Annual Forest Area Change Rate 2005

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

China led the world in Annual Forest Area Change Rate in 2005, with a remarkable increase of 2,360,982.8%. The global range spanned from a minimum of -50,147.00% to a maximum of 2,360,982.8%. The average change rate across the 200 countries with available data was 27,717.12%, while the median stood at 0.00%, indicating a wide variance in forest area changes worldwide.

Economic Drivers of Forest Expansion

The significant increase in forest area in certain countries can often be attributed to economic policies and incentives aimed at forest conservation and reforestation. China serves as a prime example, with its aggressive afforestation programs supported by government policies aimed at combating desertification and promoting sustainable forest management. China's vast increase of 2,360,982.8% underscores the impact of such initiatives.

Similarly, Vietnam and India demonstrated substantial increases, with rates of 160,396% and 190,500%, respectively. Both countries have implemented national programs to increase forest cover as part of broader environmental and economic strategies. This suggests a strong link between policy-driven economic incentives and forest expansion.

Geographic and Environmental Factors

Geographic factors also play a critical role in influencing forest area change rates. Countries with expansive land areas and diverse ecosystems, such as Russia and Canada, reported high increases of 905,656.25% and 512,606.25%, respectively. These countries benefit from vast expanses of land suitable for natural forest growth and reforestation efforts.

Conversely, countries like Uganda and Guatemala faced significant reductions in forest area, with rates of -50,146.996% and -47,081.008%. These reductions are often due to deforestation driven by agricultural expansion, logging, and other land-use changes, highlighting the environmental pressures that can lead to forest loss.

Policy Impacts on Forest Area Change

Policies at both national and international levels have profound impacts on forest area change rates. Indonesia, with an increase of 434,660.16%, has been working under international frameworks like REDD+ (Reducing Emissions from Deforestation and Forest Degradation) to manage its forest resources sustainably while benefiting economically from carbon credits.

In contrast, countries such as Liberia and Honduras, with decreases of -38,898% and -38,478.027%, respectively, may struggle with enforcement of environmental regulations, leading to continued deforestation despite potential policy frameworks aimed at conservation.

Stagnation in Forest Area Change Rates

The data reveals that the average year-over-year change was 0.00%, indicating stagnation in forest area change for many countries. This stagnation suggests that while some countries experience significant shifts, others maintain a balance between deforestation and reforestation, resulting in little net change.

Countries like the United States and France, which showed increases of 518,400% and 113,100%, respectively, have mature forestry sectors that balance commercial use with sustainable practices, contributing to stable forest area metrics.

In summary, the Annual Forest Area Change Rate in 2005 reflects a complex interplay of economic, geographic, and policy factors. Countries like China and Vietnam demonstrate how strategic initiatives can lead to substantial forest growth, while others face challenges in maintaining forest cover due to environmental pressures and policy limitations. Understanding these dynamics is crucial for shaping future strategies in forest conservation and management.

Frequently Asked Questions About Annual Forest Area Change Rate in 2005

Which country had the highest annual forest area change rate in 2005?

China had the highest annual forest area change rate in 2005, with a rate of 2,360,983%.

Which country had the lowest annual forest area change rate in 2005?

Brazil had the lowest annual forest area change rate in 2005, with a rate of -3,563,294%.

What was the average annual forest area change rate across all countries in 2005?

The average annual forest area change rate across all countries in 2005 was -15,472%.

What was the median annual forest area change rate in 2005?

The median annual forest area change rate in 2005 was 0%.

Which countries were in the top 3 for annual forest area change rate in 2005?

The top 3 countries for annual forest area change rate in 2005 were China, Russia, and the United States.

How many countries are included in the dataset for annual forest area change rate in 2005?

The dataset for annual forest area change rate in 2005 includes 230 countries.

