Rivers are essential natural resources that support ecosystems, agriculture, hydroelectric power, and freshwater supply. Some of the world’s most famous rivers include the Nile (Africa), Yangtze (Asia), Amazon (South America), and Mississippi (North America).
Aside from their economic and environmental benefits, rivers have historically been centers of civilization, serving as trade routes and cultural hubs. However, some countries manage to thrive without a single river, using innovative methods to secure water.
According to WorldAtlas, here are ten countries that lack rivers but have developed alternative solutions:
1. Saudi Arabia
As the largest country in the world without a river, Saudi Arabia depends on underground aquifers and desalination plants for its water supply. The country’s vast deserts, including the Rub’ al Khali (Empty Quarter), prevent the formation of natural rivers.
2. Bahrain
This small island nation in the Persian Gulf has no rivers and relies on desalination and groundwater wells. The Bahraini government has invested heavily in advanced desalination technology to meet its water needs.
3. Kuwait
Although Kuwait has a coastline, it lacks natural rivers. Its population depends on rainwater collection, underground reservoirs, and desalination plants to access freshwater.
4. United Arab Emirates (UAE)
The UAE, home to cities like Dubai and Abu Dhabi, has no rivers but features seasonal watercourses known as wadis that fill up after heavy rains. The country primarily sources its water from desalination plants, groundwater extraction, and artificial reservoirs.
5. Qatar
Qatar’s desert climate prevents the existence of rivers, so the country relies on underground reservoirs and desalination plants. Despite its arid conditions, Qatar has developed modern infrastructure to support its growing population.
6. Maldives
This island nation in the Indian Ocean has no rivers due to its low-lying geography. The Maldives secures its freshwater through rainwater collection, desalination, and groundwater wells.
7. Oman
Oman lacks permanent rivers but has wadis (seasonal watercourses) that occasionally fill with water after rare rainfall. The country meets its water demands through desalination and groundwater sources.
8. Libya
Libya, dominated by the Sahara Desert, has no rivers. However, it developed the Great Man-Made River project, an underground water transport system that moves water from deep aquifers to urban centers.
9. Vatican City
As the smallest country in the world (0.44 square kilometers), Vatican City has no rivers. It gets its water supply from the Rome water network.
10. Yemen
Yemen has no permanent rivers, only seasonal streams that appear after heavy rainfall. The country faces severe water shortages, relying on groundwater and rainwater harvesting for survival.
These nations have adapted to their environments by investing in advanced water management systems to support their populations despite lacking natural rivers.
