Level of water stress: freshwater withdrawal as a proportion of available freshwater resources
Countries By Level of water stress: freshwater withdrawal as a proportion of available freshwater resources
Key points
- The level of water stress, measured as freshwater withdrawal as a proportion of available freshwater resources, reflects the pressure on a country's water supply from various sectors such as agriculture, manufacturing, and services.
- Kuwait stands out with the highest level of water stress, indicating significant strain on its limited freshwater resources due to high withdrawal rates compared to availability.
- In contrast, the Republic of the Congo has the lowest water stress level, suggesting a relatively sustainable water usage practice in the country.
- The average water stress level among the listed countries is approximately 70.24%, indicating that many nations are utilizing a significant portion of their renewable freshwater resources.
- Countries with high water stress levels may face challenges such as water scarcity, environmental degradation, and potential conflicts over water resources, necessitating efficient water management strategies.
Official Definition of Level of water stress: freshwater withdrawal as a proportion of available freshwater resources
The level of water stress: freshwater withdrawal as a proportion of available freshwater resources is the ratio between total freshwater withdrawn by all major sectors and total renewable freshwater resources, after taking into account environmental water requirements. Main sectors, as defined by ISIC standards, include agriculture; forestry and fishing; manufacturing; electricity industry; and services. This indicator is also known as water withdrawal intensity.
Importance
The level of water stress is a crucial macroeconomic statistic for a country as it directly reflects the sustainability and management of its freshwater resources.
When the value of the level of water stress is low, it indicates that the country is utilizing its available freshwater resources efficiently. This can have positive implications such as ensuring water security for agriculture, industry, and domestic use, promoting economic growth, and minimizing the environmental impact of water extraction.
Conversely, a high value of the level of water stress signifies excessive withdrawal of freshwater compared to the available resources. This can lead to water scarcity, environmental degradation, conflicts over water usage, and hindered economic development. High water stress can also impact the country's agricultural productivity, industrial output, and overall quality of life for its citizens.
Top 10 Countries by Level of water stress: freshwater withdrawal as a proportion of available freshwater resources
Bottom 10 Countries by Level of water stress: freshwater withdrawal as a proportion of available freshwater resources
Regions
Europe
The level of water stress, measured by freshwater withdrawal as a proportion of available freshwater resources, varies significantly among the listed countries. Belgium has the highest level at 51.58%, indicating high water stress primarily due to industrial and service sector demands. Spain follows closely behind at 43.25%, also facing considerable water stress challenges. Iceland, with the lowest level at 0.39%, has a significant advantage in water resource management. High water stress can lead to environmental degradation, affecting agricultural productivity and overall economic development. Countries with lower water stress levels, like Iceland, are better positioned for sustainable development and reduced environmental impact.
Far East: East Asia, SE Asia, Australia
Among the listed countries, Singapore and South Korea demonstrate the highest level of water stress, with freshwater withdrawal as a proportion of available freshwater resources at 83.12% and 85.22% respectively. These countries heavily rely on water-intensive sectors like manufacturing and services, leading to high water stress levels. In contrast, Papua New Guinea and Cambodia have the lowest water stress levels. While low water stress indicates sustainable water management, it may also suggest underutilization of water resources for economic development. High water stress can lead to water scarcity, affecting agricultural productivity and industrial growth, exacerbating the need for water management infrastructure and conservation efforts.
ASEAN
Brunei shows a relatively low level of water stress with freshwater withdrawal at 3.47% of available resources. Cambodia follows with 1.04%, indicating a lower water stress level. In contrast, Singapore exhibits significantly high water stress at 83.12%. The high proportion of water withdrawal in the Philippines (26.25%), Indonesia (29.70%), and Thailand (23.01%) suggests a considerable strain on freshwater resources. While low water stress can signify efficient water management in Brunei and Cambodia, high water stress in Singapore may indicate potential challenges in sustaining water resources. For the Philippines, Indonesia, and Thailand, the statistic reveals a pressing need for more sustainable water usage practices to avoid future water scarcity issues that could hinder their development.
Latin America
The level of water stress, measured as freshwater withdrawal as a proportion of available freshwater resources, varies significantly among the listed countries. Mexico and the Dominican Republic show notably high levels of water stress at 44.82% and 39.55% respectively, indicating a substantial strain on their freshwater resources. In contrast, Bolivia, Brazil, and Paraguay exhibit lower levels of water stress. High water stress, as seen in Cuba and Mexico, can lead to water scarcity issues, impacting agricultural output and overall economic development negatively. Countries with lower water stress, like Bolivia and Brazil, may have an advantage in terms of sustainable water management and resource availability for various sectors.
Middle East
The level of water stress varies significantly among the listed countries. Kuwait and United Arab Emirates demonstrate extremely high water stress levels, with Kuwait's level being particularly alarming at 3850.5. These countries heavily rely on desalination and face challenges in sustaining their water resources. In contrast, Georgia has the lowest water stress level, indicating relatively sustainable water usage practices. High water stress, as seen in Saudi Arabia and Libya, can lead to water scarcity issues, affecting agriculture and overall socio-economic development. The data underscores the urgent need for water management strategies in highly stressed countries to ensure long-term sustainability and avoid potential conflicts over water resources.
