World’s Ten Countries Without a Single River. While rivers are a critical source of water, transportation, and fertile land for most countries, there are a few nations across the globe that are completely devoid of rivers. Despite having coastlines or other water sources, these countries do not have any major rivers flowing through their territories. Here’s a look at ten countries without a single river, each with unique geographical characteristics:

1. Bahrain
   Located in the Persian Gulf, Bahrain is an island nation with no rivers. The country relies on desalinated seawater and underground aquifers for its water supply, making it one of the smallest countries to completely lack rivers.

2. Malta
   A small Mediterranean island nation, Malta does not have any rivers. Its water needs are met primarily through groundwater sources and desalination, a method commonly used on the island to provide drinking water.

3. Saudi Arabia
   Despite being the largest country in the world without rivers, Saudi Arabia has a vast desert landscape. The country’s water supply is mainly dependent on underground aquifers and desalination plants, especially given its arid climate.

4. United Arab Emirates (UAE)
   The UAE, located on the southeastern Arabian Peninsula, is another country that lacks rivers. Due to its dry climate, the UAE has invested heavily in desalination technologies and groundwater extraction to meet its water needs.

5. Qatar
   Qatar, a small peninsula in the Persian Gulf, has no rivers. With very little natural freshwater, the country relies heavily on desalinated water and underground reserves to meet the demands of its population.

6. Kuwait
   Kuwait is another Gulf nation with no rivers. It faces extreme aridity and relies on desalination and groundwater extraction to secure its freshwater supply.

7. Oman
   Although Oman has some seasonal wadis (valleys), it does not have any major rivers. The country has large desert areas, and most of its water comes from underground sources and seasonal rainfall.

8. Vatican City
   The world’s smallest country, Vatican City, located entirely within Rome, Italy, has no rivers. Water in the Vatican is supplied by the surrounding Italian city and its municipal systems, with limited natural water sources.

9. San Marino
   San Marino, a landlocked country surrounded by Italy, is also riverless. Despite its mountainous terrain, the country lacks any major rivers, relying on reservoirs and underground aquifers for its water needs.

10. Liechtenstein
    Situated in the Alps between Switzerland and Austria, Liechtenstein does not have any major rivers. The country is mostly dependent on groundwater and rainwater, supported by well-maintained reservoirs.

Why No Rivers in THESE Countries?
The reasons these countries lack rivers vary greatly. In some cases, geographic factors such as arid climates, island topography, or mountainous regions contribute to the absence of flowing rivers. For many of these nations, the scarcity of rivers has led to the adoption of alternative water supply solutions, such as desalination plants, groundwater extraction, and rainwater collection.

Despite the absence of rivers, many of these countries have developed sophisticated water management systems, ensuring they meet the water needs of their populations. Desalination, in particular, has been a game-changer for many of these nations, transforming seawater into drinkable water and allowing them to thrive despite their riverless landscapes.