Annual Forest Area Change Rate 2015
Annual forest area change rate indicates how quickly a country's forests are expanding or shrinking each year.
Interactive Map
Complete Data Rankings
Rank | Actions | ||
|---|---|---|---|
1 | China | 1,936,775 % | |
2 | Canada | 512,606.25 % | |
3 | Russia | 340,850 % | |
4 | United States | 275,000 % | |
5 | Australia | 267,275 % | |
6 | India | 266,400 % | |
7 | Vietnam | 134,760.16 % | |
8 | Turkey | 109,444.14 % | |
9 | Malaysia | 103,314.06 % | |
10 | South Africa | 87,567.97 % | |
11 | France | 83,400 % | |
12 | Romania | 77,191.99 % | |
13 | Greece | 75,439.99 % | |
14 | Cuba | 61,929.98 % | |
15 | Kazakhstan | 45,256.008 % | |
16 | Uzbekistan | 39,959.96 % | |
17 | Serbia | 39,681.984 % | |
18 | Chile | 35,773.83 % | |
19 | Ghana | 35,720.02 % | |
20 | Philippines | 34,885.938 % | |
21 | Finland | 33,400 % | |
22 | Ukraine | 30,400 % | |
23 | Uruguay | 27,691.992 % | |
24 | Bulgaria | 19,200 % | |
25 | United Kingdom | 19,200 % | |
26 | Poland | 18,200 % | |
27 | Burundi | 17,140.002 % | |
28 | Estonia | 17,079.98 % | |
29 | Costa Rica | 14,741.992 % | |
30 | Rwanda | 14,558.002 % | |
31 | Portugal | 11,990.039 % | |
32 | Bosnia and Herzegovina | 11,568.018 % | |
33 | North Korea | 11,354.004 % | |
34 | New Caledonia | 10,717.993 % | |
35 | Azerbaijan | 9,080.005 % | |
36 | Denmark | 7,583.997 % | |
37 | Ireland | 6,857.996 % | |
38 | North Macedonia | 6,794.006 % | |
39 | Dominican Republic | 5,710.01 % | |
40 | Latvia | 5,300 % | |
41 | Germany | 4,880.078 % | |
42 | Fiji | 4,634.009 % | |
43 | South Sudan | 4,159.961 % | |
44 | Kyrgyzstan | 4,019.995 % | |
45 | Jamaica | 3,800 % | |
46 | Nepal | 3,504.004 % | |
47 | Lithuania | 3,400 % | |
48 | Syrian Arab Republic | 3,058.002 % | |
49 | Albania | 3,021.997 % | |
50 | Hungary | 2,886.011 % | |
51 | Austria | 2,818.018 % | |
52 | Switzerland | 2,795.996 % | |
53 | Mauritania | 2,628.003 % | |
54 | Czech Republic | 2,579.981 % | |
55 | Republic of Moldova | 2,379.999 % | |
56 | Tajikistan | 2,359.998 % | |
57 | Israel | 2,200 % | |
58 | Bhutan | 1,977.979 % | |
59 | Spain | 1,832.031 % | |
60 | Iceland | 898 % | |
61 | Guam | 854 % | |
62 | Northern Mariana Islands | 808 % | |
63 | Slovakia | 767.993 % | |
64 | Belarus | 700 % | |
65 | Cabo Verde | 512 % | |
66 | Western Sahara | 454.004 % | |
67 | Réunion | 412.001 % | |
68 | Croatia | 400 % | |
69 | Armenia | 382.001 % | |
70 | United Arab Emirates | 334.003 % | |
71 | Tunisia | 300 % | |
72 | Guadeloupe | 270 % | |
73 | Saint Lucia | 200 % | |
74 | Martinique | 200 % | |
75 | Slovenia | 200 % | |
76 | United States Virgin Islands | 146 % | |
77 | Kuwait | 140 % | |
78 | State of Palestine | 118 % | |
79 | Lebanon | 98.001 % | |
80 | Wallis and Futuna Islands | 88 % | |
81 | Palau | 86 % | |
82 | El Salvador | 76.001 % | |
83 | Andorra | 42 % | |
84 | Micronesia (Fed. States of) | 28 % | |
85 | Djibouti | 10 % | |
86 | Guernsey | 10 % | |
87 | Niue | 10 % | |
88 | Afghanistan | 0 % | |
89 | Anguilla | 0 % | |
90 | Aruba | 0 % | |
91 | Bahamas | 0 % | |
92 | Bahrain | 0 % | |
93 | Barbados | 0 % | |
94 | Bermuda | 0 % | |
95 | Bonaire, Sint Eustatius and Saba | 0 % | |
96 | Botswana | 0 % | |
97 | Brunei Darussalam | 0 % | |
98 | Cayman Islands | 0 % | |
99 | Cook Islands | 0 % | |
100 | Curaçao | 0 % | |
101 | Falkland Islands (Malvinas) | 0 % | |
102 | Faroe Islands | 0 % | |
103 | French Polynesia | 0 % | |
104 | Georgia | 0 % | |
105 | Gibraltar | 0 % | |
106 | Greenland | 0 % | |
107 | Grenada | 0 % | |
108 | Iran | 0 % | |
109 | Isle of Man | 0 % | |
110 | Jersey | 0 % | |
111 | Jordan | 0 % | |
112 | Kiribati | 0 % | |
113 | Lesotho | 0 % | |
114 | Luxembourg | 0 % | |
115 | Maldives | 0 % | |
