“Which country has no rivers?” you may wonder. Surprisingly, there are several, including Saudi Arabia, Libya, and the Vatican City. But how do these nations thrive without this vital resource?
In this article, we delve into the fascinating world of riverless countries, exploring the reasons behind their unique geography and how they adapt to these conditions. Stay with us as we journey through deserts, islands, and city-states, unraveling the mysteries of life without rivers.
Riverless Countries: Exploring Factors and Adaptations
In this section, we will delve into the phenomenon of riverless countries and explore the reasons behind the absence of rivers in certain nations.
Table of Countries lacking Rivers
| Country Name | Location | Population | Wikipedia |
|---|---|---|---|
| Saudi Arabia | Middle East | 34 million | Link |
| Yemen | Southern end of the Arabian Peninsula | 29 million | Link |
| United Arab Emirates | Eastern side of the Arabian Peninsula | 9.6 million | Link |
| Libya | North Africa | 6.7 million | Link |
| Singapore | Southern tip of the Malay Peninsula | 5.7 million | Link |
| Oman | Southeastern coast of the Arabian Peninsula | 4.6 million | Link |
| Kuwait | Tip of the Persian Gulf | 4.2 million | Link |
| Qatar | Qatar Peninsula, northeastern coast of the Arabian Peninsula | 2.8 million | Link |
| Bahrain | Persian Gulf | 1.5 million | Link |
| Comoros | Off the East Coast of Africa | 850,000 | Link |
| Djibouti | Horn of Africa | 988,000 | Link |
| Malta | Central Mediterranean | 514,564 | Link |
| Cayman Islands | Western Caribbean Sea | 65,000 | Link |
| Bermuda | North Atlantic Ocean | 64,000 | Link |
| Andorra | Between France and Spain in the Pyrenees mountains | 77,000 | Link |
| Liechtenstein | Between Switzerland and Austria | 38,000 | Link |
| Monaco | French Riviera | 38,300 | Link |
| Gibraltar | Southern tip of the Iberian Peninsula | 34,000 | Link |
| San Marino | Surrounded by Italy | 33,000 | Link |
| Vatican City | Within the city of Rome, Italy | 800 | Link |
| Bonaire | Caribbean | 20,000 | Link |
| Anguilla | Caribbean | 15,000 | Link |
| Tuvalu | Pacific Ocean | 11,000 | Link |
| Nauru | Micronesia, Central Pacific | 10,000 | Link |
| Aruba | Southern Caribbean Sea | 106,000 | Link |
| Tonga | South Pacific | 105,000 | Link |
| Kiribati | Micronesia, Central Pacific Ocean | 119,000 | Link |
| Maldives | Indian Ocean | 392,040 | Link |
| Marshall Islands | Central Pacific Ocean | 59,000 | Link |
Key takeaways
- Arid climates and desert landscapes contribute to the absence of rivers in riverless countries.
- Small island nations and archipelagos lack the land area required for substantial river systems.
- City-states and urbanized areas prioritize water management and conservation practices.
Factors Contributing to Riverless Countries
Nations without rivers, also known as riverless countries, exist for various reasons. Let’s examine the key factors that contribute to the absence of rivers in these countries.
Arid Climates and Desert Nations
One significant factor is the presence of arid climates and desert landscapes. These countries, such as Saudi Arabia, Libya, and others, experience low rainfall and dry conditions. The scarcity of water prevents the formation and sustenance of permanent rivers.
As a result, these arid countries and desert nations rely on alternative water sources to meet their freshwater needs.
Island Nations and Archipelagos
Another category of riverless countries includes small island nations and archipelagos. These picturesque island countries, like Comoros and Bahamas, often lack the land area required for substantial river systems to develop.
Instead, they depend on alternative water sources such as rainfall, natural springs, and imported water to meet their freshwater requirements.
City-States and Urbanized Areas
City-states, such as Vatican City and Monaco, represent a unique group among riverless countries. These urbanized nations have limited land areas, mainly composed of densely populated cities. The emphasis on urban development limits the space available for significant river systems.
Water management and conservation practices play a crucial role in meeting the water demands of these small city-states.
Adaptations in Riverless Countries
Living in a country without rivers presents distinct challenges. However, people, animals, and plants in riverless countries have adapted through various strategies and alternative water sources.
Alternative Water Sources and Innovative Solutions
To overcome the lack of rivers, these countries have embraced alternative water sources. Rainwater harvesting, efficient irrigation techniques, and water conservation practices have become essential for sustenance.
They have developed expertise in water management and sustainability, paving the way for innovative solutions and future prospects.
