How the world's fresh water resources are shared among countries

Fresh water is one of Earth’s most essential and limited natural resources. Covering just 2.5% of the planet’s total water supply, freshwater is critical for drinking, agriculture, sanitation, industry, and sustaining ecosystems.

Yet much of it is locked away in glaciers, ice caps, or deep underground, making accessible freshwater even scarcer.

As global populations grow and climate change intensifies, the demand for clean, reliable water sources is surging—putting pressure on governments, communities, and ecosystems alike.

According to the World Bank, this is how fresh water resources are scattered around the world:

Brazil (13.2%)

In Brazil, the Amazon Basin alone accounts for one-fifth of the world’s river flow, supporting 60% of global rainforests and 10% of all known species.

Russia (10.1%)

With thousands of rivers and lakes, including Lake Baikal—which holds 20% of the world’s unfrozen freshwater—Russia is a freshwater powerhouse.

Canada (6.7%)

Home to over two million lakes and a significant portion of the Great Lakes, Canada holds 84% of North America’s surface freshwater.

United States (6.6%)

Rivers like the Mississippi, Colorado, and Columbia are vital water sources, though regions such as the Southwest face growing scarcity due to overdrawn aquifers.

China (6.6%)

The Yangtze River in China is essential for agriculture and industry, sustaining over 400 million people. However, water availability remains a pressing geopolitical challenge.