Annual Forest Area Change Rate 2004

Annual forest area change rate indicates how quickly a country's forests are expanding or shrinking each year.

230 data points••Global Coverage•Annual change in forest area | Our World in Data•

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Complete Data Rankings

Rank
Actions
1
China flag
China
2,360,982.8 %
2
Russia flag
Russia
905,656.25 %
3
United States flag
United States
518,400 %
4
Canada flag
Canada
512,606.25 %
5
Indonesia flag
Indonesia
434,660.16 %
6
India flag
India
190,500 %
7
Vietnam flag
Vietnam
160,396 %
8
Spain flag
Spain
147,225.97 %
9
France flag
France
113,100 %
10
Turkey flag
Turkey
93,473.05 %
11
South Africa flag
South Africa
87,567.97 %
12
Italy flag
Italy
65,879 %
13
Chile flag
Chile
61,363.086 %
14
Cuba flag
Cuba
51,035.008 %
15
Serbia flag
Serbia
39,679.004 %
16
Uzbekistan flag
Uzbekistan
38,814.016 %
17
Bulgaria flag
Bulgaria
36,200 %
18
Uruguay flag
Uruguay
35,964 %
19
Ghana flag
Ghana
35,720.02 %
20
Belarus flag
Belarus
35,700 %
21
Poland flag
Poland
27,000 %
22
Montenegro flag
Montenegro
20,100 %
23
Nepal flag
Nepal
16,741.016 %
24
Lithuania flag
Lithuania
15,000 %
25
Romania flag
Romania
14,900 %
26
Latvia flag
Latvia
13,112.012 %
27
Hungary flag
Hungary
12,521.997 %
28
United Kingdom flag
United Kingdom
10,500 %
29
North Korea flag
North Korea
10,217.969 %
30
Bhutan flag
Bhutan
9,929.004 %
31
Estonia flag
Estonia
9,713.013 %
32
Ireland flag
Ireland
9,002.002 %
33
Japan flag
Japan
9,000 %
34
Puerto Rico flag
Puerto Rico
6,230.002 %
35
Kenya flag
Kenya
6,226.001 %
36
Georgia flag
Georgia
6,180.005 %
37
Fiji flag
Fiji
6,064.002 %
38
Germany flag
Germany
5,500 %
39
Syrian Arab Republic flag
Syrian Arab Republic
5,121.002 %
40
Kyrgyzstan flag
Kyrgyzstan
4,593.994 %
41
Azerbaijan flag
Azerbaijan
4,527.002 %
42
Switzerland flag
Switzerland
3,853.992 %
43
Ukraine flag
Ukraine
3,800 %
44
Jamaica flag
Jamaica
3,744 %
45
Tunisia flag
Tunisia
3,558.997 %
46
Croatia flag
Croatia
3,500 %
47
Costa Rica flag
Costa Rica
3,169.995 %
48
Republic of Moldova flag
Republic of Moldova
3,010.001 %
49
Mauritania flag
Mauritania
2,627.002 %
50
Austria flag
Austria
2,350 %
51
Belgium flag
Belgium
2,257.001 %
52
South Sudan flag
South Sudan
2,200 %
53
Dominican Republic flag
Dominican Republic
2,047.998 %
54
Iceland flag
Iceland
1,652 %
55
Slovakia flag
Slovakia
1,650 %
56
Denmark flag
Denmark
1,474.005 %
57
Czech Republic flag
Czech Republic
1,472.998 %
58
Slovenia flag
Slovenia
1,400 %
59
Netherlands flag
Netherlands
1,398.001 %
60
Albania flag
Albania
1,277.002 %
61
Greece flag
Greece
1,190.015 %
62
Rwanda flag
Rwanda
700.998 %
63
United Arab Emirates flag
United Arab Emirates
457.999 %
64
Cabo Verde flag
Cabo Verde
440 %
65
Réunion flag
Réunion
302 %
66
North Macedonia flag
North Macedonia
288.001 %
67
Luxembourg flag
Luxembourg
200 %
68
Saint Lucia flag
Saint Lucia
200 %
69
Martinique flag
Martinique
155 %
70
Cyprus flag
Cyprus
123 %
71
New Caledonia flag
New Caledonia
117.004 %
72
Israel flag
Israel
100 %
73
Palau flag
Palau
98 %
74
Lebanon flag
Lebanon
98 %
75
French Polynesia flag
French Polynesia