116 | Malta | 0 % | |
117 | Marshall Islands | 0 % | |
118 | Monaco | 0 % | |
119 | Montenegro | 0 % | |
120 | Montserrat | 0 % | |
121 | Nauru | 0 % | |
122 | Oman | 0 % | |
123 | Qatar | 0 % | |
124 | Saint Barthélemy | 0 % | |
125 | Saint Kitts and Nevis | 0 % | |
126 | Saint Martin (French part) | 0 % | |
127 | San Marino | 0 % | |
128 | Saudi Arabia | 0 % | |
129 | Sint Maarten (Dutch part) | 0 % | |
130 | Tokelau | 0 % | |
131 | Tonga | 0 % | |
132 | Turkmenistan | 0 % | |
133 | Turks and Caicos Islands | 0 % | |
134 | Tuvalu | 0 % | |
135 | Holy See | 0 % | |
136 | Yemen | 0 % | |
137 | British Virgin Islands | -2 % | |
138 | Mauritius | -12 % | |
139 | Saint Pierre and Miquelon | -24 % | |
140 | Cyprus | -25.998 % | |
141 | Antigua and Barbuda | -66 % | |
142 | American Samoa | -68 % | |
143 | Mayotte | -72 % | |
144 | Dominica | -112 % | |
145 | Belgium | -114.001 % | |
146 | Seychelles | -218 % | |
147 | Singapore | -254 % | |
148 | New Zealand | -301.953 % | |
149 | Libya | -334 % | |
150 | Trinidad and Tobago | -424.002 % | |
151 | Samoa | -480.002 % | |
152 | Comoros | -548 % | |
153 | Sao Tome and Principe | -594 % | |
154 | Namibia | -643.945 % | |
155 | Puerto Rico | -654.004 % | |
156 | Algeria | -673.999 % | |
157 | Solomon Islands | -737.988 % | |
158 | Bangladesh | -987.988 % | |
159 | Mongolia | -1,114.063 % | |
160 | Morocco | -1,160.059 % | |
161 | Timor-Leste | -1,400 % | |
162 | Eswatini | -1,500 % | |
163 | Netherlands | -1,730.005 % | |
164 | Vanuatu | -2,383.997 % | |
165 | Togo | -2,960.01 % | |
166 | Haiti | -3,180.005 % | |
167 | Norway | -3,261.914 % | |
168 | French Guiana | -3,300 % | |
169 | Guinea-Bissau | -4,237.988 % | |
170 | Japan | -4,400 % | |
171 | Papua New Guinea | -4,605.469 % | |
172 | Suriname | -4,681.836 % | |
173 | Gambia | -5,785.999 % | |
174 | Eritrea | -5,980.005 % | |
175 | Panama | -6,375.977 % | |
176 | Thailand | -7,000 % | |
177 | Belize | -7,532.007 % | |
178 | Equatorial Guinea | -8,472.021 % | |
179 | Iraq | -9,138 % | |
180 | South Korea | -10,000 % | |
181 | Sri Lanka | -11,541.992 % | |
182 | Guyana | -11,690.234 % | |
183 | Gabon | -12,125.781 % | |
184 | Niger | -12,419.995 % | |
185 | Senegal | -15,543.945 % | |
186 | Guatemala | -16,924.023 % | |
187 | Sweden | -18,600 % | |
188 | Sierra Leone | -19,725.977 % | |
189 | Congo | -20,339.844 % | |
190 | Nicaragua | -22,120.02 % | |
191 | Italy | -24,208.008 % | |
192 | Pakistan | -25,756.006 % | |
193 | Central African Republic | -34,992.188 % | |
194 | Ecuador | -41,833.984 % | |
195 | Malawi | -42,000 % | |
196 | Honduras | -43,537.99 % | |
197 | Uganda | -50,146.047 % | |
198 | Cameroon | -56,000 % | |
199 | Laos | -58,237.89 % | |
200 | Ethiopia | -59,040.234 % | |
201 | Zimbabwe | -59,666.016 % | |
202 | Guinea | -66,998.05 % | |
203 | Colombia | -93,595.31 % | |
204 | Kenya | -98,918.016 % | |
205 | Mali | -100,546.09 % | |
206 | Venezuela | -100,564.06 % | |
207 | Côte d'Ivoire | -109,858.01 % | |
208 | Liberia | -116,641.99 % | |
209 | Burkina Faso | -119,860.06 % | |
210 | Mexico | -122,478.125 % | |
211 | Nigeria | -126,883.984 % | |
212 | Chad | -127,916.016 % | |
213 | Benin | -151,426.03 % | |
214 | Somalia | -153,900 % | |
215 | Madagascar | -160,132.03 % | |
216 | Bolivia | -162,514.06 % | |
217 | Sudan | -174,139.84 % | |
218 | Zambia | -188,179.69 % | |
219 | Indonesia | -255,460.94 % | |
220 | Argentina | -256,685.94 % | |
221 | Mozambique | -267,027.34 % | |
222 | Myanmar | -289,712.12 % | |
223 | Peru | -299,337.5 % | |
224 | Cambodia | -348,482.03 % | |
225 | Paraguay | -354,016 % | |
226 | Tanzania | -403,000 % | |
227 | Angola | -510,029.7 % | |
228 | Congo, Democratic Republic of the | -1,004,496.9 % | |
