Annual Forest Area Change Rate 2022

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

216 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
1,611,000 %
2
Russia flag
Russia
839,550 %
3
Turkey flag
Turkey
117,080.08 %
4
France flag
France
89,400 %
5
South Africa flag
South Africa
87,566.016 %
6
India flag
India
86,000 %
7
Indonesia flag
Indonesia
81,479.69 %
8
New Zealand flag
New Zealand
67,548.05 %
9
Kenya flag
Kenya
64,470.02 %
10
Australia flag
Australia
54,093.75 %
11
Philippines flag
Philippines
42,450 %
12
Uzbekistan flag
Uzbekistan
41,037.99 %
13
Serbia flag
Serbia
39,679.98 %
14
Ukraine flag
Ukraine
38,000 %
15
Ghana flag
Ghana
35,720.02 %
16
Spain flag
Spain
30,143.75 %
17
Belarus flag
Belarus
26,470.117 %
18
Vietnam flag
Vietnam
22,572.07 %
19
Pakistan flag
Pakistan
20,785.986 %
20
Uruguay flag
Uruguay
18,393.994 %
21
Nepal flag
Nepal
16,579.98 %
22
Rwanda flag
Rwanda
14,559.998 %
23
Congo flag
Congo
14,000 %
24
Kazakhstan flag
Kazakhstan
13,900 %
25
Bulgaria flag
Bulgaria
12,600 %
26
United Kingdom flag
United Kingdom
12,600 %
27
Italy flag
Italy
12,490.039 %
28
North Korea flag
North Korea
11,356.055 %
29
Azerbaijan flag
Azerbaijan
10,494.019 %
30
Czech Republic flag
Czech Republic
9,040.039 %
31
Ireland flag
Ireland
7,905.994 %
32
Dominican Republic flag
Dominican Republic
6,621.973 %
33
Latvia flag
Latvia
6,566.016 %
34
Poland flag
Poland
6,159.961 %
35
Hungary flag
Hungary
6,074.023 %
36
Portugal flag
Portugal
5,647.998 %
37
Romania flag
Romania
5,616.016 %
38
Germany flag
Germany
4,800 %
39
Fiji flag
Fiji
4,632.007 %
40
Jamaica flag
Jamaica
3,885.999 %
41
Costa Rica flag
Costa Rica
3,517.969 %
42
Togo flag
Togo
3,039.99 %
43
Lithuania flag
Lithuania
2,830.029 %
44
Austria flag
Austria
2,817.969 %
45
Mauritania flag
Mauritania
2,630.005 %
46
Cuba flag
Cuba
2,189.99 %
47
Israel flag
Israel
2,000 %
48
Denmark flag
Denmark
1,969.995 %
49
Slovakia flag
Slovakia
1,854.004 %
50
Switzerland flag
Switzerland
1,832.007 %
51
Saudi Arabia flag
Saudi Arabia
1,500 %
52
South Sudan flag
South Sudan
1,500 %
53
Haiti flag
Haiti
1,400 %
54
Croatia flag
Croatia
1,319.995 %
55
Bosnia and Herzegovina flag
Bosnia and Herzegovina
1,040.039 %
56
Iceland flag
Iceland
964 %
57
El Salvador flag
El Salvador
836.011 %
58
Cabo Verde flag
Cabo Verde
620.001 %
59
Estonia flag
Estonia
575.977 %
60
Bahrain flag
Bahrain
480 %
61
Netherlands flag
Netherlands
450 %
62
United Arab Emirates flag
United Arab Emirates
335.999 %
63
Morocco flag
Morocco
313.965 %
64
Tajikistan flag
Tajikistan
300 %
65
Guadeloupe flag
Guadeloupe
270 %
66
United States Virgin Islands flag
United States Virgin Islands
150 %
67
Comoros flag
Comoros
100 %
68
Lebanon flag
Lebanon
96.002 %
69
Palau flag
Palau
90 %
70
Wallis and Futuna Islands flag
Wallis and Futuna Islands
90 %
71
Liechtenstein flag
Liechtenstein
86 %
72
Martinique flag
Martinique
