Transboundary basins

In 2002, there were 263 transboundary basins listed, compared to 214 in 1978.
   - Africa: 59
   - Asia: 58
   - Europe: 73
   - Latin America and the Caribbean: 61
   - North America: 17
   - Oceania: 1

145 nations have territory within a transboundary basin, and 21 lie entirely within one.

12 countries have more than 95% of their territory within one or more transboundary basins.

Approximately one third of the 263 transboundary basins are shared by more than two countries.

19 basins involve five or more different countries:
   - The Danube River basin is shared by 18 riparian nations.
   - Five basins are shared between 9 and 11 countries.
   - Thirteen basins have between 5 and 8 riparian nations.

Conflict and cooperation

There have been 1,831 interactions (both conflictual and cooperative) over the last fifty years.
   - 7 disputes have involved violence, and 507 conflictive events have occurred
   - Approximately 200 treaties have been signed, with a total of 1,228 cooperative events.

The concept of 'virtual water' has been developed which allows nations and states to share the products and benefits.

Conventions

The Convention on the Law of the Non-Navigational Uses of International Watercourses was adopted by the United Nations in 1997. At present, it has been signed by 16 countries, and ratified by 9.