Insights by country

1

Saint Pierre and Miquelon

In 2005, Saint Pierre and Miquelon had an Annual Forest Area Change Rate of -21.99999 %, ranking #136 out of 230 countries. This negative change rate is significantly higher than many regions, indicating a concerning trend in forest loss. The decline can be attributed to limited land area, economic reliance on fishing and tourism, and the impacts of climate change on local ecosystems.

2

Madagascar

In 2005, Madagascar had an Annual Forest Area Change Rate of -106810.06 %, ranking #212 out of 230 countries. This figure highlights one of the highest rates of deforestation globally, significantly exceeding the average loss seen in neighboring countries. The primary drivers of this alarming statistic include rampant agricultural expansion, illegal logging, and a lack of effective conservation policies, which have severely impacted Madagascar's unique biodiversity.

3

Sierra Leone

Sierra Leone had an Annual Forest Area Change Rate of -19727.002 % in 2005, ranking #189 out of 230 countries. This drastic decline in forest area is among the worst globally, significantly impacted by extensive logging and agricultural expansion. Additionally, the country's economic reliance on natural resources and lack of effective environmental policies have exacerbated deforestation rates.

4

Serbia

In 2005, Serbia achieved a remarkable 15th global rank for its Annual Forest Area Change Rate at 39679.004 %. This rate significantly exceeds the global average, reflecting the country's unique environmental policies and reforestation efforts. Serbia's commitment to enhancing its forest cover is driven by a combination of government initiatives aimed at sustainable development and the country's diverse climate, which supports a variety of forest ecosystems.

5

Turks and Caicos Islands

In 2005, the Turks and Caicos Islands had an Annual Forest Area Change Rate of 0 %, ranking #127 out of 230 countries. This rate indicates a stabilization in forest area, contrasting with the global trend of deforestation in many regions. The lack of significant forest cover in the islands is largely due to their small land area and development pressures from tourism and real estate, which limit the potential for forest growth.

6

United States Virgin Islands

The United States Virgin Islands ranked #141 globally with an Annual Forest Area Change Rate of -86.00006 % in 2005. This significant loss of forest area is among the highest in the world, reflecting a stark contrast to many neighboring Caribbean nations. Key drivers of this decline include extensive land development for tourism and residential purposes, along with the impacts of hurricanes that have historically affected the region.

7

Saint Vincent and the Grenadines

In 2005, Saint Vincent and the Grenadines achieved an Annual Forest Area Change Rate of 0.99983215 %, ranking #86 out of 230 countries. This rate is notable as it is relatively high compared to many Caribbean neighbors, indicating a stable forest area amidst regional deforestation challenges.

The country’s forest preservation can be attributed to its commitment to sustainable tourism and conservation policies, which aim to balance economic development with environmental protection. Additionally, the geographic landscape of Saint Vincent and the Grenadines, characterized by its mountainous terrain, supports diverse ecosystems that are crucial for maintaining forest areas.

8

Panama

In 2005, Panama had an Annual Forest Area Change Rate of -11414.99 %, ranking #183 out of 230 countries. This figure is significantly lower than those of many neighboring Central American nations, indicating severe deforestation issues. Key drivers include agricultural expansion, logging activities, and infrastructure development, which have led to substantial forest loss in the region.

9

Papua New Guinea

Papua New Guinea had an Annual Forest Area Change Rate of -21917.969 % in 2005, ranking #191 out of 230 countries. This rate reflects severe deforestation challenges, with Papua New Guinea experiencing one of the highest rates of forest loss globally, exacerbated by logging and agricultural expansion. The country's rich biodiversity and reliance on forest resources for local communities further complicate conservation efforts, highlighting the urgent need for sustainable management practices.

10

Saudi Arabia

In 2005, Saudi Arabia had an Annual Forest Area Change Rate of 0 %, ranking #123 out of 230 countries. This figure is notably lower than many neighboring countries, reflecting the arid climate and limited forested areas in the region. The lack of significant forest cover is driven by Saudi Arabia's desert landscape, which poses challenges for afforestation and conservation efforts, coupled with a focus on economic development that prioritizes other land uses over forest preservation.

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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