Rainfall is one of the many blessings that the living beings are bestowed with. Rains are highly important and very much beneficial and they are the base of our lives. In order to grow crops, fertile soil is very essential along with adequate rainfall. Rains are the much required resource of any country and even the national economy but yes excess of it is bad too. But then there are certain countries where it doesn’t rain at all. It leads to droughts and famines. The people are stranded and they die of starvation and hunger.
As per the latest research done by NASA it is seen that the world is going to run out of water very soon. There are countries where it doesn’t rain or when it rains, it is inadequate to make cultivation possible. Therefore the residents of these countries are in a sad state. Poverty is the first thing that hits the country which doesn’t produce food for its citizens. Other being the high inflation which only results in the decline of an economy.
List of Top Countries with Lowest Rainfall
Let’s check out top 10 countries in the world which receive the least rainfall annually.
10. UAE
The coastal area of United Arab Emirates receives less than 120 mm of rainfall per year but on the average, due to its location in the hot desert region the rainfall is up to 78 mm per year. The coastal region of UAE experiences violent storms of dust between the months of July and August. During these months the average temperature is above 45 °C (113 °F). The weather conditions are harsh and the humid weather makes it more uncomfortable.
9. Jordan
Jordan receives 110 mm of rainfall annually. The climatic conditions vary from Mediterranean to arid. This country has abundant plants of over 2,300 species. Temperature range starts from 32 °C (90 °F) and can go up to 40 °C (104 °F) during the summery months of May to September. July and August are the hottest months. Some part of Western Jordan receives snowfall during winters as well.
8. Israel
Israel has a Mediterranean climate, which is characterized by hot and dry summers and cool and wet winters. It has an average annual rainfall of 280 mm. Droughts are common in Israel, particularly in the southern regions, and the lack of rainfall has contributed to water shortages and the depletion of the country’s water resources. In recent years, Israel has implemented various water conservation measures, including the construction of desalination plants, to address the issue of water scarcity.
7. Eritrea
Eritrea is located on the Red Sea in East Africa and has an average annual rainfall of 250 mm. The rainy season in Eritrea typically runs from June to September, with the heaviest rainfall occurring in July and August. The coastal regions of Eritrea receive the most rainfall, with an average of 200-400 mm per year. The highlands in the central part of the country receive more rainfall, with an average of 400-800 mm per year.
6. Djibouti
Djibouti is a small country in the Horn of Africa and has an average annual rainfall of 130 mm. The coastal regions of Djibouti receive the most rainfall, with an average of 130-180 mm per year. The interior regions of the country, which include the Danakil Desert and the Ethiopian Highlands, receive very little rainfall, with less than 100 mm per year.
5. Yemen
Yemen is located on the southern end of the Arabian Peninsula and has an average annual rainfall of 100 mm. Droughts are common in Yemen, and the lack of rainfall has contributed to the country’s ongoing humanitarian crisis. Climate change and conflict have made the situation even worse in recent years, with many people in Yemen facing food and water shortages, as well as displacement.
4. Somalia
Somalia is located in the Horn of Africa and has an average annual rainfall of 100 mm. The amount of rainfall in Somalia varies significantly from region to region, with some areas receiving more rainfall than others.
The rainy season in Somalia typically runs from April to June, with a secondary rainy season from October to December. The heaviest rainfall occurs in the southern part of the country, particularly in the Jubba and Shabelle river basins. In these areas, the average annual rainfall is around 400-600 mm.
3. Chad
Chad is a landlocked country in Central Africa, and it has a very low annual rainfall. The amount of rainfall in Chad varies significantly from region to region. In the northern part of Chad, which is part of the Sahara Desert, the annual rainfall is less than 50 mm, and in some areas, it may not rain for years. The central and southern regions of Chad receive slightly more rainfall, with an average annual rainfall of 300-600 mm.
2. Libya
With 50 mm of rainfall annually, Libya stands on number 2 of the countries with lowest rainfall. It doesn’t rain there for decades together. Few part of this country are enclosed by deserts and the northern part has Mediterranean climate. The Green Mountain zone – Jabal al Akhdar – is one place where the rainfall can go up to 600 mm but all the other areas only receive about 50-55 mm of rains. The temperature is hot during the day time and the weather is extremely rough.
1. Egypt
At number 1, we have Egypt that receives the lowest rainfall – 2 mm annually – in the entire world. Not only the Pyramids but Egypt is also known for its Nile River. It is something really great that their power and agricultural production is supported by Nile River which comes from the Mediterranean Sea. The location of Egypt is in the Sahara desert of Africa and with no rains, this country has no access to drinking water. The entire Egyptian civilization is dependent on the Nile River.
Conclusion
Countries with adequate rainfall not only have strong national economy but are also developing themselves in the food production sector. If these countries have to grow they need to find out ways to make water to live in the world. These countries are mostly located in Deserts therefore no rivers or dams are there. Well are being dug up and people travel long distances on their camels to fetch water. Without water the people of these countries will have a hard time surviving and also will not be able to compete in the world. The people die of thirst and hunger. The government of these countries need to find ways to help the citizens.
FAQs
Q.1. What is the difference between precipitation and rainfall?
Ans: Precipitation is any form of water particles that fall to the Earth’s surface, including rain, snow, sleet, and hail. Rainfall specifically refers to liquid precipitation.
Q.2. How do scientists measure rainfall?
Ans: Rainfall is typically measured using a rain gauge, which collects and measures the amount of liquid precipitation over a given period.
Q.3. What causes some countries to have very low rainfall?
Ans: There are several factors that can contribute to low rainfall in a country, including:
- Distance from the equator: Areas closer to the equator tend to receive more rainfall due to higher temperatures and greater evaporation.
- Ocean currents: Cold ocean currents can suppress evaporation and cloud formation, leading to less rainfall.
- Rain shadows: Mountains can block moisture-laden winds, creating rain shadows on the leeward side.
Q.4. What are some of the challenges faced by countries with low rainfall?
Ans: Water scarcity is a major challenge for countries with low rainfall. This can lead to difficulties with agriculture, drinking water supplies, and maintaining ecosystems.
Q.5. Are there any benefits to low rainfall?
Ans: There can be some benefits to low rainfall, such as less risk of flooding and erosion. Additionally, some regions with low rainfall may have a high concentration of minerals due to the lack of water to dissolve them.
Q.6. How can countries with low rainfall adapt to their environment?
Ans: There are a number of strategies that countries with low rainfall can use to adapt, such as:
- Water conservation: Implementing practices to use water more efficiently in agriculture, industry, and households.
- Desalination: Converting saltwater into freshwater for drinking and irrigation.
- Drought-resistant crops: Developing and planting crops that require less water to grow.
Q.7. What are some of the driest places on Earth, even within countries with some rainfall?
Ans: Even within countries that receive some rainfall, there can be extremely dry regions. Some examples include the Atacama Desert in Chile and the Sahara Desert in Africa.
I’m Hina Khan, working as a writer at Worldblaze.in blog. I love dancing and listening punjabi music. Here I’m sharing all the interesting stuffs that will definitely entertain you.