Future Prospects and Water Management
Looking ahead, water management and sustainability are crucial for the future prospects of riverless countries. Managing water resources, promoting water conservation, and exploring innovative solutions will be pivotal in ensuring the long-term viability of these nations.
You might want to check the opposite: countries boasting numerous rivers.
Comprehensive List of Nations without Rivers
This comprehensive list provides detailed information about each country without rivers, including their location, population, and unique geographical features, to enhance understanding of how these nations manage their water resources and adapt to their unique circumstances. The order is sorted by population size.
Saudi Arabia
Saudi Arabia, characterized by its vast desert landscapes and arid climate, is the largest country in the world without a river.
- Located: Middle East
- Area: Approximately 2,149,690 square miles
- Climate Zone: Arid
- Type of Riverless Country: Desert Nation
- Population: Around 34 million
- Main Methods of Water Conservation: Desalination, underground water sources
- Main Alternative Water Sources: Underground water sources, desalinated water
- Current Biggest Water Management Projects: Construction of numerous desalination plants along the coast
Yemen
Yemen, located on the southern end of the Arabian Peninsula, is known for its ancient history and rich cultural heritage. Despite its arid climate and lack of rivers, it has made significant strides in water management.
- Located: Southern end of the Arabian Peninsula
- Area: Approximately203,850 square miles
- Climate Zone: Arid
- Type of Riverless Country: Desert Nation
- Population: Around 29 million
- Main Methods of Water Conservation: Groundwater extraction, rainwater harvesting
- Main Alternative Water Sources: Groundwater, rainwater
- Current Biggest Water Management Projects: Development of groundwater extraction systems and rainwater harvesting systems
United Arab Emirates
The United Arab Emirates, a federation of seven emirates on the eastern side of the Arabian Peninsula, is known for its wealth, modern cities, and desert landscapes. Despite its lack of rivers, it has developed a modern infrastructure to meet its water needs.
- Located: Eastern side of the Arabian Peninsula
- Area: Approximately 32,300 square miles
- Climate Zone: Arid
- Type of Riverless Country: Desert Nation
- Population: Around 9.6 million
- Main Methods of Water Conservation: Desalination, water recycling
- Main Alternative Water Sources: Desalinated water, underground water sources
- Current Biggest Water Management Projects: Expansion of desalination plants, water recycling programs
Libya
Libya, another desert country, is the largest riverless country in Africa, known for its arid climate and the Libyan Desert, one of the most arid places on earth.
- Located: North Africa
- Area: Approximately 679,363 square miles
- Climate Zone: Arid
- Type of Riverless Country: Desert Nation
- Population: Around 6.7 million
- Main Methods of Water Conservation: Groundwater extraction
- Main Alternative Water Sources: Groundwater, large aquifer
- Current Biggest Water Management Projects: Development of the large aquifer underneath the country
Oman
Oman, a country on the southeastern coast of the Arabian Peninsula, is known for its diverse environment, from desert landscapes to mountain ranges and coastal plains. Despite its lack of rivers, it has a rich history and culture.
- Located: Southeastern coast of the Arabian Peninsula
- Area: Approximately 119,500 square miles
- Climate Zone: Arid
- Type of Riverless Country: Desert Nation
- Population: Around 4.6 million
- Main Methods of Water Conservation: Desalination, underground water sources
- Main Alternative Water Sources: Underground water sources, desalinated water
- Current Biggest Water Management Projects: Expansion of desalination plants, development of underground water sources
Kuwait
Kuwait, a small but wealthy country, is located at the tip of the Persian Gulf. Known for its hot desert climate, it has no natural rivers but has made significant strides in water management.
- Located: Tip of the Persian Gulf
- Area: Approximately 6,880 square miles
- Climate Zone: Arid
- Type of Riverless Country: Desert Nation
- Population: Around 4.2 million
- Main Methods of Water Conservation: Desalination, water recycling
- Main Alternative Water Sources: Desalinated water, underground water sources
- Current Biggest Water Management Projects: Expansion of desalination plants, water recycling programs
Qatar
Qatar, a small country located on the Qatar Peninsula in the northeastern coast of the Arabian Peninsula, is known for its wealth and modern cities. Despite its arid climate and lack of rivers, it has made significant strides in water management.
- Located: Qatar Peninsula, northeastern coast of the Arabian Peninsula
- Area: Approximately 4,473 square miles
- Climate Zone: Arid
- Type of Riverless Country: Desert Nation
- Population: Around 2.8 million
- Main Methods of Water Conservation: Desalination, water recycling
- Main Alternative Water Sources: Desalinated water, underground water sources
- Current Biggest Water Management Projects: Expansion of desalination plants, water recycling programs
Bahrain
Bahrain, an island nation in the Persian Gulf, is known for its rich history dating back to ancient times. Despite its lack of rivers, it has developed a modern infrastructure to meet its water needs.
