Agricultural land 2008

Somalia

In 2008, Somalia ranked 19th among 209 countries in terms of agricultural land, encompassing a total area of 441,260 square kilometers. This significant amount of agricultural land reflects the country's reliance on agriculture as a primary means of livelihood for much of its population.

The extensive agricultural land in Somalia is predominantly used for pastoralism and subsistence farming, which are vital for food security and economic stability. However, the productivity of this land is often hampered by various challenges such as prolonged droughts, political instability, and inadequate infrastructure.

Additionally, Somalia's agricultural sector has the potential to expand further, given its favorable climate in some regions, but it requires substantial investment and improvements in governance to enhance the effectiveness of agricultural practices. Interestingly, the country’s agricultural landscape is characterized by both traditional farming methods and emerging efforts towards modern agricultural techniques aimed at improving yield and sustainability.

India

In 2008, India held the seventh-largest area of agricultural land in the world, encompassing approximately 1,797,570 square kilometers. This substantial land area reflects India's extensive agricultural sector, which plays a crucial role in the country's economy and sustains a large portion of its population.

Several factors contribute to India's significant agricultural land area, including its diverse climate, which allows for the cultivation of a wide variety of crops, as well as the historical importance of agriculture in Indian society. The country's agrarian economy employs about 58% of the workforce, highlighting the sector's vital contribution to livelihoods and food security.

Additionally, India's agricultural landscape is characterized by a mix of traditional farming practices and modern agricultural techniques, making it a key player in global agricultural production. Notably, India is one of the world's largest producers of several crops, including rice, wheat, and pulses, which are essential for both domestic consumption and export.

Haiti

In 2008, Haiti ranked 124th out of 209 countries in terms of agricultural land, with a total area of 17,700 square kilometers dedicated to farming and cultivation. This statistic reflects the country's reliance on agriculture as a primary source of livelihood for a significant portion of its population, amidst ongoing challenges such as poverty and political instability.

The relatively low ranking in agricultural land area can be attributed to various factors, including deforestation, soil degradation, and urbanization, which have reduced arable land over the years. Natural disasters, particularly earthquakes and hurricanes, have also had devastating impacts on Haiti's agricultural capacity, leading to food insecurity and economic vulnerability.

Moreover, agriculture in Haiti is characterized by small-scale subsistence farming, which accounts for approximately 25% of the country's GDP and employs around 66% of the workforce. This highlights the critical importance of sustainable agricultural practices and land management to enhance food security and improve the livelihoods of the Haitian population.

Antigua and Barbuda

In 2008, Antigua and Barbuda ranked 186th out of 209 countries in terms of agricultural land, with a total area of 90 square kilometers designated for agricultural purposes. This limited expanse of arable land reflects the island nation's geographical constraints, characterized by its small land area and predominantly hilly terrain.

The relatively small amount of agricultural land has significant implications for food security and agricultural productivity in Antigua and Barbuda. The country relies heavily on imported food products, as local agricultural output is insufficient to meet the demands of its population. Factors contributing to the limited agricultural space include urban development, tourism expansion, and susceptibility to natural disasters such as hurricanes.

Interestingly, the agricultural sector in Antigua and Barbuda is diverse, focusing on crops such as sugarcane, tropical fruits, and vegetables. However, challenges such as soil degradation and climate change impact the sustainability of agricultural practices, further limiting the potential for growth in this sector.

Afghanistan

In 2008, Afghanistan ranked 30th out of 209 countries in terms of agricultural land, encompassing a total area of 379,160 square kilometers. This significant amount of agricultural land plays a crucial role in the country's economy, providing livelihoods for a large portion of the population, particularly in rural areas where agriculture is often the primary source of income.

Several factors contribute to the extent of agricultural land in Afghanistan, including its diverse climate and geographical features, which allow for the cultivation of various crops. However, the agricultural sector has faced numerous challenges, such as ongoing conflict, inadequate infrastructure, and limited access to technology and markets, which hamper productivity and food security.