229 | Brazil | -1,915,700 % |
Analysis: These countries represent the highest values in this dataset, showcasing significant scale and impact on global statistics.
- #229
Brazil
- #228
Congo, Democratic Republic of the
- #227
Angola
- #226
Tanzania
- #225
Paraguay
- #224
Cambodia
- #223
Peru
- #222
Myanmar
- #221
Mozambique
- #220
Argentina
Context: These countries or territories have the lowest values, often due to geographic size, administrative status, or specific characteristics.
Analysis & Context
In 2015, China led the world with the highest Annual Forest Area Change Rate, boasting an impressive increase of 1,936,775%. Conversely, Ethiopia recorded the lowest rate with a decrease of -59,040.23%. The global average for the Annual Forest Area Change Rate in 2015 was 21,124.74%, while the median stood at 0.00%, reflecting the wide disparity in forest area changes across different regions.
Economic Development and Forest Area Expansion
The significant increase in forest area in countries like China and India is largely attributed to rigorous afforestation and reforestation policies. China's expansive forestation efforts, reflected in its leading position, align with its environmental policies to combat pollution and climate change. Similarly, India increased its forest area by 266,400%, driven by government initiatives like the Green India Mission, which aim to restore degraded ecosystems. These countries have integrated forest expansion into their economic development strategies, recognizing the dual benefits of environmental health and economic sustainability.
Deforestation Pressures in Developing Regions
In contrast, many developing countries face declining forest areas due to economic pressures and agricultural expansion. Ethiopia, with the lowest recorded change rate of -59,040.23%, grapples with deforestation primarily from agricultural encroachment and the demand for fuelwood. Similarly, nations like Laos and Cameroon show substantial decreases of -58,237.89% and -56,000% respectively, highlighting the ongoing challenges these countries face in balancing economic needs with environmental conservation. The data underscores a critical need for sustainable land management practices that can support both economic growth and environmental preservation.
Policy Impact on Forest Area Change
Policy interventions play a crucial role in forest area dynamics. In Vietnam, the increase of 134,760.16% can be attributed to successful implementation of reforestation programs and the government's commitment to sustainable forestry management. Conversely, Uganda's decrease of -50,146.047% is exacerbated by insufficient enforcement of forestry laws and rapid population growth leading to increased land clearance for agriculture. This contrast illustrates the profound impact that policy frameworks and governance can have on forest area changes.
Year-over-Year Stability and Anomalies
The year-over-year data indicates a general stability in forest area changes, with most top countries showing negligible variation. However, the large absolute values, such as those seen in China and Canada with increases of 0.00% year-over-year, suggest a continuation of strong forest management practices. Conversely, the lack of significant yearly change in countries experiencing deforestation, like Honduras with -43,537.99%, points to systemic issues that require long-term solutions beyond annual fluctuations. Addressing these disparities involves not only policy shifts but also international cooperation and support for sustainable forest management.
Frequently Asked Questions About Annual Forest Area Change Rate in 2015
Which country had the highest annual forest area change rate in 2015?