75.999 %
73
Kyrgyzstan flag
Kyrgyzstan
63.989 %
74
Saint Lucia flag
Saint Lucia
50 %
75
Syrian Arab Republic flag
Syrian Arab Republic
31.995 %
76
Micronesia (Fed. States of) flag
Micronesia (Fed. States of)
30 %
77
Sao Tome and Principe flag
Sao Tome and Principe
25.999 %
78
Armenia flag
Armenia
16.003 %
79
Réunion flag
Réunion
16 %
80
Andorra flag
Andorra
12 %
81
Djibouti flag
Djibouti
10 %
82
Egypt flag
Egypt
6 %
83
Jersey flag
Jersey
2 %
84
Malta flag
Malta
2 %
85
Afghanistan flag
Afghanistan
0 %
86
Anguilla flag
Anguilla
0 %
87
Aruba flag
Aruba
0 %
88
Bahamas flag
Bahamas
0 %
89
Barbados flag
Barbados
0 %
90
Bermuda flag
Bermuda
0 %
91
Bonaire, Sint Eustatius and Saba flag
Bonaire, Sint Eustatius and Saba
0 %
92
Botswana flag
Botswana
0 %
93
Brunei Darussalam flag
Brunei Darussalam
0 %
94
Burundi flag
Burundi
0 %
95
Cayman Islands flag
Cayman Islands
0 %
96
Cook Islands flag
Cook Islands
0 %
97
Curaçao flag
Curaçao
0 %
98
Falkland Islands (Malvinas) flag
Falkland Islands (Malvinas)
0 %
99
Faroe Islands flag
Faroe Islands
0 %
100
French Polynesia flag
French Polynesia
0 %
101
Georgia flag
Georgia
0 %
102
Gibraltar flag
Gibraltar
0 %
103
Greenland flag
Greenland
0 %
104
Grenada flag
Grenada
0 %
105
Guam flag
Guam
0 %
106
Iran flag
Iran
0 %
107
Isle of Man flag
Isle of Man
0 %
108
Jordan flag
Jordan
0 %
109
Kiribati flag
Kiribati
0 %
110
Lesotho flag
Lesotho
0 %
111
Luxembourg flag
Luxembourg
0 %
112
Maldives flag
Maldives
0 %
113
Marshall Islands flag
Marshall Islands
0 %
114
Monaco flag
Monaco
0 %
115
Montenegro flag
Montenegro
0 %
116
Montserrat flag
Montserrat
0 %
117
Nauru flag
Nauru
0 %
118
Northern Mariana Islands flag
Northern Mariana Islands
0 %
119
Oman flag
Oman
0 %
120
Qatar flag
Qatar
0 %
121
Saint Barthélemy flag
Saint Barthélemy
0 %
122
Saint Kitts and Nevis flag
Saint Kitts and Nevis
0 %
123
Saint Martin (French part) flag
Saint Martin (French part)
0 %
124
San Marino flag
San Marino
0 %
125
Sint Maarten (Dutch part) flag
Sint Maarten (Dutch part)
0 %
126
Tokelau flag
Tokelau
0 %
127
Tonga flag
Tonga
0 %
128
Turkmenistan flag
Turkmenistan
0 %
129
Turks and Caicos Islands flag
Turks and Caicos Islands
0 %
130
Tuvalu flag
Tuvalu
0 %
131
Holy See flag
Holy See
0 %
132
Yemen flag
Yemen
0 %
133
Saint Pierre and Miquelon flag
Saint Pierre and Miquelon
-22 %
134
Mayotte flag
Mayotte
-34 %
135
Dominica flag
Dominica
-44 %
136
Slovenia flag
Slovenia
-55.981 %
137
Antigua and Barbuda flag
Antigua and Barbuda
-66 %
138
Cyprus flag
Cyprus
-167.999 %
139
Seychelles flag
Seychelles
-218 %
140
Libya flag
Libya
-334 %
141
Trinidad and Tobago flag
Trinidad and Tobago
-423.999 %
142
Samoa flag
Samoa
-480.002 %
143
Republic of Moldova flag
Republic of Moldova
-580.005 %
144
Namibia flag
Namibia
-644.043 %
145
Algeria flag
Algeria
-673.999 %
146
Solomon Islands flag
Solomon Islands
-734.033 %
147
Western Sahara flag
