Total Renewable Groundwater Resources by Country 2022

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 for 2022 provides vital insights into the availability and sustainability of groundwater reserves across the globe. Groundwater is a crucial resource for drinking water, agriculture, and industrial usage, making its analysis pertinent to understanding environmental sustainability. This metric reveals the volume of groundwater that is naturally replenished and available for use, measured in cubic meters per year. With data covering 188 countries, this analysis offers a comprehensive view of water resources distribution and highlights key trends in global water sustainability.

Global Leaders and Laggards in Groundwater Resources

In 2022, the United States emerged as the leader in total renewable groundwater resources, with a volume of 1,383 cubic meters per year. Following closely are China and Russia, with 828.8 and 788 cubic meters per year, respectively. These countries benefit from vast landscapes and diverse climatic zones that contribute to their substantial groundwater reserves. Brazil and Colombia also feature prominently, reflecting South America's rich water resources. In stark contrast, several island nations, including Saint Vincent and the Grenadines, Tonga, and Samoa, reported zero cubic meters of renewable groundwater. This highlights the geographic and climatic limitations faced by smaller island nations, underscoring the need for innovative water conservation and management strategies.

Sustainability and Climate Relationships

Groundwater sustainability is closely linked to climatic conditions, and the 2022 data reveals significant geographic patterns. Countries with extensive forest cover, like Brazil and Indonesia, benefit from high levels of precipitation that contribute to groundwater replenishment. Conversely, arid and semiarid regions face challenges in maintaining groundwater levels due to limited rainfall. The role of climate change cannot be overlooked, as shifting weather patterns and increased evaporation rates threaten groundwater sustainability worldwide. As such, climate-resilient water management policies are critical to ensuring the long-term availability of this resource.

Policy Impacts and International Cooperation

Government policies and international cooperation play pivotal roles in groundwater management. Countries like India and China have implemented measures to regulate groundwater extraction, aiming to balance usage with replenishment rates. Moreover, cross-border collaborations are essential in regions where groundwater resources extend beyond national boundaries. The 2022 data reflects a static trend in year-over-year changes, indicating stable policy environments. However, proactive steps are necessary to address future challenges, particularly in light of potential water scarcity and population growth pressures.

Regional Comparisons and Implications

The 2022 data unveils fascinating regional comparisons. North America and Asia dominate the top rankings, showcasing their abundant groundwater resources. In contrast, the Caribbean and Pacific island nations consistently appear at the lower end of the spectrum, highlighting their vulnerability to water scarcity. These disparities have significant socio-economic implications, affecting agricultural productivity, economic development, and public health. Policymakers must address these disparities through targeted investments in water infrastructure and technology to enhance water security and ensure equitable resource distribution.

Future Trends and Projections

Looking ahead, the sustainability of groundwater resources will increasingly hinge on innovative technologies and adaptive management practices. The integration of remote sensing and data analytics can enhance monitoring and management capabilities, enabling more precise resource allocation. Additionally, efforts to recharge aquifers and promote water conservation will be vital in safeguarding groundwater availability. As global demand for water continues to rise, understanding and managing renewable groundwater resources will remain a critical priority for governments and international organizations alike.

Insights by country

Burundi

In 2022, Burundi ranked 92 out of 188 countries regarding total renewable groundwater resources, with a reported value of 7.47 cubic meters per year. This statistic reflects the country's water availability, which is critical for agriculture, drinking water, and sanitation.

Burundi's groundwater resources are influenced by its topography, climate, and rainfall patterns. The country's mountainous terrain and tropical climate contribute to the replenishment of aquifers; however, deforestation and land degradation pose significant challenges to maintaining these vital resources.

Additionally, the reliance on groundwater is essential in Burundi, where surface water sources may be less reliable during dry seasons. This underscores the importance of sustainable water management practices to ensure long-term availability and accessibility of groundwater for the population.

Solomon Islands

The Solomon Islands ranks 76th out of 188 countries in terms of total renewable groundwater resources, with an estimated availability of 11.92 cubic meters per year per capita. This figure reflects the country’s reliance on groundwater as a vital resource for drinking water, agriculture, and sanitation, particularly given its geographic composition of numerous islands and a tropical climate.

Factors contributing to the relatively low total renewable groundwater resources include the archipelago's small land area, high rainfall variability, and the potential for over-extraction in certain areas. Additionally, the development of infrastructure to access and manage these resources can be challenging due to the rugged terrain and limited economic resources.

In comparison, many nations with larger land masses and diverse geographical features typically exhibit higher groundwater availability. In the context of climate change, the Solomon Islands faces threats such as rising sea levels and increased storm intensity, which could further impact groundwater quality and availability in the future.

Albania

In 2022, Albania ranked 97th out of 188 countries in terms of total renewable groundwater resources, with a reported value of 6.2 cubic meters per year. This figure reflects the country's capacity to sustainably harness groundwater resources for various uses, including agriculture, drinking water, and industrial applications.

The relatively low ranking and value can be attributed to several factors, including the country's geographical features, such as its mountainous terrain, which can limit groundwater recharge areas, and varying precipitation patterns that affect overall water availability. Additionally, issues such as pollution and over-extraction of water resources may further impact the sustainability of groundwater supplies.

Albania's water management practices and infrastructure development also play a critical role in the effectiveness of utilizing its groundwater resources. As a member of the United Nations, Albania is encouraged to improve its water management strategies to enhance the sustainability of its renewable resources, especially in the face of climate change challenges.