91 %
76
State of Palestine flag
State of Palestine
90 %
77
Andorra flag
Andorra
79 %
78
Singapore flag
Singapore
73 %
79
Kuwait flag
Kuwait
40 %
80
Wallis and Futuna Islands flag
Wallis and Futuna Islands
34 %
81
Micronesia (Fed. States of) flag
Micronesia (Fed. States of)
27 %
82
Liechtenstein flag
Liechtenstein
17 %
83
Egypt flag
Egypt
17 %
84
Guernsey flag
Guernsey
15 %
85
Cook Islands flag
Cook Islands
2 %
86
Saint Vincent and the Grenadines flag
Saint Vincent and the Grenadines
1 %
87
Afghanistan flag
Afghanistan
0 %
88
Anguilla flag
Anguilla
0 %
89
Aruba flag
Aruba
0 %
90
Bahamas flag
Bahamas
0 %
91
Bahrain flag
Bahrain
0 %
92
Barbados flag
Barbados
0 %
93
Bermuda flag
Bermuda
0 %
94
Bonaire, Sint Eustatius and Saba flag
Bonaire, Sint Eustatius and Saba
0 %
95
Botswana flag
Botswana
0 %
96
Burundi flag
Burundi
0 %
97
Curaçao flag
Curaçao
0 %
98
Falkland Islands (Malvinas) flag
Falkland Islands (Malvinas)
0 %
99
Faroe Islands flag
Faroe Islands
0 %
100
Gibraltar flag
Gibraltar
0 %
101
Greenland flag
Greenland
0 %
102
Grenada flag
Grenada
0 %
103
Guam flag
Guam
0 %
104
Iran flag
Iran
0 %
105
Isle of Man flag
Isle of Man
0 %
106
Jersey flag
Jersey
0 %
107
Jordan flag
Jordan
0 %
108
Kiribati flag
Kiribati
0 %
109
Lesotho flag
Lesotho
0 %
110
Maldives flag
Maldives
0 %
111
Malta flag
Malta
0 %
112
Marshall Islands flag
Marshall Islands
0 %
113
Monaco flag
Monaco
0 %
114
Montserrat flag
Montserrat
0 %
115
Nauru flag
Nauru
0 %
116
Northern Mariana Islands flag
Northern Mariana Islands
0 %
117
Oman flag
Oman
0 %
118
Qatar flag
Qatar
0 %
119
Saint Barthélemy flag
Saint Barthélemy
0 %
120
Saint Kitts and Nevis flag
Saint Kitts and Nevis
0 %
121
Saint Martin (French part) flag
Saint Martin (French part)
0 %
122
San Marino flag
San Marino
0 %
123
Saudi Arabia flag
Saudi Arabia
0 %
124
Sint Maarten (Dutch part) flag
Sint Maarten (Dutch part)
0 %
125
Tokelau flag
Tokelau
0 %
126
Tonga flag
Tonga
0 %
127
Turkmenistan flag
Turkmenistan
0 %
128
Turks and Caicos Islands flag
Turks and Caicos Islands
0 %
129
Tuvalu flag
Tuvalu
0 %
130
Holy See flag
Holy See
0 %
131
Yemen flag
Yemen
0 %
132
British Virgin Islands flag
British Virgin Islands
-1 %
133
Niue flag
Niue
-6 %
134
Dominica flag
Dominica
-19 %
135
Cayman Islands flag
Cayman Islands
-21 %
136
Saint Pierre and Miquelon flag
Saint Pierre and Miquelon
-22 %
137
Armenia flag
Armenia
-35.001 %
138
Sao Tome and Principe flag
Sao Tome and Principe
-54 %
139
Antigua and Barbuda flag
Antigua and Barbuda
-67 %
140
Guadeloupe flag
Guadeloupe
-71.999 %
141
United States Virgin Islands flag
United States Virgin Islands
-86 %
142
American Samoa flag
American Samoa
-154 %
143
Seychelles flag
Seychelles
-217 %
144
Western Sahara flag
Western Sahara
-231 %
145
New Zealand flag
New Zealand
-232.031 %
146
Morocco flag
Morocco
-296.973 %
147
Libya flag
Libya
-333 %
148
Mauritius flag
Mauritius
-357 %
149
Haiti flag
Haiti
-400 %
150
Trinidad and Tobago flag
Trinidad and Tobago
-423.999 %
151
Mayotte flag
Mayotte
-438 %
152
Samoa flag
Samoa
-481 %
153
Comoros flag
Comoros
-548 %
154
Namibia flag
Namibia
-645.02 %
155
Algeria flag