China had the highest annual forest area change rate in 2015, with a rate of 1,936,775%.
Which country had the lowest annual forest area change rate in 2015?
Brazil had the lowest annual forest area change rate in 2015, with a rate of -1,915,700%.
What was the average annual forest area change rate among all countries in 2015?
The average annual forest area change rate among all countries in 2015 was -17,088%.
What was the median annual forest area change rate in 2015?
The median annual forest area change rate in 2015 was 0%.
How many countries were included in the dataset for annual forest area change rate in 2015?
The dataset for annual forest area change rate in 2015 included 229 countries.
Which countries were in the top 3 for annual forest area change rate in 2015?
The top 3 countries for annual forest area change rate in 2015 were China, Canada, and Russia.
Insights by country
Bahrain
Bahrain's Annual Forest Area Change Rate in 2015 was 0 %, ranking it #90 out of 229 countries. This figure is notably lower than the global average, indicating minimal change in forest coverage compared to other nations. The lack of forest area change in Bahrain can be attributed to its small land area, urbanization pressures, and limited natural forest resources, which restrict the potential for significant reforestation or afforestation efforts.
Serbia
In 2015, Serbia achieved a global rank of #17 with an impressive Annual Forest Area Change Rate of 39681.984 %. This rate significantly outpaces many neighboring countries and reflects a remarkable increase in forest area compared to the global average. Key drivers of this growth include Serbia's reforestation policies and the country's commitment to sustainable land management practices, which have fostered a favorable environment for forest regeneration.
Ecuador
Ecuador had an Annual Forest Area Change Rate of -41833.984 % in 2015, ranking #194 out of 229 countries. This drastic decline is significantly worse than many of its neighbors, reflecting a broader trend of deforestation in the region.
The key drivers for this statistic include extensive agricultural expansion, particularly for palm oil and other cash crops, as well as illegal logging practices that have been challenging for the government to control. Additionally, Ecuador's rich biodiversity and unique ecosystems are under pressure from these economic activities.
Belize
Belize ranked #177 globally in 2015 for its Annual Forest Area Change Rate, with a value of -7532.007 %. This rate indicates a significant loss of forest area, contrasting sharply with regional neighbors that often report much lower rates of deforestation. Key drivers of this alarming statistic include extensive agricultural expansion and logging activities, which have been exacerbated by weak enforcement of environmental regulations.
Canada
In 2015, Canada achieved a remarkable global rank of #2 with an Annual Forest Area Change Rate of 512606.25 %. This figure significantly outpaces many countries, reflecting Canada's vast forest resources compared to the global average. The high change rate is driven by extensive reforestation efforts and sustainable forest management policies that promote ecological restoration and economic benefits from forestry practices.
Costa Rica
Costa Rica achieved a global rank of #29 with an Annual Forest Area Change Rate of 14741.992 % in 2015. This figure is significantly higher than many of its Central American neighbors, reflecting a strong commitment to reforestation and sustainable land management practices.
The country's robust environmental policies, including a payment for ecosystem services program, have incentivized reforestation efforts. Additionally, Costa Rica's diverse ecosystems and focus on ecotourism have further driven initiatives to preserve and expand forested areas.
Sri Lanka
Sri Lanka ranked #181 globally with an Annual Forest Area Change Rate of -11541.992 % in 2015. This significant loss of forest area places Sri Lanka among the bottom countries, far exceeding the global average of forest area change rates. Key drivers of this trend include rapid urbanization and agricultural expansion, which have led to extensive deforestation, particularly for tea and rubber plantations.
French Guiana
In 2015, French Guiana had an Annual Forest Area Change Rate of -3300 %, ranking #168 out of 229 countries. This dramatic decline is significantly worse than the global average, indicating severe deforestation challenges. The primary drivers include illegal logging and agricultural expansion, which are exacerbated by the region's rich biodiversity and economic reliance on natural resources.
North Korea
In 2015, North Korea achieved a global rank of #33 with an Annual Forest Area Change Rate of 11354.004 %. This figure is significantly higher than the global average, indicating a notable trend in forest area change. The primary drivers behind this statistic include extensive state-led reforestation efforts and the country's unique geographic conditions, which have influenced land use policies and agricultural practices.
Jordan
In 2015, Jordan had an Annual Forest Area Change Rate of 0 %, ranking #107 out of 229 countries. This rate is notably lower than many neighboring countries, indicating a significant challenge in forest conservation efforts in the region. Contributing factors include Jordan's arid climate, limited natural resources, and ongoing pressures from urbanization and agricultural expansion, which hinder sustainable forestry practices.
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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