Protected Land Area Percentage 2016

Saint Lucia

In 2016, Saint Lucia achieved a Protected Land Area Percentage of 18.7 %, ranking #80 out of 210 countries. This percentage is notably lower than the global average of around 15%, indicating a relatively strong commitment to conservation compared to many nations. The country's diverse ecosystems, including rainforests and coral reefs, drive its conservation efforts, supported by policies aimed at sustainable tourism and environmental protection.

Mauritania

Mauritania ranked #203 globally in 2016 with a Protected Land Area Percentage of 0.6 %. This figure is significantly lower than the global average, reflecting the country's limited conservation efforts compared to higher-ranked nations. The sparse population and vast desert landscapes contribute to the low percentage, as economic activities often prioritize agriculture and mining over environmental protection.

Aruba

In 2016, Aruba ranked #204 globally with a Protected Land Area Percentage of 0.5 %. This figure is significantly lower than many Caribbean nations, highlighting Aruba's limited natural reserves compared to its neighbors. The island's small size and focus on tourism-driven economic development contribute to the low percentage of protected land, as urbanization and infrastructure expansion often take precedence over conservation efforts.

Slovenia

In 2016, Slovenia achieved a remarkable global rank of #3 with a Protected Land Area Percentage of 53.6%. This figure significantly surpasses the global average, reflecting Slovenia's commitment to environmental conservation. The country's diverse ecosystems, including the Julian Alps and extensive forests, are protected through robust national policies and a strong emphasis on sustainable tourism, which drives both economic growth and biodiversity preservation.

Romania

In 2016, Romania ranked #50 globally with a Protected Land Area Percentage of 24.3 %. This figure is above the global average, reflecting Romania's commitment to conservation compared to countries with lower percentages, such as the United States. The extensive protected areas in Romania are largely driven by its rich biodiversity, particularly in the Carpathian Mountains and Danube Delta, as well as strong environmental policies aimed at preserving natural habitats.

Maldives

In 2016, the Maldives ranked #199 globally with a Protected Land Area Percentage of 1.1%. This low percentage is significantly below the global average, highlighting the Maldives' vulnerability as a small island nation with limited land resources. The primary drivers of this statistic include the country's focus on tourism and economic development, which often prioritize coastal and urban expansion over environmental conservation.

Pakistan

In 2016, Pakistan ranked #124 globally with a Protected Land Area Percentage of 12.3%. This figure is below the global average, reflecting challenges in conservation efforts compared to top-ranked countries that often exceed 30%. The limited protected areas in Pakistan can be attributed to rapid urbanization, economic development pressures, and a focus on agricultural expansion, which often take precedence over environmental preservation.

Sweden

In 2016, Sweden ranked #112 globally with a Protected Land Area Percentage of 14.5 %. This figure is below the European average, reflecting a broader trend in the region where land conservation efforts vary significantly. Key drivers of Sweden's protected land area include its extensive natural landscapes and a strong commitment to environmental policies aimed at preserving biodiversity and combating climate change.

Saudi Arabia

In 2016, Saudi Arabia had a Protected Land Area Percentage of 4.3 %, ranking #169 out of 210 countries. This figure is notably lower than the global average, indicating limited conservation efforts compared to many other nations.

The country's vast deserts and arid climate pose significant challenges for establishing protected areas, while economic priorities often focus on oil production and urban development. Additionally, rapid population growth and industrial expansion further constrain land set aside for environmental protection.

Switzerland

In 2016, Switzerland ranked #135 globally with a Protected Land Area Percentage of 9.7 %. This figure is below the global average, highlighting a commitment to urban development and economic growth over extensive land protection compared to countries with higher percentages, such as Bhutan. Switzerland's mountainous geography and stringent environmental policies do contribute to its protected areas, yet the emphasis on tourism and land use for agriculture limits the overall percentage.