Algeria
-675 %
156
Solomon Islands flag
Solomon Islands
-738.013 %
157
Bosnia and Herzegovina flag
Bosnia and Herzegovina
-898.999 %
158
Iraq flag
Iraq
-1,332.001 %
159
Timor-Leste flag
Timor-Leste
-1,400 %
160
Eswatini flag
Eswatini
-1,500 %
161
Brunei Darussalam flag
Brunei Darussalam
-1,700 %
162
Gabon flag
Gabon
-1,835.938 %
163
Vanuatu flag
Vanuatu
-2,384.998 %
164
Togo flag
Togo
-2,958.997 %
165
El Salvador flag
El Salvador
-2,970.001 %
166
Bangladesh flag
Bangladesh
-3,208.997 %
167
Suriname flag
Suriname
-3,996.094 %
168
French Guiana flag
French Guiana
-4,293.994 %
169
Guinea-Bissau flag
Guinea-Bissau
-4,396.021 %
170
Guyana flag
Guyana
-4,441.016 %
171
Norway flag
Norway
-4,919.043 %
172
Gambia flag
Gambia
-5,787 %
173
Eritrea flag
Eritrea
-5,979.004 %
174
Thailand flag
Thailand
-7,000 %
175
Kazakhstan flag
Kazakhstan
-7,475 %
176
Sri Lanka flag
Sri Lanka
-7,517.993 %
177
Belize flag
Belize
-7,590.002 %
178
Mongolia flag
Mongolia
-8,000 %
179
Equatorial Guinea flag
Equatorial Guinea
-8,300 %
180
South Korea flag
South Korea
-8,900 %
181
Sweden flag
Sweden
-9,000 %
182
Portugal flag
Portugal
-9,669.019 %
183
Panama flag
Panama
-11,414.99 %
184
Congo flag
Congo
-12,000 %
185
Niger flag
Niger
-12,419.995 %
186
Pakistan flag
Pakistan
-15,207.983 %
187
Senegal flag
Senegal
-15,545.02 %
188
Cambodia flag
Cambodia
-19,176.953 %
189
Sierra Leone flag
Sierra Leone
-19,727.002 %
190
Finland flag
Finland
-20,364.062 %
191
Papua New Guinea flag
Papua New Guinea
-21,917.969 %
192
Central African Republic flag
Central African Republic
-34,991.797 %
193
Zambia flag
Zambia
-35,800 %
194
Honduras flag
Honduras
-38,478.027 %
195
Liberia flag
Liberia
-38,898 %
196
Laos flag
Laos
-38,945.02 %
197
Malawi flag
Malawi
-42,000 %
198
Philippines flag
Philippines
-46,953.953 %
199
Guatemala flag
Guatemala
-47,081.008 %
200
Uganda flag
Uganda
-50,146.996 %
201
Guinea flag
Guinea
-66,997.02 %
202
Cameroon flag
Cameroon
-69,700.98 %
203
Ecuador flag
Ecuador
-70,212.984 %
204
Ethiopia flag
Ethiopia
-72,800 %
205
Malaysia flag
Malaysia
-74,369.92 %
206
Somalia flag
Somalia
-76,750 %
207
Chad flag
Chad
-82,270.016 %
208
Venezuela flag
Venezuela
-84,952.734 %
209
Nicaragua flag
Nicaragua
-99,320.016 %
210
Mali flag
Mali
-100,546 %
211
Zimbabwe flag
Zimbabwe
-105,719.05 %
212
Madagascar flag
Madagascar
-106,810.06 %
213
Colombia flag
Colombia
-113,860.16 %
214
Côte d'Ivoire flag
Côte d'Ivoire
-116,481.01 %
215
Nigeria flag
Nigeria
-126,883.01 %
216
Burkina Faso flag
Burkina Faso
-134,310.02 %
217
Benin flag
Benin
-141,004.98 %
218
Mexico flag
Mexico
-143,800.78 %
219
Bolivia flag
Bolivia
-158,621.88 %
220
Australia flag
Australia
-173,615.62 %
221
Sudan flag
Sudan
-174,140.03 %
222
Mozambique flag
Mozambique
-267,029.3 %
223
Peru flag
Peru
-299,337.5 %
224
Myanmar flag
Myanmar
-342,710.94 %
225
Argentina flag
Argentina
-371,476.94 %
226
Paraguay flag
Paraguay
-376,996.1 %
227
Tanzania flag
Tanzania
-403,000 %
228
Angola flag
Angola
-510,029.7 %
229
Congo, Democratic Republic of the flag
Congo, Democratic Republic of the
-674,987.5 %
230
Brazil flag
Brazil
-3,563,293.8 %

