge rates, while changing precipitation patterns due to climate change pose further risks. In 2020, these challenges remained critical as countries navigated the delicate balance between utilizing and conserving their groundwater resources for future generations.

Policy Implications and International Cooperation

Effective management of groundwater resources depends heavily on sound policy frameworks and international cooperation. The data from 2020 indicates that countries with high renewable groundwater resources, such as Canada (370 cubic meters per year), must adopt strategies to manage these reserves sustainably. Cooperation between nations is essential, especially for countries with shared water resources, to prevent conflicts and ensure equitable water distribution. Policies promoting water conservation, sustainable agricultural practices, and technology-driven solutions are vital in addressing the challenges highlighted by the data.

Future Trends and Projections

As global populations continue to grow, the demand for water resources will only increase, making the insights from the 2020 data even more pertinent. Future trends will likely see an increased focus on technological solutions, such as rainwater harvesting and desalination, to augment natural water supplies in regions with scarce groundwater resources. Moreover, international agreements and collaborations will play a pivotal role in managing these resources sustainably in a changing climate. The static nature of the year-over-year changes in 2020, with an average change of 0.0%, suggests a stable global availability that must be proactively maintained through strategic planning and global cooperation.

In conclusion, the insights from the Total Renewable Groundwater Resources by Country in 2020 highlight the critical importance of managing these invaluable resources. As environmental and demographic pressures mount, countries must collaborate and innovate to secure a sustainable water future. The diverse geographic patterns and challenges outlined in this analysis call for a concerted global effort to manage groundwater resources responsively and equitably.

Insights by country

Cabo Verde

Cabo Verde ranks 158th out of 188 countries in terms of total renewable groundwater resources. In the year 2020, the country reported a total renewable groundwater resource value of 0.124 cubic meters per year, reflecting its limited freshwater availability.

This low figure can be attributed to Cabo Verde's geographic characteristics, as it is an archipelago located off the northwest coast of Africa, consisting of ten volcanic islands with arid and semi-arid climates. The country's water scarcity is exacerbated by high evaporation rates, minimal rainfall, and insufficient water management infrastructure.

Moreover, the reliance on groundwater resources poses challenges for sustainable development, particularly in agriculture and urban areas. As a result, Cabo Verde has been exploring alternative water sources and technologies, such as desalination, to address its water resource limitations and ensure water security for its population.

Iceland

Iceland ranks 57th out of 188 countries in terms of total renewable groundwater resources, with an estimated value of 24 cubic meters per year. This figure reflects the country's unique hydrological cycle, characterized by significant precipitation and glacial melt, which contribute to its groundwater supply.

The relatively modest ranking can be attributed to Iceland's small population and extensive reliance on surface water sources, such as rivers and lakes, for its freshwater needs. Additionally, the country benefits from abundant geothermal resources, which play a crucial role in its energy production and water heating, further reducing pressure on groundwater resources.

Interestingly, Iceland's commitment to sustainability and renewable energy initiatives has positioned it as a global leader in the utilization of renewable resources, with approximately 99% of its electricity generated from renewable sources. This focus on environmental stewardship may mitigate potential over-extraction of groundwater, preserving this vital resource for future generations.

Faroe Islands

The Faroe Islands ranked 175th out of 188 countries in terms of total renewable groundwater resources in the year 2020, with a reported value of 0 cubic meters per year. This statistic highlights the unique geographical and climatic conditions of the archipelago, which is characterized by a rugged terrain and a maritime climate that limits the availability of groundwater resources.

The negligible amount of groundwater resources can be attributed to several factors, including the small land area of the islands, steep topography, and high precipitation levels that lead to surface runoff rather than groundwater recharge. As a result, the population relies primarily on surface water sources, such as lakes and rivers, for their freshwater supply.

In addition, the Faroe Islands have a small population of approximately 50,000 residents, which diminishes the overall demand for extensive groundwater resources. This limited resource availability is common in island nations, where freshwater management often focuses on the sustainable use of available surface water and rainwater harvesting systems.

Laos

In 2020, Laos ranked 46th out of 188 countries for total renewable groundwater resources, with an estimated 37.9 cubic meters per year. This statistic highlights the significant availability of groundwater resources in the country, which can be essential for agricultural irrigation and sustaining local communities.

The abundant groundwater resources in Laos can be attributed to its geographical features, including mountainous terrain and a tropical climate that contributes to substantial rainfall, aiding in the replenishment of aquifers. However, the management and sustainable use of these resources remain critical, as rapid urbanization and agricultural expansion put pressure on water supplies.