- Located: Persian Gulf
- Area: Approximately 295 square miles
- Climate Zone: Arid
- Type of Riverless Country: Island Nation
- Population: Around 1.5 million
- Main Methods of Water Conservation: Desalination, water recycling
- Main Alternative Water Sources: Desalinated water, underground water sources
- Current Biggest Water Management Projects: Expansion of desalination plants, water recycling programs
Djibouti
Djibouti, located on the Horn of Africa, is known for its arid climate and strategic location near some of the world’s busiest shipping lanes. Despite its lack of rivers, it has made significant strides in water management.
- Located: Horn of Africa
- Area: Approximately 8,958 square miles
- Climate Zone: Arid
- Type of Riverless Country: Desert Nation
- Population: Around 988,000
- Main Methods of Water Conservation: Desalination, underground water sources
- Main Alternative Water Sources: Underground water sources, desalinated water
- Current Biggest Water Management Projects: Expansion of desalination plants, development of underground water sources
Comoros
Comoros, an archipelago located off the east coast of Africa, is one of the smallest countries in the world and is also without rivers. It is known for its diverse culture and history, as well as its rich biodiversity.
- Located: Off the East Coast of Africa
- Area: Approximately 719 square miles
- Climate Zone: Tropical Marine
- Type of Riverless Country: Island Nation
- Population: Around 850,000
- Main Methods of Water Conservation: Rainwater harvesting, desalination
- Main Alternative Water Sources: Groundwater, rainwater
- Current Biggest Water Management Projects: Development of rainwater harvesting systems and desalination plants
Malta
Malta, an archipelago in the central Mediterranean between Sicily and the North African coast, is known for its historic sites related to a succession of rulers including the Romans, Moors, Knights of Saint John, French, and British. Despite its lack of rivers, it has developed a modern infrastructure to meet its water needs.
- Located: Central Mediterranean
- Area: Approximately 122 square miles
- Climate Zone: Mediterranean
- Type of Riverless Country: Island Nation
- Population: Around 514,564
- Main Methods of Water Conservation: Desalination, water recycling
- Main Alternative Water Sources: Desalinated water, underground water sources
- Current Biggest Water Management Projects: Expansion of desalination plants, water recycling programs
Maldives
The Maldives, a tropical paradise known for its stunning coral reefs and white sandy beaches, is an archipelago in the Indian Ocean. Despite being surrounded by water, it has no rivers.
- Located: Indian Ocean
- Area: Approximately 115 square miles
- Climate Zone: Tropical Monsoon
- Type of Riverless Country: Island Nation
- Population: Around 392,040
- Main Methods of Water Conservation: Rainwater harvesting, desalination
- Main Alternative Water Sources: Rainwater, desalinated water
- Current Biggest Water Management Projects: Development of rainwater harvesting systems and desalination plants
Aruba
Aruba, an island country in the Southern Caribbean Sea, is known for its dry, sunny weather, blond beaches and gentle surf. Despite being surrounded by water, it has no rivers.
- Located: Southern Caribbean Sea
- Area: Approximately 69 square miles
- Climate Zone: Tropical Marine
- Type of Riverless Country: Island Nation
- Population: Around 106,000
- Main Methods of Water Conservation: Desalination, water recycling
- Main Alternative Water Sources: Desalinated water, recycled water
- Current Biggest Water Management Projects: Expansion of desalination plants, water recycling programs
Andorra
Andorra, a tiny, independent principality situated between France and Spain in the Pyrenees mountains, is known for its ski resorts and a tax-haven status that encourages duty-free shopping. Despite its mountainous terrain, it has no rivers.
- Located: Between France and Spain in the Pyrenees mountains
- Area: Approximately 181 square miles
- Climate Zone: Alpine
- Type of Riverless Country: Mountainous Nation
- Population: Around 77,000
- Main Methods of Water Conservation: Snowmelt collection, underground water sources
- Main Alternative Water Sources: Snowmelt, underground water sources
- Current Biggest Water Management Projects: Development of snowmelt collection systems and underground water sources
Vatican City
Vatican City, the smallest independent city-state in the world, is located entirely within the city of Rome. Despite its small size, it has a rich history and is home to some of the world’s most famous artworks and buildings.