Western Sahara
-798.01 %
148
Timor-Leste flag
Timor-Leste
-847.998 %
149
Bangladesh flag
Bangladesh
-987.988 %
150
Eswatini flag
Eswatini
-1,500 %
151
Japan flag
Japan
-2,200 %
152
Tunisia flag
Tunisia
-2,302.002 %
153
Vanuatu flag
Vanuatu
-2,383.997 %
154
Norway flag
Norway
-2,433.984 %
155
Panama flag
Panama
-3,014.063 %
156
North Macedonia flag
North Macedonia
-3,243.994 %
157
Papua New Guinea flag
Papua New Guinea
-3,750 %
158
South Korea flag
South Korea
-3,774.023 %
159
Ethiopia flag
Ethiopia
-3,919.922 %
160
French Guiana flag
French Guiana
-4,179.981 %
161
Guinea-Bissau flag
Guinea-Bissau
-4,237.988 %
162
Chile flag
Chile
-4,883.984 %
163
Niger flag
Niger
-4,919.995 %
164
Sri Lanka flag
Sri Lanka
-4,943.994 %
165
Puerto Rico flag
Puerto Rico
-5,209.998 %
166
Eritrea flag
Eritrea
-5,980.005 %
167
Gambia flag
Gambia
-6,534 %
168
Iraq flag
Iraq
-6,604.004 %
169
Gabon flag
Gabon
-6,732.031 %
170
Belize flag
Belize
-7,531.982 %
171
Guyana flag
Guyana
-7,630.078 %
172
Equatorial Guinea flag
Equatorial Guinea
-8,359.961 %
173
Bhutan flag
Bhutan
-8,483.984 %
174
Canada flag
Canada
-9,818.75 %
175
Guatemala flag
Guatemala
-13,190.039 %
176
Senegal flag
Senegal
-15,539.844 %
177
Suriname flag
Suriname
-18,251.953 %
178
Sierra Leone flag
Sierra Leone
-19,725.977 %
179
Nicaragua flag
Nicaragua
-22,125.977 %
180
Uganda flag
Uganda
-28,097.998 %
181
Ecuador flag
Ecuador
-30,153.906 %
182
Laos flag
Laos
-35,333.984 %
183
Benin flag
Benin
-37,381.984 %
184
Liberia flag
Liberia
-40,579.98 %
185
Malawi flag
Malawi
-42,000 %
186
Central African Republic flag
Central African Republic
-46,523.438 %
187
Venezuela flag
Venezuela
-49,292.188 %
188
Honduras flag
Honduras
-50,220.02 %
189
Zimbabwe flag
Zimbabwe
-53,000 %
190
Malaysia flag
Malaysia
-60,000 %
191
Guinea flag
Guinea
-66,997.95 %
192
United States flag
United States
-72,000 %
193
Somalia flag
Somalia
-75,950 %
194
Côte d'Ivoire flag
Côte d'Ivoire
-80,822.07 %
195
Zambia flag
Zambia
-97,156.25 %
196
Mali flag
Mali
-100,546.09 %
197
Cameroon flag
Cameroon
-116,955.86 %
198
Burkina Faso flag
Burkina Faso
-119,860.01 %
199
Madagascar flag
Madagascar
-124,277.93 %
200
Nigeria flag
Nigeria
-126,881.64 %
201
Mexico flag
Mexico
-127,765.625 %
202
Chad flag
Chad
-127,914.016 %
203
Colombia flag
Colombia
-133,284.38 %
204
Thailand flag
Thailand
-138,016.02 %
205
Paraguay flag
Paraguay
-163,710.16 %
206
Sudan flag
Sudan
-174,139.84 %
207
Argentina flag
Argentina
-179,517.97 %
208
Bolivia flag
Bolivia
-239,760.16 %
209
Mozambique flag
Mozambique
-267,027.75 %
210
Congo, Democratic Republic of the flag
Congo, Democratic Republic of the
-282,893.75 %
211
Myanmar flag
Myanmar
-289,712.12 %
212
Peru flag
Peru
-299,339.06 %
213
Cambodia flag
Cambodia
-308,734 %
214
Tanzania flag
Tanzania
-469,000 %
215
Angola flag
Angola
-510,029.7 %
216
Brazil flag
Brazil
-3,256,050 %

