Total Renewable Groundwater Resources by Country 2021

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 the era of heightened environmental awareness, understanding global water resources has become increasingly critical. The metric "Total Renewable Groundwater Resources by Country" for the year 2021 provides invaluable insights into the availability and distribution of groundwater resources worldwide. Groundwater, a crucial component of the hydrological cycle, plays a significant role in sustaining ecosystems, supporting agriculture, and providing potable water in many regions. The renewable groundwater resources metric reflects both internally generated and externally sourced groundwater that is naturally replenished and available for use, measured in cubic meters per year.

Global Overview of Renewable Groundwater Resources

The data for 2021 reveals that 188 countries reported their renewable groundwater resources, illustrating the wide international engagement in water resource management. The United States leads with an impressive 1,383 cubic meters per year, followed by China (828.8), and Russia (788). These figures highlight the significant groundwater endowments of these nations, which are essential for both their domestic consumption and agricultural demands.

In stark contrast, numerous small island nations such as Saint Vincent and the Grenadines, Tonga, and Samoa reported no renewable groundwater resources. This alarming zero value underscores the vulnerability of these regions to water scarcity, further intensified by climate change and increasing populations.

Climate and Environmental Factors

Renewable groundwater resources are deeply intertwined with climatic conditions, where rainfall patterns, temperature variations, and seasonal cycles dictate groundwater replenishment. In tropical regions like Brazil and Indonesia, abundant rainfall contributes to their substantial groundwater resources, measured at 645.6 and 457.4 cubic meters per year respectively. These regions benefit from both high precipitation and effective natural filtration through forests and soil layers.

Conversely, arid and semi-arid regions face significant challenges in maintaining renewable water supplies. Here, the scarce rainfall and high evaporation rates result in diminished groundwater recharge, compelling these areas to implement stringent water conservation and management strategies.

Geographic Distribution and Patterns

The distribution of renewable groundwater resources around the globe reveals clear geographic patterns. North America, Southeast Asia, and parts of South America enjoy relatively high levels of groundwater availability. These areas not only benefit from favorable climatic conditions but also invest in sustainable groundwater management practices.

On the other hand, many nations in Africa and the Middle East struggle with limited renewable groundwater resources, exacerbating socio-economic challenges. For instance, the Democratic Republic of the Congo, despite having significant water resources with 421 cubic meters per year, faces distribution and infrastructure challenges that limit equitable access.

Sustainability and Future Trends

Sustainability remains a critical concern as countries work to balance groundwater extraction with natural replenishment rates. Over-extraction can lead to aquifer depletion, land subsidence, and ecological damage. Nations like India, with 432 cubic meters per year, must navigate the dual pressures of supporting a large population while maintaining sustainable groundwater use. Innovative approaches such as rainwater harvesting, artificial recharge, and policy reforms are being adopted to safeguard these vital resources for future generations.

Globally, the emphasis is shifting towards integrated water resource management, focusing on conservation, efficiency, and equitable access. International cooperation and data sharing have become essential components in addressing global water challenges, facilitating a collaborative approach to sustainable water management.

Regional Challenges and Policy Implications

While global statistics provide a broad overview, regional challenges require tailored solutions. Countries with limited groundwater resources often face political, economic, and social hurdles in implementing effective water policies. In regions where water is a contentious resource, such as the Middle East, cooperative frameworks and treaties are critical in ensuring peaceful and equitable water sharing.

Furthermore, understanding the socio-political dynamics of water resource management is vital. Policy decisions must account for regional disparities, aligning with the broader goals of environmental sustainability and economic development. As climate change intensifies, adaptive policies that enhance resilience against droughts and floods will become increasingly important.

In conclusion, the "Total Renewable Groundwater Resources by Country" for 2021 provides a snapshot of the global water landscape, highlighting disparities and common challenges. Through mindful management and international cooperation, the world can work towards a more sustainable future, ensuring that groundwater resources continue to support life and livelihoods across the globe.

Insights by country

Laos

Laos ranks 46th out of 188 countries in terms of total renewable groundwater resources, with a significant availability of 37.9 cubic meters per year. This statistic highlights the importance of groundwater as a vital resource for the country's agricultural and domestic needs.

The abundance of groundwater in Laos can be attributed to its geographical and climatic conditions, which include a tropical monsoon climate that facilitates significant rainfall and the presence of numerous rivers and aquifers. These factors contribute to the replenishment of groundwater resources, making it a crucial component for water supply in rural areas.

Furthermore, the sustainable management of these resources is essential for Laos, especially as the country continues to develop economically. The reliance on groundwater for irrigation and drinking water underscores the need for effective water resource management policies to ensure long-term availability and accessibility for its population.

Eritrea

Eritrea ranks 152nd out of 188 countries in terms of total renewable groundwater resources. The country possesses an estimated 0.5 cubic meters per year of renewable groundwater resources, highlighting a significant scarcity of this vital resource.

This limited availability of groundwater can be attributed to various factors, including the country's arid climate, which features minimal and irregular rainfall patterns. Additionally, the challenges of infrastructure development and water management exacerbate the situation, leaving many regions vulnerable to water shortages.

In context, the low groundwater resources underscore the importance of effective water conservation strategies and sustainable management practices to address the needs of Eritrea's population and agriculture, particularly in a region where water scarcity poses a continuous challenge.

Iceland

Iceland ranks 57th out of 188 countries in terms of total renewable groundwater resources, with an estimated 24 cubic meters per year available per capita in 2021. This figure reflects the country's unique geological and hydrological characteristics, which include abundant volcanic activity and extensive glacier coverage that contribute to groundwater recharge.

