Annual Forest Area Change Rate 2015

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

229 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
1,936,775 %
2
Canada flag
Canada
512,606.25 %
3
Russia flag
Russia
340,850 %
4
United States flag
United States
275,000 %
5
Australia flag
Australia
267,275 %
6
India flag
India
266,400 %
7
Vietnam flag
Vietnam
134,760.16 %
8
Turkey flag
Turkey
109,444.14 %
9
Malaysia flag
Malaysia
103,314.06 %
10
South Africa flag
South Africa
87,567.97 %
11
France flag
France
83,400 %
12
Romania flag
Romania
77,191.99 %
13
Greece flag
Greece
75,439.99 %
14
Cuba flag
Cuba
61,929.98 %
15
Kazakhstan flag
Kazakhstan
45,256.008 %
16
Uzbekistan flag
Uzbekistan
39,959.96 %
17
Serbia flag
Serbia
39,681.984 %
18
Chile flag
Chile
35,773.83 %
19
Ghana flag
Ghana
35,720.02 %
20
Philippines flag
Philippines
34,885.938 %
21
Finland flag
Finland
33,400 %
22
Ukraine flag
Ukraine
30,400 %
23
Uruguay flag
Uruguay
27,691.992 %
24
Bulgaria flag
Bulgaria
19,200 %
25
United Kingdom flag
United Kingdom
19,200 %
26
Poland flag
Poland
18,200 %
27
Burundi flag
Burundi
17,140.002 %
28
Estonia flag
Estonia
17,079.98 %
29
Costa Rica flag
Costa Rica
14,741.992 %
30
Rwanda flag
Rwanda
14,558.002 %
31
Portugal flag
Portugal
11,990.039 %
32
Bosnia and Herzegovina flag
Bosnia and Herzegovina
11,568.018 %
33
North Korea flag
North Korea
11,354.004 %
34
New Caledonia flag
New Caledonia
10,717.993 %
35
Azerbaijan flag
Azerbaijan
9,080.005 %
36
Denmark flag
Denmark
7,583.997 %
37
Ireland flag
Ireland
6,857.996 %
38
North Macedonia flag
North Macedonia
6,794.006 %
39
Dominican Republic flag
Dominican Republic
5,710.01 %
40
Latvia flag
Latvia
5,300 %
41
Germany flag
Germany
4,880.078 %
42
Fiji flag
Fiji
4,634.009 %
43
South Sudan flag
South Sudan
4,159.961 %
44
Kyrgyzstan flag
Kyrgyzstan
4,019.995 %
45
Jamaica flag
Jamaica
3,800 %
46
Nepal flag
Nepal
3,504.004 %
47
Lithuania flag
Lithuania
3,400 %
48
Syrian Arab Republic flag
Syrian Arab Republic
3,058.002 %
49
Albania flag
Albania
3,021.997 %
50
Hungary flag
Hungary
2,886.011 %
51
Austria flag
Austria
2,818.018 %
52
Switzerland flag
Switzerland
2,795.996 %
53
Mauritania flag
Mauritania
2,628.003 %
54
Czech Republic flag
Czech Republic
2,579.981 %
55
Republic of Moldova flag
Republic of Moldova
2,379.999 %
56
Tajikistan flag
Tajikistan
2,359.998 %
57
Israel flag
Israel
2,200 %
58
Bhutan flag
Bhutan
1,977.979 %
59
Spain flag
Spain
1,832.031 %
60
Iceland flag
Iceland
898 %
61
Guam flag
Guam
854 %
62
Northern Mariana Islands flag
Northern Mariana Islands
808 %
63
Slovakia flag
Slovakia
767.993 %
64
Belarus flag
Belarus
700 %
65
Cabo Verde flag
Cabo Verde
512 %
66
Western Sahara flag
Western Sahara
454.004 %
67
Réunion flag
Réunion
412.001 %
68
Croatia flag
Croatia
400 %
69
Armenia flag
Armenia
382.001 %
70
United Arab Emirates flag
United Arab Emirates
334.003 %
71
Tunisia flag
Tunisia
300 %
72
Guadeloupe flag
Guadeloupe
270 %
73
Saint Lucia flag
Saint Lucia
200 %
74
Martinique flag
Martinique
200 %
75
Slovenia flag
Slovenia
200 %
76
United States Virgin Islands flag
United States Virgin Islands
146 %
77
Kuwait flag
Kuwait
140 %
78
State of Palestine flag
State of Palestine
118 %
79
Lebanon flag
Lebanon
98.001 %
80
Wallis and Futuna Islands flag
Wallis and Futuna Islands
88 %
81
Palau flag
Palau
86 %
82
El Salvador flag
El Salvador
76.001 %
83
Andorra flag
Andorra
42 %
84
Micronesia (Fed. States of) flag
Micronesia (Fed. States of)
28 %
85
Djibouti flag
Djibouti
10 %
86
Guernsey flag
Guernsey
10 %
87
Niue flag
Niue
10 %
88