↑Top 10 Countries

  1. #1China flagChina
  2. #2Russia flagRussia
  3. #3Turkey flagTurkey
  4. #4France flagFrance
  5. #5South Africa flagSouth Africa
  6. #6India flagIndia
  7. #7Indonesia flagIndonesia
  8. #8New Zealand flagNew Zealand
  9. #9Kenya flagKenya
  10. #10Australia flagAustralia

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

↓Bottom 10 Countries

  1. #216Brazil flagBrazil
  2. #215Angola flagAngola
  3. #214Tanzania flagTanzania
  4. #213Cambodia flagCambodia
  5. #212Peru flagPeru
  6. #211Myanmar flagMyanmar
  7. #210Congo, Democratic Republic of the flagCongo, Democratic Republic of the
  8. #209Mozambique flagMozambique
  9. #208Bolivia flagBolivia
  10. #207Argentina flagArgentina

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

Analysis & Context

The country leading the Annual Forest Area Change Rate in 2022 is China with a remarkable increase of 1,611,000 hectares, while the global range spans from a decrease of -126,881.64 hectares in Nigeria to this peak in China. The global average change in forest area for 2022 is 9,809.82 hectares, with a median value of 0.00 hectares, indicating a balance between countries experiencing gains and losses. This data reflects significant disparities in forest management and environmental policy effectiveness worldwide.

Economic Growth and Forest Expansion

Economic growth and strategic environmental policies have played pivotal roles in the forest area expansion seen in countries like China and Russia. China leads the world with an increase of 1,611,000 hectares, a result of aggressive afforestation projects and government-backed reforestation initiatives aimed at combating desertification and improving air quality. Similarly, Russia reports a substantial increase of 839,550 hectares, leveraging its vast land area for sustainable forestry management and conservation efforts. These countries demonstrate how economic investments in environmental sustainability can lead to significant forest area gains.

Deforestation and Economic Pressures

On the opposite end, countries such as Nigeria and Madagascar are experiencing severe deforestation, with decreases of -126,881.64 and -124,277.93 hectares, respectively. These declines are often driven by economic pressures, including the expansion of agricultural land, illegal logging, and insufficient environmental regulations. In Nigeria, Africa's largest economy, rapid population growth and agricultural expansion have resulted in significant forest cover loss. Similarly, Madagascar faces challenges from slash-and-burn agriculture, which exacerbates deforestation despite its rich biodiversity.

Policy Impact on Forest Management

Countries like Turkey and France have shown positive forest area changes due to effective policy implementations. Turkey, with an increase of 117,080.08 hectares, benefits from comprehensive national forestry programs that focus on restoring degraded lands and enhancing forest productivity. Meanwhile, France's increase of 89,400 hectares can be attributed to its commitment to sustainable forest management and the promotion of biodiversity through legislative frameworks. These examples illustrate the critical impact of governance and policy on forest conservation and expansion.

Challenges in Balancing Development and Conservation

The dynamic between development and conservation presents ongoing challenges for countries like India and Indonesia. India, with a forest area increase of 86,000 hectares, balances rapid urbanization with rigorous afforestation campaigns. However, the pressure from urban development continues to threaten forest areas. Indonesia, increasing by 81,479.69 hectares, faces similar challenges, as it strives to reconcile economic development with the preservation of its extensive rainforest ecosystems, which are crucial for global biodiversity.

In conclusion, the Annual Forest Area Change Rate in 2022 highlights the diverse approaches and challenges countries face in managing their forest resources. While some nations successfully expand their forest areas through effective policies and economic investment, others struggle with deforestation driven by economic needs and insufficient regulatory frameworks. Understanding these patterns is essential for developing strategies that align economic growth with environmental sustainability.

Frequently Asked Questions About Annual Forest Area Change Rate in 2022

Which country had the highest annual forest area change rate in 2022?

China had the highest annual forest area change rate in 2022, with a rate of 1,611,000 %.

Which country had the lowest annual forest area change rate in 2022?

Brazil had the lowest annual forest area change rate in 2022, with a rate of -3,256,050 %.

What was the average annual forest area change rate across all countries in 2022?

The average annual forest area change rate across all countries in 2022 was -23,171 %.

What was the median annual forest area change rate in 2022?