It is also noteworthy that Afghanistan has a rich history of agricultural practices, with crops such as pomegranates, grapes, and opium poppies being significant both economically and culturally. Despite the potential of its agricultural land, the country's agricultural output has been inconsistent, reflecting the complex interplay of socio-economic and environmental factors affecting the region.

Canada

In 2008, Canada ranked 14th out of 209 countries in terms of agricultural land, encompassing a total area of 594,320 square kilometers. This significant expanse of agricultural land highlights Canada’s capacity for food production and its importance in the global agricultural sector.

The vast agricultural land is primarily attributed to Canada's diverse climate and geography, which supports various types of farming, including grains, oilseeds, and livestock. Regions such as the Prairie provinces—Alberta, Saskatchewan, and Manitoba—are particularly known for their extensive crop production, which is essential for both domestic consumption and export.

Moreover, Canada's agricultural sector benefits from advanced farming techniques and technologies that enhance productivity. In 2008, the country also faced challenges such as changing climate conditions and fluctuations in global market demands, which could impact the utilization of agricultural land.

Bulgaria

Bulgaria ranks 85th out of 209 countries in terms of agricultural land as of 2008, with a total of 51,010 square kilometers dedicated to agriculture. This significant area represents approximately 46% of the country's total land area, highlighting the importance of agriculture in Bulgaria's economy and rural landscape.

The extensive agricultural land in Bulgaria can be attributed to its favorable climate, fertile soil, and historical emphasis on farming practices. The country has a diverse range of agricultural products, including grains, vegetables, and fruits, which are vital for both domestic consumption and export.

Moreover, Bulgaria's agricultural sector has been influenced by its transition from a centrally planned economy to a market-based economy following the fall of communism in the late 20th century. This transition has led to various reforms aimed at enhancing productivity and sustainability within the sector, although challenges such as land fragmentation and modernization remain.

Czech Republic

The Czech Republic ranks 98th out of 209 countries in terms of agricultural land, encompassing a total of 35,716.1 square kilometers. This statistic indicates the significant role of agriculture in the Czech economy, which has historically been characterized by a mix of arable farming and livestock production.

Factors contributing to the extent of agricultural land in the Czech Republic include its fertile soil, favorable climate, and a long tradition of agricultural practices. The country’s agricultural sector is known for producing a variety of crops, including cereals, vegetables, and fruits, as well as livestock such as pigs and cattle.

In addition to its agricultural output, the Czech Republic is recognized for its commitment to sustainable agricultural practices, reflecting a broader trend in European agricultural policy aimed at promoting environmental stewardship and food security.

Bermuda

Bermuda ranks 207 out of 209 countries in terms of agricultural land utilization. In 2008, the total area designated as agricultural land was only 3 square kilometers, highlighting the limited scope of farming activities on the island. This extremely low figure can be attributed to Bermuda’s small land area, urban development pressures, and a primarily service-oriented economy that focuses on tourism and finance rather than agriculture.

The island's geographic characteristics, including its rocky terrain and limited arable land, further constrain agricultural production. Additionally, the climate supports some agricultural activities; however, the reliance on imports for food supplies means that local agriculture plays a minimal role in the overall economy. As a result, Bermuda has one of the highest food import dependency rates in the world, illustrating the challenges faced by local farmers.

Denmark

In 2008, Denmark ranked 104th out of 209 countries in terms of agricultural land, with a total area of 26,680 square kilometers dedicated to agriculture. This figure represents a significant portion of the country's land use, reflecting Denmark's strong agricultural sector which is known for its efficiency and high productivity.

The extensive agricultural land in Denmark is primarily attributed to its favorable climate, fertile soils, and advanced farming techniques. The country is renowned for its dairy, pork, and grain production, which plays a crucial role in its economy and food supply. Additionally, Denmark's agricultural policies promote sustainable farming practices, further enhancing the productivity of its agricultural land.

Interestingly, Denmark's commitment to agriculture is complemented by its efforts in environmental sustainability, with initiatives aimed at reducing the ecological impact of farming. The balance between agricultural output and ecological responsibility is a hallmark of Danish agricultural policy, contributing to the nation's reputation as a leader in the global agricultural industry.