Afghanistan flag
Afghanistan
0 %
89
Anguilla flag
Anguilla
0 %
90
Aruba flag
Aruba
0 %
91
Bahamas flag
Bahamas
0 %
92
Bahrain flag
Bahrain
0 %
93
Barbados flag
Barbados
0 %
94
Bermuda flag
Bermuda
0 %
95
Bonaire, Sint Eustatius and Saba flag
Bonaire, Sint Eustatius and Saba
0 %
96
Botswana flag
Botswana
0 %
97
Brunei Darussalam flag
Brunei Darussalam
0 %
98
Cayman Islands flag
Cayman Islands
0 %
99
Cook Islands flag
Cook Islands
0 %
100
Curaçao flag
Curaçao
0 %
101
Falkland Islands (Malvinas) flag
Falkland Islands (Malvinas)
0 %
102
Faroe Islands flag
Faroe Islands
0 %
103
French Polynesia flag
French Polynesia
0 %
104
Georgia flag
Georgia
0 %
105
Gibraltar flag
Gibraltar
0 %
106
Greenland flag
Greenland
0 %
107
Grenada flag
Grenada
0 %
108
Iran flag
Iran
0 %
109
Isle of Man flag
Isle of Man
0 %
110
Jersey flag
Jersey
0 %
111
Jordan flag
Jordan
0 %
112
Kiribati flag
Kiribati
0 %
113
Lesotho flag
Lesotho
0 %
114
Luxembourg flag
Luxembourg
0 %
115
Maldives flag
Maldives
0 %
116
Malta flag
Malta
0 %
117
Marshall Islands flag
Marshall Islands
0 %
118
Monaco flag
Monaco
0 %
119
Montenegro flag
Montenegro
0 %
120
Montserrat flag
Montserrat
0 %
121
Nauru flag
Nauru
0 %
122
Oman flag
Oman
0 %
123
Qatar flag
Qatar
0 %
124
Saint Barthélemy flag
Saint Barthélemy
0 %
125
Saint Kitts and Nevis flag
Saint Kitts and Nevis
0 %
126
Saint Martin (French part) flag
Saint Martin (French part)
0 %
127
San Marino flag
San Marino
0 %
128
Saudi Arabia flag
Saudi Arabia
0 %
129
Sint Maarten (Dutch part) flag
Sint Maarten (Dutch part)
0 %
130
Tokelau flag
Tokelau
0 %
131
Tonga flag
Tonga
0 %
132
Turkmenistan flag
Turkmenistan
0 %
133
Turks and Caicos Islands flag
Turks and Caicos Islands
0 %
134
Tuvalu flag
Tuvalu
0 %
135
Holy See flag
Holy See
0 %
136
Yemen flag
Yemen
0 %
137
British Virgin Islands flag
British Virgin Islands
-2 %
138
Mauritius flag
Mauritius
-12 %
139
Saint Pierre and Miquelon flag
Saint Pierre and Miquelon
-24 %
140
Cyprus flag
Cyprus
-25.998 %
141
Antigua and Barbuda flag
Antigua and Barbuda
-66 %
142
American Samoa flag
American Samoa
-68 %
143
Mayotte flag
Mayotte
-72 %
144
Dominica flag
Dominica
-112 %
145
Belgium flag
Belgium
-114.001 %
146
Seychelles flag
Seychelles
-218 %
147
Singapore flag
Singapore
-254 %
148
New Zealand flag
New Zealand
-301.953 %
149
Libya flag
Libya
-334 %
150
Trinidad and Tobago flag
Trinidad and Tobago
-424.002 %
151
Samoa flag
Samoa
-480.002 %
152
Comoros flag
Comoros
-548 %
153
Sao Tome and Principe flag
Sao Tome and Principe
-594 %
154
Namibia flag
Namibia
-643.945 %
155
Puerto Rico flag
Puerto Rico
-654.004 %
156
Algeria flag
Algeria
-673.999 %
157
Solomon Islands flag
Solomon Islands
-737.988 %
158
Bangladesh flag
Bangladesh
-987.988 %
159
Mongolia flag
Mongolia
-1,114.063 %
160
Morocco flag
Morocco
-1,160.059 %
161
Timor-Leste flag
Timor-Leste
-1,400 %
162
Eswatini flag
Eswatini
-1,500 %
163
Netherlands flag
Netherlands
-1,730.005 %
164
Vanuatu flag
Vanuatu
-2,383.997 %
165
Togo flag
Togo
-2,960.01 %
166
Haiti flag
Haiti
-3,180.005 %
167
Norway flag
Norway
-3,261.914 %
168
French Guiana flag
French Guiana
-3,300 %
169
Guinea-Bissau flag
Guinea-Bissau
-4,237.988 %
170
Japan flag
Japan
-4,400 %
171
Papua New Guinea flag
Papua New Guinea
-4,605.469 %
172
Suriname flag
Suriname
-4,681.836 %
173
Gambia flag
Gambia
-5,785.999 %
174
Eritrea flag
Eritrea
-5,980.005 %
175
Panama flag
Panama
-6,375.977 %
176
Thailand flag
Thailand
-7,000 %
177
Belize flag
Belize
-7,532.007 %
178
Equatorial Guinea flag
Equatorial Guinea
-8,472.021 %
179
Iraq flag
Iraq
-9,138 %