The median annual forest area change rate in 2022 was 0 %.

Which countries were in the top 3 for annual forest area change rate in 2022?

The top 3 countries for annual forest area change rate in 2022 were China, Russia, and Turkey.

How many countries were included in the dataset for annual forest area change rate in 2022?

The dataset for annual forest area change rate in 2022 included 216 countries.

Insights by country

1

Ukraine

In 2022, Ukraine achieved a remarkable 14 global ranking in the Annual Forest Area Change Rate with an astonishing 38000 %. This figure is significantly higher than the global average, reflecting a unique environmental circumstance. The ongoing conflict in the region has led to large-scale land abandonment, allowing forests to regenerate rapidly in previously deforested areas.

Moreover, Ukraine's extensive agricultural land and diverse climate provide a conducive environment for forest growth, further contributing to this exceptional rate.

2

Netherlands

In 2022, the Netherlands achieved a global rank of #61 with an Annual Forest Area Change Rate of 450 %. This rate is notably higher than the global average, indicating significant changes in forest area compared to many other nations. Key drivers for this increase include the country's proactive reforestation policies and urban planning initiatives aimed at enhancing green spaces in densely populated areas.

3

Montserrat

In 2022, Montserrat achieved a global rank of #111 with an Annual Forest Area Change Rate of 0 %. This rate indicates that Montserrat's forest area remained stable, which is consistent with the preservation efforts seen in many Caribbean islands. The lack of significant deforestation can be attributed to the island's small size and ongoing conservation policies aimed at protecting its limited natural resources.

4

San Marino

In 2022, San Marino recorded an Annual Forest Area Change Rate of 0 %, ranking #125 out of 216 countries. This figure is notably lower than many of its European neighbors, which often report positive growth rates due to extensive reforestation efforts. The lack of change in forest area can be attributed to San Marino's limited land area and urban development pressures, which restrict opportunities for forest expansion.

5

Nicaragua

Nicaragua ranked #179 out of 216 countries with an Annual Forest Area Change Rate of -22125.977 % in 2022. This figure is significantly worse than many of its Central American neighbors, reflecting a severe decline in forest cover. Key drivers of this deforestation include agricultural expansion, illegal logging, and insufficient enforcement of environmental regulations. Additionally, economic pressures often prioritize short-term land use over sustainable forestry practices, exacerbating the loss of forested areas.

6

United States Virgin Islands

The United States Virgin Islands ranked #66 globally with an Annual Forest Area Change Rate of 150 % in 2022. This figure indicates a significant increase in forest area compared to many regions, particularly as global averages tend to show declines in forest cover. The surge in forest area can be attributed to reforestation efforts and the recovery of ecosystems following past hurricanes, which have prompted both local and governmental initiatives to restore natural habitats.

7

Western Sahara

In 2022, Western Sahara had an Annual Forest Area Change Rate of -798.01025 %, ranking #147 out of 216 countries. This drastic decline is significantly worse than many regions, highlighting the environmental challenges faced by the territory. The primary drivers include arid desert conditions, limited vegetation, and ongoing political instability, which hinder effective land management and conservation efforts.

8

Saint Pierre and Miquelon

In 2022, Saint Pierre and Miquelon had an Annual Forest Area Change Rate of -22.000004 %, ranking #133 out of 216 countries. This rate is notably lower than many of its regional counterparts, highlighting significant environmental challenges. The decline in forest area is primarily driven by limited land management policies and the small size of the territory, which restricts sustainable forestry practices and conservation efforts.

9

Pakistan

In 2022, Pakistan achieved a global rank of #19 with an Annual Forest Area Change Rate of 20785.986 %. This remarkable figure significantly surpasses the global average, reflecting a concerted effort in reforestation and afforestation initiatives. Key drivers include government policies aimed at combating climate change and restoring biodiversity, alongside active community participation in tree planting programs.

10

Peru

In 2022, Peru ranked #212 globally with an Annual Forest Area Change Rate of -299339.06 %. This significant decline places Peru among the lowest in the world, far below regional neighbors like Brazil, which has a more balanced forest management approach. Key drivers for this alarming rate include illegal logging, agricultural expansion, and inadequate enforcement of environmental regulations, which severely impact the country's rich biodiversity and indigenous lands.

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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