Annual Forest Area Change Rate 2024

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•

Interactive Map

Loading interactive map...

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

In 2024, China leads the world in the Annual Forest Area Change Rate with an increase of 1,611,000 hectares, while the global range spans from a minimum of -126,881.64 hectares to a maximum of 1,611,000 hectares. The average change across 200 countries is 9,809.82 hectares per year, with a median value of 0.00 hectares, highlighting significant disparities in forest management globally.

Economic Growth and Forest Expansion

Countries experiencing rapid economic growth often invest in reforestation as part of sustainable development strategies. China, with the highest increase of 1,611,000 hectares, exemplifies this trend. Its ambitious afforestation programs, driven by government policies to combat desertification and improve air quality, contribute significantly to its forest area expansion. Similarly, India, adding 86,000 hectares, benefits from both governmental initiatives and community-driven reforestation projects. These efforts reflect a broader understanding that economic development and environmental sustainability can go hand in hand.

Environmental Policies Driving Change

Strong environmental policies are crucial in reversing deforestation trends. Turkey and France, increasing their forest areas by 117,080.08 hectares and 89,400 hectares respectively, showcase the impact of targeted national policies. Turkey's commitment to increasing its forest cover is part of its broader environmental strategy, while France's efforts are aligned with European Union directives on biodiversity and climate change mitigation. These countries illustrate how policy frameworks can effectively guide national efforts toward positive environmental outcomes.

Deforestation in Developing Nations

Conversely, many developing countries face significant challenges in forest conservation. Nigeria and Madagascar report the most substantial losses, with -126,881.64 hectares and -124,277.93 hectares respectively. These losses are often linked to agricultural expansion, illegal logging, and insufficient enforcement of environmental regulations. In Burkina Faso and Cameroon, with reductions of -119,860.01 hectares and -116,955.86 hectares, similar factors are at play, compounded by economic pressures that prioritize immediate economic gains over long-term environmental sustainability.

Urbanization and Its Impact

Urbanization presents both challenges and opportunities for forest area management. In countries like South Africa and New Zealand, where forest areas increased by 87,566.016 hectares and 67,548.05 hectares respectively, urban expansion is often balanced with green initiatives that incorporate urban forestry and green belts. These strategies help mitigate the environmental impacts of urbanization, demonstrating that urban growth does not have to come at the expense of forest health. Meanwhile, Kenya shows a modest increase of 64,470.02 hectares, reflecting efforts to integrate sustainable urban planning with forest conservation.

Year-over-Year Stability

Interestingly, the year-over-year changes for the top performers like China, Russia, and Turkey show 0.0% variation, indicating consistent implementation of forest management policies. However, this stability does not imply complacency but rather highlights the ongoing commitment to maintaining and improving forest areas. In contrast, countries experiencing deforestation, such as Nigeria and Madagascar, face a more fluctuating scenario due to varying economic and policy challenges.

Ultimately, the Annual Forest Area Change Rate in 2024 underscores the complex interplay between economic development, environmental policy, and global sustainability efforts. Countries that successfully balance these elements offer valuable lessons for those striving to reverse negative trends in forest area change.

Frequently Asked Questions About Annual Forest Area Change Rate in 2024

Which country has the highest annual forest area change rate in 2024?

China has the highest annual forest area change rate in 2024, with an increase of 1,611,000%.

Which country has the lowest annual forest area change rate in 2024?

Brazil has the lowest annual forest area change rate in 2024, with a decrease of -3,256,050%.

What is the average annual forest area change rate for countries in 2024?

The average annual forest area change rate for countries in 2024 is -23,171%.

What is the median annual forest area change rate for countries in 2024?

The median annual forest area change rate for countries in 2024 is 0%.

How many countries are included in the 2024 annual forest area change rate dataset?

The dataset includes 216 countries.

Which countries are in the top 3 for annual forest area change rate in 2024?

The top 3 countries for annual forest area change rate in 2024 are China, Russia, and Turkey.