180
South Korea flag
South Korea
-10,000 %
181
Sri Lanka flag
Sri Lanka
-11,541.992 %
182
Guyana flag
Guyana
-11,690.234 %
183
Gabon flag
Gabon
-12,125.781 %
184
Niger flag
Niger
-12,419.995 %
185
Senegal flag
Senegal
-15,543.945 %
186
Guatemala flag
Guatemala
-16,924.023 %
187
Sweden flag
Sweden
-18,600 %
188
Sierra Leone flag
Sierra Leone
-19,725.977 %
189
Congo flag
Congo
-20,339.844 %
190
Nicaragua flag
Nicaragua
-22,120.02 %
191
Italy flag
Italy
-24,208.008 %
192
Pakistan flag
Pakistan
-25,756.006 %
193
Central African Republic flag
Central African Republic
-34,992.188 %
194
Ecuador flag
Ecuador
-41,833.984 %
195
Malawi flag
Malawi
-42,000 %
196
Honduras flag
Honduras
-43,537.99 %
197
Uganda flag
Uganda
-50,146.047 %
198
Cameroon flag
Cameroon
-56,000 %
199
Laos flag
Laos
-58,237.89 %
200
Ethiopia flag
Ethiopia
-59,040.234 %
201
Zimbabwe flag
Zimbabwe
-59,666.016 %
202
Guinea flag
Guinea
-66,998.05 %
203
Colombia flag
Colombia
-93,595.31 %
204
Kenya flag
Kenya
-98,918.016 %
205
Mali flag
Mali
-100,546.09 %
206
Venezuela flag
Venezuela
-100,564.06 %
207
Côte d'Ivoire flag
Côte d'Ivoire
-109,858.01 %
208
Liberia flag
Liberia
-116,641.99 %
209
Burkina Faso flag
Burkina Faso
-119,860.06 %
210
Mexico flag
Mexico
-122,478.125 %
211
Nigeria flag
Nigeria
-126,883.984 %
212
Chad flag
Chad
-127,916.016 %
213
Benin flag
Benin
-151,426.03 %
214
Somalia flag
Somalia
-153,900 %
215
Madagascar flag
Madagascar
-160,132.03 %
216
Bolivia flag
Bolivia
-162,514.06 %
217
Sudan flag
Sudan
-174,139.84 %
218
Zambia flag
Zambia
-188,179.69 %
219
Indonesia flag
Indonesia
-255,460.94 %
220
Argentina flag
Argentina
-256,685.94 %
221
Mozambique flag
Mozambique
-267,027.34 %
222
Myanmar flag
Myanmar
-289,712.12 %
223
Peru flag
Peru
-299,337.5 %
224
Cambodia flag
Cambodia
-348,482.03 %
225
Paraguay flag
Paraguay
-354,016 %
226
Tanzania flag
Tanzania
-403,000 %
227
Angola flag
Angola
-510,029.7 %
228
Congo, Democratic Republic of the flag
Congo, Democratic Republic of the
-1,004,496.9 %
229
Brazil flag
Brazil
-1,915,700 %

↑Top 10 Countries

  1. #1China flagChina
  2. #2Canada flagCanada
  3. #3Russia flagRussia
  4. #4United States flagUnited States
  5. #5Australia flagAustralia
  6. #6India flagIndia
  7. #7Vietnam flagVietnam
  8. #8Turkey flagTurkey
  9. #9Malaysia flagMalaysia
  10. #10South Africa flagSouth Africa

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

↓Bottom 10 Countries

  1. #229Brazil flagBrazil
  2. #228Congo, Democratic Republic of the flagCongo, Democratic Republic of the
  3. #227Angola flagAngola
  4. #226Tanzania flagTanzania
  5. #225Paraguay flagParaguay
  6. #224Cambodia flagCambodia
  7. #223Peru flagPeru
  8. #222Myanmar flagMyanmar
  9. #221Mozambique flagMozambique
  10. #220Argentina flagArgentina

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

1

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.

2

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.

3

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.

4

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.

5

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.

6

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.

7

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.

8

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.

9

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.

10

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.

Visit Data Source

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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