- Located: Within the city of Rome, Italy
- Area: Approximately 0.17 square miles
- Climate Zone: Mediterranean
- Type of Riverless Country: City-State
- Population: Around 800
- Main Methods of Water Conservation: Use of imported water
- Main Alternative Water Sources: Imported water, rainwater collection
- Current Biggest Water Management Projects: Maintenance of existing water infrastructure
Monaco
Monaco, the second smallest country in the world, is a glamorous city-state located on the French Riviera. Despite its small size and lack of rivers, it is known for its luxury, glamour, and Mediterranean climate.
- Located: French Riviera
- Area: Approximately 0.78 square miles
- Climate Zone: Mediterranean
- Type of Riverless Country: City-State
- Population: Around 38,300
- Main Methods of Water Conservation: Use of imported water
- Main Alternative Water Sources: Imported water, seawater desalination
- Current Biggest Water Management Projects: Maintenance of existing water infrastructure, seawater desalination projects
Nauru
Nauru, the third smallest country in the world by area, is a tiny island nation located in Micronesia in the Central Pacific. Despite its small size and lack of rivers, it is known for its phosphate-rich soils.
- Located: Micronesia, Central Pacific
- Area: Approximately 8.1 square miles
- Climate Zone: Tropical
- Type of Riverless Country: Island Nation
- Population: Around 10,000
- Main Methods of Water Conservation: Rainwater harvesting, desalination
- Main Alternative Water Sources: Rainwater, desalinated water
- Current Biggest Water Management Projects: Development of rainwater harvesting systems and desalination plants
Kiribati
Kiribati, a sovereign state in Micronesia in the central Pacific Ocean, is known for its low-lying coral atolls and vibrant marine life. Despite being surrounded by water, it has no rivers.
- Located: Micronesia, Central Pacific Ocean
- Area: Approximately 313 square miles
- Climate Zone: Tropical Marine
- Type of Riverless Country: Island Nation
- Population: Around 119,000
- Main Methods of Water Conservation: Rainwater harvesting, desalination
- Main Alternative Water Sources: Rainwater, desalinated water
- Current Biggest Water Management Projects: Development of rainwater harvesting systems and desalination plants
Tuvalu
Tuvalu, formerly known as the Ellice Islands, is a Polynesian island country located in the Pacific Ocean. It’s known for its low-lying islands and atolls, and despite being surrounded by the ocean, it has no rivers.
- Located: Pacific Ocean
- Area: Approximately 10 square miles
- Climate Zone: Tropical
- Type of Riverless Country: Island Nation
- Population: Around 11,000
- Main Methods of Water Conservation: Rainwater harvesting, desalination
- Main Alternative Water Sources: Rainwater, desalinated water
- Current Biggest Water Management Projects: Development of rainwater harvesting systems and desalination plants
Marshall Islands
The Marshall Islands, a chain of volcanic islands and coral atolls in the central Pacific Ocean, is known for its rich marine biodiversity and stunning beaches. Despite being surrounded by the ocean, it has no rivers.
- Located: Central Pacific Ocean
- Area: Approximately 70 square miles
- Climate Zone: Tropical
- Type of Riverless Country: Island Nation
- Population: Around 59,000
- Main Methods of Water Conservation: Rainwater harvesting, desalination
- Main Alternative Water Sources: Rainwater, desalinated water
- Current Biggest Water Management Projects: Development of rainwater harvesting systems and desalination plants
Bahrain
Bahrain, an island nation in the Persian Gulf, is known for its rich history dating back to ancient times. Despite its lack of rivers, it has developed a modern infrastructure to meet its water needs.
- Located: Persian Gulf
- Area: Approximately 295 square miles
- Climate Zone: Arid
- Type of Riverless Country: Island Nation
- Population: Around 1.5 million
- Main Methods of Water Conservation: Desalination, water recycling
- Main Alternative Water Sources: Desalinated water, underground water sources
- Current Biggest Water Management Projects: Expansion of desalination plants, water recycling programs
Tonga
Tonga, a Polynesian kingdom of more than 170 South Pacific islands, is known for its white beaches, coral reefs and tropical rainforest. Despite being surrounded by water, it has no rivers.
- Located: South Pacific
- Area: Approximately 289 square miles
- Climate Zone: Tropical
- Type of Riverless Country: Island Nation
- Population: Around 105,000
- Main Methods of Water Conservation: Rainwater harvesting, desalination
- Main Alternative Water Sources: Rainwater, desalinated water
- Current Biggest Water Management Projects: Development of rainwater harvesting systems and desalination plants
Liechtenstein
Liechtenstein, a German-speaking microstate situated in the Alps between Switzerland and Austria, is known for its medieval castles, alpine landscapes, and villages linked by a network of trails. Despite its mountainous terrain, it has no rivers.