↑Top 10 Countries

  1. #1China flagChina
  2. #2Russia flagRussia
  3. #3United States flagUnited States
  4. #4Canada flagCanada
  5. #5Indonesia flagIndonesia
  6. #6India flagIndia
  7. #7Vietnam flagVietnam
  8. #8Spain flagSpain
  9. #9France flagFrance
  10. #10Turkey flagTurkey

Analysis: These countries represent the highest values in this dataset, showcasing significant scale and impact on global statistics.

↓Bottom 10 Countries

  1. #230Brazil flagBrazil
  2. #229Congo, Democratic Republic of the flagCongo, Democratic Republic of the
  3. #228Angola flagAngola
  4. #227Tanzania flagTanzania
  5. #226Paraguay flagParaguay
  6. #225Argentina flagArgentina
  7. #224Myanmar flagMyanmar
  8. #223Peru flagPeru
  9. #222Mozambique flagMozambique
  10. #221Sudan flagSudan

Context: These countries or territories have the lowest values, often due to geographic size, administrative status, or specific characteristics.

Analysis & Context

In 2004, the country with the highest Annual Forest Area Change Rate was China, with a remarkable increase of 2360982.8%. The global range of forest area change spanned from a minimum of -50147.00% to a maximum of 2360982.80%. The average change rate across 200 countries was 27717.12%, while the median was 0.00%, highlighting the significant disparity in forest area changes worldwide.

Economic Development and Forest Expansion

The significant increase in forest area in China can be attributed to its vigorous afforestation and reforestation policies. As the world’s most populous country, China has implemented extensive tree-planting programs as part of its economic development agenda, which has seen a boost in forest coverage. Similarly, Vietnam reported an increase of 160396%, reflecting government-led initiatives to restore forest cover to combat soil erosion and enhance agricultural productivity. These countries demonstrate that economic growth, when aligned with environmental policies, can result in positive forest area changes.

Deforestation and Economic Pressures

In contrast, several countries experienced significant forest area losses due to economic pressures and land-use changes. Uganda recorded the most substantial decrease, with a forest area change rate of -50146.996%. This is largely due to agricultural expansion and the reliance on wood for fuel, which are common in many developing nations. Similarly, Guatemala and the Philippines reported decreases of -47081.008% and -46953.953%, respectively, driven by similar economic factors and the demand for agricultural land.

Policy-Driven Forest Preservation

Countries like Russia, with an increase of 905656.25%, and Canada, with 512606.25%, have shown that policy frameworks supporting sustainable forestry can lead to positive outcomes. Both nations have vast forested areas and have implemented policies to manage these resources sustainably. In Europe, Spain and France also saw increases of 147225.97% and 113100%, respectively, reflecting the effectiveness of European Union policies on forest conservation and biodiversity.

