GK: 10 Countries With No Rivers – News18

Last Updated:February 06, 2025, 13:15 IST

Countries With No Rivers: Some countries lack permanent rivers and rely on desalination, groundwater, and imports to meet their water needs.

Rivers, the life-giving arteries of the Earth, carve canyons, nourish ecosystems, and shape human civilisations. Some countries, such as Russia, boast a network of more than 100,000 rivers, while several nations surprisingly exist without a single permanent river flowing within their borders. These arid and often island nations rely on alternative sources for their water needs, such as desalination, underground aquifers, and imported water.

At present, there are around 20 countries and 22 territories that lack a permanent natural river, although some feature streams or seasonal watercourses like wadis. With that in mind, let’s explore some countries that do not have rivers.

Here are 10 countries with no rivers:

Saudi Arabia: One of the largest countries in the world, Saudi Arabia does not have a single flowing river. Located on the Arabian Peninsula, the country has developed advanced water management strategies. Saudi Arabia relies heavily on desalination, producing around 70 per cent of its drinking water. Additionally, the country taps into underground aquifers and has invested in wastewater treatment and reuse systems.

Qatar: Next on the list is Qatar. This wealthy nation on the Arabian Peninsula possesses vast oil and gas reserves but lacks permanent rivers. The country’s water supply comes primarily from desalination plants, which provide over 99 per cent of its potable water. Notably, Qatar has one of the highest per capita water consumption rates in the world, prompting significant investments in water conservation technologies.

United Arab Emirates: Like many of its neighbours, the UAE is another riverless nation on the Arabian Peninsula. Known for its opulent cities like Dubai and Abu Dhabi, the country relies heavily on desalinated water and groundwater extraction to meet its water demands. The UAE also utilises treated wastewater for industrial and irrigation purposes, helping to conserve freshwater resources.

Bahrain: This island nation in the Persian Gulf also lacks natural rivers. It relies on several springs and groundwater sources to meet its freshwater needs. Additionally, desalinated water provides over 60 per cent of Bahrain’s freshwater supply. The country actively promotes water-saving techniques to encourage efficient water use.

Kuwait: Situated at the northern tip of the Arabian Gulf, Kuwait is another desert nation that faces significant water scarcity. The country depends on desalination plants for most of its freshwater supply. Kuwait has also implemented stringent water conservation measures and utilises treated sewage water for agricultural irrigation.

Vatican City: The world’s smallest country, Vatican City, covers only 0.44 square kilometres and is located within Rome, Italy. This independent state has no rivers within its borders and depends on the Italian water supply for its needs. Despite its small size, Vatican City emphasises sustainable water use, including the installation of water-saving fixtures and raising awareness about conservation among its residents and visitors.

Maldives: An archipelago of islands in the Indian Ocean, the Maldives has no rivers due to its low-lying terrain and lack of significant freshwater sources. The country faces numerous water challenges, particularly with rising sea levels. To meet its water demand, the Maldives relies on desalination plants, rainwater harvesting, and the importation of bottled water. Conservation and sustainable water management practices play a crucial role in its survival.

Monaco: Following Vatican City, Monaco is the second-smallest country that lacks permanent rivers. Spanning just 1.95 square kilometres along the French Riviera, Monaco is renowned for its glamour and luxury. However, it depends on the Italian water supply for its needs.

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Nauru: A small island nation in the central Pacific Ocean, Nauru has no rivers and faces significant environmental challenges due to phosphate mining and limited freshwater resources.

Oman: Last on the list is Oman. Located on the southeastern coast of the Arabian Peninsula, Oman has no permanent rivers but features several wadis—dry riverbeds that fill with water during the rainy season. The country utilises these wadis for groundwater recharge and also relies on desalination to manage its water resources efficiently.

Other countries without rivers include Djibouti, Yemen, Malta, Kiribati, the Marshall Islands, Tonga, and Tuvalu. Among these, Djibouti has small creeks, but they only appear during the monsoon season. Often characterised by desert landscapes and arid climates, these countries struggle to maintain rivers year-round due to a lack of consistent water sources.