- Located: Between Switzerland and Austria
- Area: Approximately 62 square miles
- Climate Zone: Continental
- Type of Riverless Country: Mountainous Nation
- Population: Around 38,000
- Main Methods of Water Conservation: Snowmelt collection, underground water sources
- Main Alternative Water Sources: Snowmelt, underground water sources
- Current Biggest Water Management Projects: Development of snowmelt collection systems and underground water sources
San Marino
San Marino, an enclaved microstate surrounded by Italy, is known for its hilly terrain and historic architecture. Despite its small size and lack of rivers, it has developed a modern infrastructure to meet its water needs.
- Located: Surrounded by Italy
- Area: Approximately 24 square miles
- Climate Zone: Mediterranean
- Type of Riverless Country: Enclaved Microstate
- Population: Around 33,000
- Main Methods of Water Conservation: Use of imported water
- Main Alternative Water Sources: Imported water, rainwater collection
- Current Biggest Water Management Projects: Maintenance of existing water infrastructure, rainwater collection systems
Anguilla
Anguilla, a British overseas territory in the Caribbean, is known for its stunning beaches and vibrant coral reefs. Despite being surrounded by water, it has no rivers.
- Located: Caribbean
- Area: Approximately 35 square miles
- Climate Zone: Tropical
- Type of Riverless Country: Island Territory
- Population: Around 15,000
- Main Methods of Water Conservation: Rainwater harvesting, desalination
- Main Alternative Water Sources: Rainwater, desalinated water
- Current Biggest Water Management Projects: Development of rainwater harvesting systems and desalination plants
Bermuda
Bermuda, a British Overseas Territory in the North Atlantic Ocean, is known for its pink-sand beaches such as Elbow Beach and Horseshoe Bay. Despite being surrounded by water, it has no rivers.
- Located: North Atlantic Ocean
- Area: Approximately 21 square miles
- Climate Zone: Subtropical
- Type of Riverless Country: Island Territory
- Population: Around 64,000
- Main Methods of Water Conservation: Rainwater harvesting, desalination
- Main Alternative Water Sources: Rainwater, desalinated water
- Current Biggest Water Management Projects: Development of rainwater harvesting systems and desalination plants
Bonaire
Bonaire, an island municipality of the Netherlands, is known for its protected marine life and offers some of the best scuba diving in the Caribbean. Despite being surrounded by water, it has no rivers.
- Located: Caribbean
- Area: Approximately 113 square miles
- Climate Zone: Tropical Marine
- Type of Riverless Country: Island Municipality
- Population: Around 20,000
- Main Methods of Water Conservation: Desalination, water recycling
- Main Alternative Water Sources: Desalinated water, recycled water
- Current Biggest Water Management Projects: Expansion of desalination plants, water recycling programs
Cayman Islands
The Cayman Islands, a British Overseas Territory in the western Caribbean Sea, is known for its beach resorts, scuba diving, and snorkeling sites. Despite being surrounded by water, it has no rivers.
- Located: Western Caribbean Sea
- Area: Approximately 102 square miles
- Climate Zone: Tropical Marine
- Type of Riverless Country: Island Territory
- Population: Around 65,000
- Main Methods of Water Conservation: Desalination, water recycling
- Main Alternative Water Sources: Desalinated water, recycled water
- Current Biggest Water Management Projects: Expansion of desalination plants, water recycling programs
Gibraltar
Gibraltar, a British Overseas Territory located at the southern tip of the Iberian Peninsula, is known for the Rock of Gibraltar, a 426m-high limestone ridge. Despite its small size and lack of rivers, it has developed a modern infrastructure to meet its water needs.
- Located: Southern tip of the Iberian Peninsula
- Area: Approximately 2.6 square miles
- Climate Zone: Mediterranean
- Type of Riverless Country: Peninsula Territory
- Population: Around 34,000
- Main Methods of Water Conservation: Desalination, water recycling
- Main Alternative Water Sources: Desalinated water, recycled water
- Current Biggest Water Management Projects: Expansion of desalination plants, water recycling programs
These countries don’t have rivers, on the other hand, these countries have the shortest rivers….
FAQ
How many countries in the world have no rivers?
There are about 27 countries globally that lack rivers, including notable ones like Saudi Arabia, Libya, and the Maldives.
Which countries have no lakes?
Countries such as Bahrain, Monaco, and Nauru do not have natural lakes, primarily due to their geographical constraints and small sizes. However, these nations have developed alternative water sources to meet their needs.
Which Europe country has no river?
In Europe, Vatican City stands out as the only nation without a river, largely due to its compact size and urban setting. Despite this, the city-state has an efficient water supply system in place. Others are: Andorra, Monaco, San Marino, Liechtenstein, Gibraltar