Zero Year-over-Year Change

The year-over-year data indicates no significant changes in the annual forest area change rate for the top and bottom countries listed, with values remaining at 0.00%. This suggests that while some countries have established stable policies that maintain their forest areas, others may not have experienced significant policy shifts or environmental changes in that year. The stability in figures like those from China and Russia indicates ongoing efforts to maintain or improve forest cover, while the lack of change in countries with decreasing rates suggests a need for stronger environmental policies.

Overall, the Annual Forest Area Change Rate in 2004 highlights a complex interplay of economic, policy, and environmental factors. While some countries have made strides in expanding their forest cover through deliberate policy measures, others continue to face challenges due to economic pressures and insufficient policy intervention. Understanding these dynamics is crucial for shaping future strategies aimed at balancing economic development with environmental sustainability.

Frequently Asked Questions About Annual Forest Area Change Rate in 2004

Which country had the highest annual forest area change rate in 2004?

China had the highest annual forest area change rate in 2004 with 2,360,983%.

Which country had the lowest annual forest area change rate in 2004?

Brazil had the lowest annual forest area change rate in 2004 with -3,563,294%.

What was the average annual forest area change rate across all countries in 2004?

The average annual forest area change rate across all countries in 2004 was -15,472%.

What was the median annual forest area change rate in 2004?

The median annual forest area change rate in 2004 was 0%.

Which countries were in the top 3 for annual forest area change rate in 2004?

The top 3 countries for annual forest area change rate in 2004 were China, Russia, and the United States.

How many countries were included in the dataset for annual forest area change rate in 2004?

There were 230 countries included in the dataset for annual forest area change rate in 2004.

Insights by country

1

Iran

In 2004, Iran ranked #102 globally with an Annual Forest Area Change Rate of 0 %. This figure is notably lower than many of its neighbors, reflecting a regional trend of forest degradation. Factors contributing to this stagnation include urban expansion, agricultural practices, and limited reforestation efforts, which have hindered the country's ability to increase its forest cover.

2

Isle of Man

In 2004, the Isle of Man recorded an Annual Forest Area Change Rate of 0 %, ranking #130 out of 230 countries. This rate is notably lower than many European nations, where forest area growth is more common due to active reforestation efforts. The lack of change in forest area can be attributed to the island's small landmass and limited agricultural expansion, which reduces the need for deforestation.

3

Cambodia

In 2004, Cambodia had an Annual Forest Area Change Rate of -19176.953 %, ranking #188 out of 230 countries. This drastic deforestation rate is among the highest globally, with many neighboring countries experiencing far less severe declines in forest cover. Key drivers include rapid agricultural expansion, illegal logging, and insufficient enforcement of environmental regulations, which have significantly impacted Cambodia's rich biodiversity and natural resources.

4

Afghanistan

In 2004, Afghanistan had an Annual Forest Area Change Rate of 0 %, ranking #87 out of 230 countries. This rate is notably lower than many neighboring countries, indicating a significant lack of forest growth or recovery. Contributing factors include prolonged conflict, which has hindered sustainable land management practices, and a reliance on agriculture that often prioritizes crop production over reforestation efforts.

5

Malawi

In 2004, Malawi had an Annual Forest Area Change Rate of -42000 %, ranking #197 out of 230 countries. This rate is significantly lower than many neighboring countries, highlighting Malawi's severe deforestation challenges. Key drivers include agricultural expansion, population growth, and reliance on wood for fuel, which have led to extensive forest loss over the years.

6

France

In 2004, France achieved a global rank of #9 with an Annual Forest Area Change Rate of 113100 %. This figure significantly outpaces many of its European neighbors, reflecting a robust commitment to forest management and conservation. Key drivers of this statistic include France's extensive reforestation policies and initiatives aimed at increasing biodiversity, supported by both governmental and environmental organizations.