Insights by country

1

Ecuador

Ecuador ranks #181 globally with an alarming -30153.906 % for its Annual Forest Area Change Rate in 2024. This figure is significantly worse than many neighboring countries, reflecting severe deforestation challenges in the region. Key drivers include extensive agricultural expansion, illegal logging, and infrastructure development, which have all contributed to the rapid loss of forested areas in this biodiverse nation.

2

Iraq

Iraq ranks #168 globally with an alarming -6604.004 % for its Annual Forest Area Change Rate in 2024. This figure is significantly worse than the global average, indicating severe deforestation challenges. Key drivers include ongoing conflict, which has hindered effective environmental policies, and urban expansion that encroaches on forested areas.

3

Angola

In 2024, Angola has an Annual Forest Area Change Rate of -510029.7 %, ranking #215 out of 216 countries. This drastic decline in forest area far exceeds the global average, highlighting a severe environmental crisis. Key factors contributing to this statistic include extensive deforestation driven by agricultural expansion and illegal logging, coupled with inadequate enforcement of environmental protection policies.

4

Saint Martin (French part)

In 2024, Saint Martin (French part) has an Annual Forest Area Change Rate of 0 %, ranking #124 out of 216 countries. This rate is notably lower than the global average, indicating minimal changes in forest area compared to other regions.

The lack of significant deforestation or reforestation activities can be attributed to the island's small land area and limited agricultural expansion, alongside a focus on tourism rather than large-scale industrial development. Additionally, environmental policies may prioritize the preservation of existing natural habitats, contributing to this stable rate.

5

Tunisia

Tunisia ranks #152 globally with an Annual Forest Area Change Rate of -2302.002 % in 2024. This figure is significantly worse than many countries, reflecting severe deforestation challenges in the region.

The primary drivers of this alarming rate include urban expansion, agricultural practices that prioritize short-term yields over sustainability, and inadequate forest management policies. Additionally, Tunisia's geographic location and climate vulnerability exacerbate the loss of forested areas, impacting biodiversity and local ecosystems.

6

Zimbabwe

In 2024, Zimbabwe ranks #189 globally with an Annual Forest Area Change Rate of -53000 %. This figure is significantly lower than many countries, reflecting severe deforestation challenges faced in the region. Key drivers include unsustainable agricultural practices and economic pressures that lead to land conversion for farming, which have drastically impacted forest cover.

7

Bosnia and Herzegovina

In 2024, Bosnia and Herzegovina holds a global rank of #55 with an Annual Forest Area Change Rate of 1040.0391 %. This figure is significantly higher than many countries, reflecting a robust increase in forest area compared to the global average. Key drivers include the country's extensive reforestation efforts and the preservation of natural landscapes, which are supported by both government initiatives and local conservation groups.

8

Romania

In 2024, Romania ranks #37 globally with an annual forest area change rate of 5616.0156 %. This significant figure is notably higher than the global average, indicating robust reforestation efforts compared to many countries. Key drivers behind Romania's impressive rate include government initiatives aimed at increasing forest cover and the country's diverse ecosystems that support rapid forest growth.

9

Saint Lucia

In 2024, Saint Lucia ranks #74 globally with an Annual Forest Area Change Rate of 50 %. This rate is significantly higher than the global average, reflecting a commitment to reforestation and sustainable land management practices. The country's focus on eco-tourism and biodiversity conservation has driven policies aimed at enhancing forest cover, while its mountainous terrain supports diverse ecosystems that are prioritized for protection.

10

Australia

In 2024, Australia ranks #10 globally with an Annual Forest Area Change Rate of 54093.75 %. This figure is significantly higher than the global average, reflecting Australia's unique environmental policies and initiatives aimed at forest conservation and regeneration. The country’s vast land area and diverse ecosystems, coupled with strong governmental support for sustainable forestry practices, have contributed to this remarkable change rate.

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.

More Environment Facts