Additionally, Laos's position in the Mekong River basin underscores the importance of integrated water resource management, as the river's health directly influences groundwater levels. The country's reliance on hydropower also necessitates careful consideration of water usage and conservation strategies to ensure that both surface and groundwater resources are protected for future generations.

Yemen

Yemen ranks 137th out of 188 countries in terms of total renewable groundwater resources, with a reported value of 1.5 cubic meters per year. This statistic highlights the severe water scarcity issues facing the nation, exacerbated by ongoing conflict, economic instability, and climate change.

The limited renewable groundwater resources are primarily due to Yemen's arid climate, where rainfall is inconsistent and often insufficient to replenish aquifers. Additionally, over-extraction of groundwater for agriculture and domestic use has led to the depletion of these vital resources, making water management a critical challenge for the country.

Yemen's water crisis is further compounded by a population growth rate that strains existing resources, emphasizing the need for sustainable water management practices and international assistance to address this pressing issue.

Niue

In 2020, Niue ranked 179th out of 188 countries regarding total renewable groundwater resources, with a recorded value of 0 cubic meters per year. This statistic indicates that Niue, a small island nation in the South Pacific, has no renewable groundwater resources available for consumption or agricultural use.

The absence of renewable groundwater can be attributed to Niue's geological composition, primarily consisting of limestone, which limits the capacity to store freshwater. Additionally, the island's small landmass and limited rainfall further exacerbate water scarcity issues.

As a result of these factors, Niue relies heavily on rainwater harvesting and desalination methods to meet its water needs. This situation highlights the challenges faced by small island nations, particularly in terms of sustainability and resource management.

Czech Republic

The Czech Republic ranks 138th out of 188 countries in terms of total renewable groundwater resources. In 2020, the nation's total renewable groundwater resources were measured at 1.43 cubic meters per year, highlighting its limited freshwater availability relative to other countries.

This statistic reflects various factors, including the country’s geographical characteristics, climate conditions, and urbanization trends, which can impact the replenishment of groundwater resources. The Czech Republic experiences a temperate climate and has a significant portion of its land used for agricultural purposes, which can lead to increased demand for water and potential challenges in sustainable management.

Additionally, the country's efforts in water resource management and conservation play a crucial role in maintaining groundwater levels. Interestingly, the Czech Republic has implemented various measures to protect its water resources, including the establishment of protected groundwater areas and investment in modern water treatment technologies.

Estonia

In 2020, Estonia ranked 115th out of 188 countries in terms of total renewable groundwater resources, with a reported value of 4 cubic meters per year. This figure reflects the country's limited freshwater resources, which are crucial for various sectors, including agriculture, industry, and domestic use.

The relatively low volume of renewable groundwater resources in Estonia can be attributed to its geographical and climatic conditions, characterized by a temperate climate with distinct seasons and a predominantly flat landscape. Additionally, the reliance on surface water sources, such as rivers and lakes, further influences the groundwater recharge rates in the region.

Estonia's focus on sustainable water management practices is essential given its finite groundwater resources. The country has been actively working on policies to protect its water quality and promote efficient usage, which is vital for maintaining ecological balance and supporting economic activities.

Namibia

Namibia ranks 130th out of 188 countries in terms of total renewable groundwater resources, with an estimated availability of 2.1 cubic meters per year. This statistic highlights the challenges faced by the country in managing its water resources, particularly in a region characterized by arid and semi-arid climates.

The relatively low figure for renewable groundwater resources can be attributed to several factors, including the country’s geographical features and climatic conditions, which result in limited rainfall and high evaporation rates. Additionally, Namibia's reliance on groundwater for agricultural and domestic use places significant pressure on these resources.

In the context of water scarcity, Namibia has implemented various strategies to enhance water conservation and management, including the use of advanced irrigation techniques and the promotion of water-saving practices among its population. Understanding the dynamics of groundwater resources is crucial for sustainable development and ensuring the availability of water for future generations.

New Zealand

In 2020, New Zealand ranked 178th out of 188 countries in terms of total renewable groundwater resources, recording a value of 0 cubic meters per year. This statistic highlights a significant aspect of New Zealand's water resource management, indicating that the country does not rely on groundwater as a renewable resource for its water supply.

The absence of renewable groundwater resources can be attributed to New Zealand's geographical and hydrological characteristics, where surface water sources such as rivers and lakes are more prevalent and are the primary sources of freshwater. Additionally, the country's emphasis on sustainable water management practices has led to a focus on protecting and utilizing these surface water resources rather than groundwater.

Interestingly, New Zealand is known for its high-quality freshwater ecosystems, which support a diverse range of flora and fauna. The country actively promotes conservation measures to maintain the health of its water bodies, aligning with its strong commitment to environmental sustainability.

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