Annual Forest Area Change Rate 2009

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 2009, the country with the highest Annual Forest Area Change Rate was China, with an impressive increase of 2,360,982.8%, while the global range spanned from a minimum of -50,147.00% to a maximum of 2,360,982.80%. The global average change rate stood at 27,717.12%, with a median value of 0.00%, indicating a balanced distribution between forest expansion and reduction worldwide.

Economic Growth and Forest Expansion

Countries experiencing rapid economic growth often invest in reforestation and sustainable land management. China, leading the world with an Annual Forest Area Change Rate of 2,360,982.8%, exemplifies this trend. The Chinese government has implemented extensive afforestation and reforestation programs, driven by policy initiatives like the Grain for Green program, which aims to combat desertification and soil erosion. Similarly, India and Vietnam show significant growth rates of 190,500% and 160,396% respectively, reflecting their commitment to reversing deforestation and enhancing biodiversity.

Environmental Policy and Forest Preservation

Environmental policies play a crucial role in forest area change. Countries like Russia and the United States have implemented stringent conservation measures, resulting in positive forest area change rates of 905,656.25% and 518,400%, respectively. These policies include protected area expansions and sustainable forest management practices. In contrast, countries with weaker environmental regulations, such as Guatemala and Uganda, face challenges in forest preservation, with negative change rates of -47,081.008% and -50,146.996%, respectively.

Deforestation Challenges in Developing Nations

Many developing nations struggle with deforestation due to economic pressures and land-use changes. Uganda and Guatemala are among the countries with the most significant forest area reductions, with rates of -50,146.996% and -47,081.008%. The demand for agricultural land, combined with logging activities, often drives these reductions. Indonesia, despite having a positive change rate of 434,660.16%, continues to face deforestation challenges due to palm oil production and illegal logging, highlighting the complex balance between economic development and environmental sustainability.

Stability in Forest Area Change Rates

The data indicates minimal year-over-year changes, with the average change reported as 0.00%. This stability suggests that while some countries make significant progress in forest expansion, others face persistent deforestation issues, resulting in an overall equilibrium. Countries like Spain and France, with change rates of 147,225.97% and 113,100% respectively, demonstrate steady increases due to effective forest management and conservation efforts. Conversely, nations such as Philippines and Malawi show negative rates of -46,953.953% and -42,000%, indicating ongoing deforestation pressures.

In conclusion, the Annual Forest Area Change Rate in 2009 presents a complex picture of global forest dynamics, influenced by economic growth, environmental policies, and developmental challenges. While some countries make strides in afforestation and sustainable land management, others continue to grapple with deforestation, underscoring the need for international cooperation and policy innovation to achieve balanced and sustainable forest management worldwide.

Frequently Asked Questions About Annual Forest Area Change Rate in 2009

Which country had the highest annual forest area change rate in 2009?

China had the highest annual forest area change rate in 2009 with 2,360,983 %.

Which country had the lowest annual forest area change rate in 2009?

Brazil had the lowest annual forest area change rate in 2009 with -3,563,294 %.

What was the average annual forest area change rate across all countries in 2009?

The average annual forest area change rate across all countries in 2009 was -15,472 %.

What was the median annual forest area change rate among countries in 2009?

The median annual forest area change rate among countries in 2009 was 0 %.

How many countries are included in the dataset for the annual forest area change rate in 2009?

The dataset for the annual forest area change rate in 2009 includes 230 countries.

Which countries were in the top 3 for annual forest area change rate in 2009?

The top 3 countries for annual forest area change rate in 2009 were China, Russia, and the United States.

Insights by country

1

Aruba

In 2009, Aruba had an Annual Forest Area Change Rate of 0 %, ranking #112 out of 230 countries. This rate is notably lower than many Caribbean nations, which often face deforestation challenges. The lack of significant forest area change in Aruba can be attributed to its small land area, urban development priorities, and limited agricultural activities that typically drive deforestation elsewhere.

2

Madagascar

In 2009, Madagascar had an Annual Forest Area Change Rate of -106810.06 %, ranking #212 out of 230 countries. This drastic loss of forest area far exceeds that of many neighboring countries and reflects one of the highest deforestation rates globally. Key drivers include extensive agricultural expansion, illegal logging, and population pressures that lead to habitat destruction and land conversion for farming.

3

Réunion

In 2009, Réunion achieved a global rank of #65 with an impressive Annual Forest Area Change Rate of 301.99966%. This rate is significantly higher than many regions, indicating a robust commitment to forest conservation and reforestation efforts. The island's unique biodiversity and geographic isolation have fostered strong environmental policies aimed at preserving its natural habitats, alongside initiatives to restore forested areas impacted by agriculture and urbanization.

4

Mexico

In 2009, Mexico had an Annual Forest Area Change Rate of -143800.78 %, ranking #218 out of 230 countries. This figure is significantly worse than many of its regional neighbors, highlighting severe deforestation challenges. Key drivers include illegal logging, agricultural expansion, and urbanization, which have led to substantial forest loss across the country.

5

Curaçao

Curaçao achieved an Annual Forest Area Change Rate of 0 % in 2009, ranking #111 out of 230 countries. This rate is notably lower than many Caribbean nations, where deforestation rates often fluctuate due to agricultural expansion and urban development. The island's limited land area and focus on tourism over agriculture contribute to its stable forest area, as there is less pressure to convert forested land for farming or infrastructure.

6

Burkina Faso

In 2009, Burkina Faso had an Annual Forest Area Change Rate of -134310.02 %, ranking #216 out of 230 countries. This significant decline in forest area is among the worst globally, with many neighboring countries showing more stable rates. Key drivers include severe deforestation due to agricultural expansion, overgrazing, and wood extraction for fuel, exacerbated by climate change impacts on the region.

7

Switzerland

In 2009, Switzerland achieved a global rank of #42 with an Annual Forest Area Change Rate of 3853.9917 %. This rate is significantly higher than many of its European neighbors, reflecting a proactive approach to forest management and conservation. Switzerland's mountainous terrain and commitment to environmental sustainability have driven policies that promote reforestation and the preservation of natural habitats.

8

Pakistan

In 2009, Pakistan ranked #186 globally with an alarming annual forest area change rate of -15207.983 %. This drastic decline positions Pakistan among the lowest in the world, reflecting severe deforestation trends compared to regional averages. Key drivers include rapid urbanization, agricultural expansion, and inadequate forest management policies, which have contributed to significant loss of forest cover.

9

Sierra Leone

Sierra Leone ranked #189 globally with an Annual Forest Area Change Rate of -19727.002 % in 2009. This drastic loss of forest area is one of the highest rates reported, significantly worse than many neighboring countries. Deforestation in Sierra Leone has been driven by factors such as illegal logging, agricultural expansion, and the aftermath of civil conflict, which has hindered sustainable land management practices.

10

Micronesia (Fed. States of)

In 2009, Micronesia (Fed. States of) achieved a global rank of #81 with an Annual Forest Area Change Rate of 26.999664 %. This rate is significantly higher than many countries, reflecting a unique environmental dynamic within the Pacific region. The high change rate is driven by factors such as the country's small land area, reliance on subsistence agriculture, and ongoing development pressures that impact forest cover.

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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