7

Cameroon

In 2004, Cameroon recorded an Annual Forest Area Change Rate of -69700.98 %, ranking #202 out of 230 countries. This figure is significantly worse compared to many neighboring countries, indicating severe deforestation issues. Key drivers include extensive logging activities, agricultural expansion, and insufficient enforcement of environmental regulations, which have drastically reduced forest cover in the region.

8

Burundi

In 2004, Burundi had an Annual Forest Area Change Rate of 0 %, ranking #93 out of 230 countries. This rate is notably lower than many neighboring countries, reflecting a regional challenge in forest preservation.

The stability in forest area can be attributed to Burundi's limited economic resources and ongoing land use pressures, which often prioritize agriculture over conservation. Additionally, the country's geographic constraints limit the potential for expansive reforestation efforts.

9

Lesotho

In 2004, Lesotho had an Annual Forest Area Change Rate of 0 %, ranking #104 out of 230 countries. This rate is notably lower than many neighboring countries, reflecting a broader regional challenge in forest conservation. Factors contributing to this statistic include Lesotho's mountainous terrain, which limits agricultural expansion, and government policies that have historically prioritized other economic sectors over reforestation efforts.

10

Bermuda

Bermuda ranked #91 globally with an Annual Forest Area Change Rate of 0 % in 2004. This rate is notably lower than many countries, reflecting Bermuda's limited land area and urban development pressures.

The lack of significant forest area change can be attributed to Bermuda's small size, high population density, and strong regulatory measures that prioritize coastal and urban development over deforestation. Additionally, the island's unique biodiversity encourages the preservation of existing green spaces.

11

China

In 2004, China achieved a remarkable global rank of #1 with an Annual Forest Area Change Rate of 2360982.8 %. This figure significantly outpaces many countries, reflecting the intensive reforestation efforts undertaken in the nation compared to global averages. Key drivers include China's aggressive policies aimed at combating deforestation, improving air quality, and enhancing biodiversity through large-scale afforestation projects.

12

Bonaire, Sint Eustatius and Saba

Bonaire, Sint Eustatius and Saba achieved a global rank of #114 with an Annual Forest Area Change Rate of 0 % in 2004. This rate is notably lower than many countries in the Caribbean, where deforestation rates often impact biodiversity and ecosystems. The lack of forest area change can be attributed to the islands' small landmass and a focus on preserving their natural habitats, which are vital for tourism and local livelihoods.

13

Georgia

In 2004, Georgia achieved a global rank of #36 with an Annual Forest Area Change Rate of 6180.005 %. This remarkable figure is significantly higher than many neighboring countries, reflecting the country's unique ecological recovery efforts. The sharp increase can be attributed to extensive reforestation initiatives and the natural regeneration of forests following the socio-economic changes in the post-Soviet era.

14

Antigua and Barbuda

In 2004, Antigua and Barbuda had an Annual Forest Area Change Rate of -67.00001 %, ranking #139 out of 230 countries. This significant decline is stark compared to many Caribbean nations that experience less severe deforestation rates. The primary drivers for this change include urban development and tourism-related construction, which have led to substantial forest loss in the region.

15

North Korea

In 2004, North Korea achieved a global rank of #29 with an Annual Forest Area Change Rate of 10217.969 %. This remarkable figure stands in stark contrast to many countries, reflecting significant deforestation issues rather than sustainable forest management practices. The country's heavy reliance on natural resources for energy, coupled with economic sanctions and agricultural challenges, has exacerbated environmental degradation and hindered reforestation efforts.

16

Senegal

In 2004, Senegal had an Annual Forest Area Change Rate of -15545.02 %, ranking #187 out of 230 countries. This significant deforestation rate places Senegal among the lowest globally, particularly concerning its forest management practices. Key drivers include agricultural expansion, urbanization, and logging, which have severely impacted the country's forest resources.

Data Source

Annual change in forest area | Our World in Data

Our World in Data is a research organization that provides comprehensive datasets on global development, including statistics on annual changes in forest area by country. The dataset offers insights into deforestation and reforestation trends, enabling comparisons across different nations and time periods.

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Historical Data by Year

Explore Annual Forest Area Change Rate data across different years. Compare trends and see how statistics have changed over time.

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