Jamaica

In 2022, Jamaica ranked 106th out of 188 countries in terms of total renewable groundwater resources, with an estimated availability of 5.472 cubic meters per year. This figure highlights the island's reliance on both surface and groundwater resources to meet its freshwater needs, which are essential for domestic use, agriculture, and industrial activities.

The total renewable groundwater resources are influenced by several factors, including Jamaica's climate, topography, and land use practices. The island's tropical climate results in significant rainfall; however, groundwater recharge can be limited due to urbanization and deforestation, which affect the natural aquifer systems.

Additionally, Jamaica faces challenges related to water management and distribution, which can impact the sustainability of its groundwater resources. The country has made efforts to improve water resource management, but increased demand due to population growth and tourism can strain existing supplies.

Lebanon

In 2022, Lebanon ranked 122nd out of 188 countries in terms of total renewable groundwater resources, with a reported value of 3.2 cubic meters per year. This relatively low figure reflects the challenges faced by the country in managing its water resources amid a complex socio-political landscape and ongoing economic difficulties.

The limited groundwater availability can be attributed to several factors, including over-extraction, pollution, and climate change, which have exacerbated water scarcity issues in Lebanon. Additionally, the country's infrastructure has suffered from years of neglect, impacting the efficient distribution and sustainability of water resources.

Lebanon's water resources are vital for agricultural and domestic needs, and the government faces significant pressure to improve water management practices. As a point of reference, water scarcity is a pressing issue in many Middle Eastern countries, often leading to regional conflicts and necessitating international cooperation for sustainable management.

El Salvador

El Salvador ranks 99th out of 188 countries in terms of total renewable groundwater resources. In the year 2022, the nation reported a total of 6.15 cubic meters per year of renewable groundwater resources per capita.

This statistic reflects the limited availability of freshwater resources in El Salvador, which faces challenges such as climate change, deforestation, and urbanization that impact water supply and quality. The country's geography, characterized by a combination of mountainous terrain and volcanic activity, further complicates water resource management.

Factors contributing to the low groundwater resources include over-extraction for agricultural purposes and a lack of infrastructure for effective water conservation. Additionally, the country has experienced significant environmental degradation, which affects the recharge rates of aquifers. As a result, ensuring sustainable water management is crucial for El Salvador's long-term economic and social development.

Portugal

In 2022, Portugal ranked 116th out of 188 countries in terms of total renewable groundwater resources, with an estimated 4 cubic meters per year available per capita. This relatively low figure reflects the country's geographical and climatic conditions, which include a Mediterranean climate characterized by hot, dry summers and mild, wet winters.

The limited groundwater resources in Portugal can be attributed to several factors, including increasing water demand due to agricultural practices, urbanization, and tourism, which places additional stress on the already constrained water supply. Furthermore, the over-extraction of groundwater for irrigation and other uses has contributed to a decline in water tables and the sustainability of these resources.

Interestingly, Portugal has been making strides toward improving water management and conservation practices in recent years. The government is implementing policies to promote sustainable water use and invest in infrastructure to ensure more efficient water distribution and usage, which may help to address the challenges posed by its limited groundwater resources.

Kuwait

Kuwait ranks 167th out of 188 countries in terms of total renewable groundwater resources. In 2022, the country had a total renewable groundwater resource value of 0.02 cubic meters per year, highlighting the extreme scarcity of freshwater resources within its borders.

This limited availability of groundwater is primarily due to Kuwait's arid desert climate, characterized by low annual rainfall and high evaporation rates. The country relies heavily on desalination processes to meet its water needs, with approximately 70% of its potable water derived from seawater desalination.

As a result of these challenges, Kuwait faces significant water management issues, necessitating careful planning and innovative solutions to sustain its water supply. The situation is compounded by factors such as population growth and increasing industrial demands, which further strain the already limited groundwater resources.

Lesotho

Lesotho ranks 154th out of 188 countries in terms of total renewable groundwater resources. In 2022, the country had a total renewable groundwater resource value of 0.5 cubic meters per year, indicating limited availability of this vital resource.

This low figure can be attributed to Lesotho's mountainous terrain and climatic conditions, which significantly affect water availability and distribution. The country's reliance on surface water resources, coupled with seasonal variations in rainfall, further complicates water management and accessibility.

Interestingly, while Lesotho is known for its abundant surface water resources, particularly from the Malibamatso and Senqu rivers, the low groundwater figure suggests challenges in developing sustainable water resource strategies. This situation is exacerbated by factors such as population growth, agricultural demands, and climate change, which may impact both groundwater recharge and quality.

New Zealand

New Zealand ranks 178th out of 188 countries in terms of total renewable groundwater resources, with a reported value of 0 cubic meters per year in 2022. This statistic highlights the country’s minimal reliance on groundwater resources, which may be attributed to its abundant surface water availability, including numerous rivers and lakes.

The lack of renewable groundwater resources in New Zealand can also be influenced by its geographical and climatic conditions, which favor rainfall and surface water runoff over groundwater recharge. Additionally, New Zealand's water management policies focus on the sustainable use of its surface water resources, which are generally more accessible and easier to manage compared to groundwater.

Despite the low ranking in groundwater resources, New Zealand is known for its rich biodiversity and clean water standards, which are supported by extensive environmental protection regulations. The country is also recognized for its commitment to maintaining high-quality drinking water and sustainable water resource management practices.

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