The relatively high levels of renewable groundwater resources in Iceland can be attributed to its significant rainfall and snowmelt, as well as its efficient management of water resources. The country’s commitment to sustainable practices and the use of geothermal energy further emphasize its focus on environmental stewardship.

Additionally, Iceland's population density is one of the lowest in Europe, which allows for a more sustainable utilization of natural resources. This unique combination of factors positions Iceland as a leader in renewable water resource management, showcasing its commitment to preserving its natural environment.

Germany

Germany ranks 39th out of 188 countries in terms of total renewable groundwater resources as of 2021. The country has an estimated total renewable groundwater resource of 45.7 cubic meters per year. This statistic reflects Germany's extensive hydrological systems, which include numerous rivers, lakes, and aquifers that contribute to its overall water availability.

Several factors contribute to Germany's groundwater resources, including its robust environmental regulations, efficient water management practices, and advanced technology in water conservation. Additionally, the country's geographical diversity allows for substantial precipitation and effective natural recharge of aquifers.

Interestingly, Germany's commitment to sustainability and environmental protection has led to significant investments in water infrastructure, further enhancing its capacity to manage and utilize groundwater resources effectively. This focus on sustainable practices positions Germany as a leader in water resource management within Europe.

Nicaragua

Nicaragua ranks 32nd out of 188 countries in terms of total renewable groundwater resources. In 2021, the country reported a significant total of 59 cubic meters per year available for renewable groundwater use. This statistic highlights Nicaragua's considerable freshwater resources, which are crucial for agricultural, industrial, and domestic purposes in a country where water scarcity can be a concern.

The abundance of groundwater resources in Nicaragua can be attributed to its diverse topography and climate, which includes tropical rainforests and significant rainfall in certain regions. Additionally, the country's geological formations facilitate the replenishment of aquifers. However, challenges such as pollution, over-extraction, and climate change pose risks to the sustainability of these vital water resources.

Furthermore, it is noteworthy that Nicaragua's groundwater resources support not only the local populace but also the agricultural sector, which is a key component of the economy. The sustainable management of these resources is essential for ensuring long-term water availability and promoting resilience against environmental changes.

France

France ranks 21st out of 188 countries in terms of total renewable groundwater resources, with an estimated availability of 120 cubic meters per year. This significant volume highlights the country's capacity to harness groundwater as a vital resource for agricultural, industrial, and domestic use.

The substantial groundwater resources in France can be attributed to various factors including its diverse geography, which features numerous aquifers, and a climate that supports the replenishment of these water sources. Additionally, France has implemented effective water management practices that help sustain and protect its groundwater supplies.

In comparison to other nations, France's ranking reflects its commitment to sustainable water resource management, which is crucial in addressing challenges such as climate change and increasing water demand. Notably, France is part of the European Union's initiatives to promote sustainable water use and protection of aquatic ecosystems.

North Macedonia

In 2021, North Macedonia ranked 180th out of 188 countries in terms of total renewable groundwater resources, with a reported value of 0 cubic meters per year. This indicates a significant lack of renewable groundwater resources within the country, which is critical for agricultural and domestic water supply.

The absence of renewable groundwater resources can be attributed to several factors, including geological conditions and climate variability. North Macedonia's terrain and the surrounding Mediterranean climate may limit the replenishment of aquifers, impacting overall water availability.

Additionally, the country faces challenges related to water management and infrastructure, which may exacerbate the situation. Understanding and addressing these issues is essential for ensuring sustainable water use and management for the future.

Guyana

In 2021, Guyana ranked 22nd out of 188 countries in terms of total renewable groundwater resources, with an impressive figure of 103 cubic meters per year. This significant availability of groundwater resources underscores the country's rich natural water reserves, which are crucial for sustaining agriculture, drinking water supplies, and industrial uses.

The high ranking can be attributed to Guyana's vast and diverse geography, which includes extensive river systems and aquifers that contribute to its groundwater replenishment. The country's low population density further aids in the sustainability of these resources, allowing for careful management and conservation of water supplies.

Additionally, Guyana's commitment to environmental stewardship and sustainable development practices plays a vital role in maintaining the health of its groundwater systems. This contrasts with many nations facing water scarcity challenges, highlighting Guyana's potential as a key player in regional water resource management.

Liberia

Liberia ranks 40th out of 188 countries in terms of total renewable groundwater resources, with an impressive availability of 45 cubic meters per year per capita. This statistic underscores the country's significant natural water resources, which are crucial for supporting both domestic and agricultural needs.

The substantial groundwater resources in Liberia can be attributed to its abundant rainfall and favorable geological formations, which facilitate the recharge of aquifers. Additionally, the country's tropical climate contributes to a high rate of precipitation, further enhancing groundwater availability.

Access to this renewable groundwater is vital for Liberia, particularly in rural areas where surface water may be less reliable. Moreover, it plays a critical role in the nation's efforts to improve water supply and sanitation, which are essential for public health and economic development.

Nauru

Nauru ranks 170th out of 188 countries in terms of total renewable groundwater resources as of 2021. The island nation has a total renewable groundwater resource of only 0.01 cubic meters per year, highlighting its extremely limited freshwater availability.

This low figure can be attributed to Nauru's small land area, which is approximately 21 square kilometers, and its geological composition, primarily consisting of phosphate rock, which is not conducive to significant groundwater storage. Additionally, the country's reliance on rainwater harvesting and desalination for its freshwater supply underscores the challenges posed by its limited groundwater resources.

Interestingly, Nauru's situation is not unique among small island nations, many of which face similar challenges regarding freshwater management and sustainability. As a result, effective water resource management is crucial for the country's resilience against climate change and its overall development.

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