Rivals
Anglosphere v BRICS
When examining the level of water stress, we see significant variations among the listed countries. India and South Africa stand out with incredibly high freshwater withdrawal proportions in relation to available resources, indicating severe water stress and potential water scarcity issues. On the other hand, Brazil and Canada exhibit a more sustainable usage pattern. China, the United States, and the United Kingdom fall in between these extremes. This statistic highlights the need for water management strategies in high-stress countries like India and South Africa to avoid environmental degradation and water shortages, while countries like Brazil and Canada can leverage their lower stress levels for continued economic development without straining water resources.
Russia v Ukraine
In analyzing the level of water stress, we find that the Russian Federation exhibits a relatively lower level at 4.12%, indicating a more sustainable use of its available freshwater resources. On the other hand, Ukraine has a significantly higher level of water stress at 12.26%, suggesting a greater strain on its freshwater reserves. The advantage for Russia lies in its efficient water resource management, potentially supporting long-term environmental sustainability. However, Ukraine's higher water stress level reflects a pressing need for improved water usage strategies to avoid potential resource depletion and environmental consequences. This statistic's implications highlight the importance of water conservation efforts in ensuring both countries' future development and resource security.
France v United Kingdom
France has a relatively higher level of water stress compared to the United Kingdom, with a proportion of 22.99% of freshwater withdrawn in relation to available resources. In contrast, the United Kingdom's level stands at 14.35%. While France's higher water stress level may indicate more intensive water usage in key sectors like agriculture and industry, it could also signal potential challenges in managing water resources sustainably. The United Kingdom, with a lower water stress level, may have a more efficient use of water resources but could also indicate less emphasis on certain water-intensive sectors. This statistic highlights the importance of water resource management for both countries, impacting their development strategies and environmental sustainability efforts differently.
Israel v Iran
Iran has a water stress level of 81.29%, indicating a significant strain on its freshwater resources. In contrast, Israel's water stress level is higher at 110.08%, pointing to even greater pressure on its available freshwater. Iran faces challenges in managing water resources efficiently due to its high water stress level, impacting agricultural productivity and potentially leading to water scarcity issues. On the other hand, Israel's advanced water management techniques have enabled it to cope better with water stress, although it still faces challenges in ensuring sustainable water use. The disparity in water stress levels reflects the differing approaches to water resource management between the two countries, with implications for their long-term development and environmental sustainability.
Saudi Arabia v Iran
Iran exhibits a moderate level of water stress with a freshwater withdrawal ratio of 81.29%, indicating a relatively sustainable usage of available freshwater resources. In contrast, Saudi Arabia faces severe water stress, withdrawing 974.17% of its available resources, far exceeding sustainability levels. Iran's advantage lies in its comparatively efficient water management practices, while Saudi Arabia's disadvantage stems from heavy reliance on unsustainable water sources like desalination. This statistic's impact on development is critical as water scarcity can hinder agricultural productivity, industrial growth, and overall economic stability, therefore, Iran is better positioned for continued development compared to Saudi Arabia.
India v Pakistan
India and Pakistan exhibit significant differences in their level of water stress, with India having a proportion of 66.49% and Pakistan 116.31% of freshwater withdrawal as a proportion of available freshwater resources. India faces challenges in managing water resources efficiently due to its high population density and agricultural practices. However, India has made strides in water conservation efforts. In contrast, Pakistan's higher ratio indicates a more severe water stress situation, reflecting issues of water scarcity and mismanagement. This statistic directly impacts both countries' development, with India focusing on sustainable water usage for economic growth, while Pakistan faces increasing challenges in ensuring water security and supporting its economy.
Turkey v Greece
In terms of the level of water stress measured by freshwater withdrawal as a proportion of available freshwater resources, Greece stands at 20.48% while Turkey is significantly higher at 45.71%. The data portrays Turkey as more water-stressed compared to Greece, indicating higher pressure on its freshwater resources. Turkey's high level of water stress could pose challenges in sustaining water availability for various sectors, impacting agriculture, manufacturing, and services. On the other hand, Greece's lower water stress level suggests relatively better water resource management. While Greece may have a comparative advantage in water sustainability, Turkey may face disadvantages such as increased water scarcity risks. Addressing water stress is crucial for both countries' development, with Turkey needing to implement efficient water management strategies to mitigate risks and Greece focusing on maintaining its current sustainable practices for long-term growth.
China v Japan
In terms of the level of water stress, China, People's Republic of has a statistic of 41.52% and Japan has a statistic of 36.05%. China shows higher water stress compared to Japan, indicating that a larger proportion of its available freshwater resources are being withdrawn across major sectors. This implies that China may be facing greater challenges in managing its water resources sustainably. One advantage for China could be a strong agricultural sector, but a disadvantage might be increased strain on freshwater ecosystems. For Japan, an advantage could be better water resource management practices, but a disadvantage might be limited water availability for certain industries. This statistic is crucial for both countries' development as sustainable water management is vital for long-term economic and social stability.
FAQs
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Which country has the most Level of Water Stress?
Kuwait has the highest Level of Water Stress, with a value of 3850.5 which represents freshwater withdrawal as a proportion of available freshwater resources.
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Which country has the least Level of Water Stress?
Congo, Republic of the has the least Level of Water Stress, with a value of 0.0274 which represents freshwater withdrawal as a proportion of available freshwater resources.
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What is the average Level of Water Stress among the listed countries?
The average Level of Water Stress among the listed countries is approximately 70.24, calculated based on the ratios of freshwater withdrawn to available freshwater resources.