Freshwater reserves, or the total renewable freshwater resources available for a country, can vary based on factors like geography, climate, and water management. Additionally, each country’s freshwater accessibility and usage can differ, impacting the availability and sustainability of their freshwater resources.
Here are top 5 countries known for their abundant freshwater reserves.
- Brazil
- Russia
- Canada
- United States
- China
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1. Brazil
Brazil has the largest freshwater reserves in the world, with 8,233 cubic kilometers (km3) of water. This is about 12% of the world’s freshwater resources.
The country boasts an extensive network of rivers, including the Amazon River, which is the longest and most voluminous river globally. Brazil’s freshwater resources are further enriched by the presence of other major rivers like the Paraná, São Francisco, and Tocantins. Brazil is also home to numerous lakes, wetlands, and groundwater reserves.
2. Russia
Russia has the second largest freshwater reserves in the world, with 4,508 km3 of water. This is about 6% of the world’s freshwater resources.
The country is blessed with an extensive network of rivers, including the mighty Volga, Lena, and Yenisei rivers, along with numerous lakes and reservoirs. The largest freshwater lake in the world, Lake Baikal, is located in Russia, containing about 20% of the world’s unfrozen freshwater.
3. Canada
Canada has the third largest freshwater reserves in the world, with 2,902 km3 of water. This is about 4% of the world’s freshwater resources.
The Great Lakes, shared with the United States, hold a substantial portion of Canada’s freshwater reserves. Comprising Lake Superior, Lake Michigan, Lake Huron, Lake Erie, and Lake Ontario, these interconnected lakes form the largest freshwater system on Earth. Apart from the Great Lakes, Canada is home to numerous other major lakes, including Great Bear Lake, Great Slave Lake, and Lake Winnipeg.
4. United States
The United States has the fourth largest freshwater reserves in the world, with 3,069 km3 of water. This is about 4% of the world’s freshwater resources.
The Great Lakes, consisting of Lake Superior, Lake Michigan, Lake Huron, Lake Erie, and Lake Ontario, are one of the largest freshwater systems globally. They contain about 84% of North America’s surface freshwater.
The United States is blessed with several major rivers that contribute to its freshwater reserves. These include the Mississippi River, Missouri River, Colorado River, Columbia River, and many others.
5. China
China has the fifth largest freshwater reserves in the world, with 2,840 km3 of water. This is about 4% of the world’s freshwater resources.
The country is blessed with vast network of rivers, including the Yangtze, Yellow, Pearl, and Heilongjiang Rivers, among others.
One of the prominent freshwater features in China is the Tibetan Plateau, often referred to as the “Water Tower of Asia.” This high-altitude region serves as the source of several major rivers, including the Yangtze and Yellow Rivers, which provide crucial freshwater resources to vast areas of the country.
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Other freshwater reserves countries are:
- Colombia – 2,132 km3
- Indonesia – 2,019 km3
- Peru – 1,913 km3
- India – 1,911 km3
- Democratic Republic of the Congo – 1,284 km3
