Forest cover makes up around 31% of the Earth’s land area, totaling approximately 4.06 billion hectares. The largest forests are found in regions such as the Amazon Basin, the Congo Basin, and Southeast Asia. Brazil, Canada, Russia, and the United States account for a significant portion of global forest area. Forests play a critical role in absorbing carbon dioxide, regulating climates, and providing habitat for wildlife. However, deforestation continues to be a major concern, with about 10 million hectares of forest lost annually between 2015 and 2020.
Explore the world map to see percentage of forest cover for each country of the world.
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World Forest Cover
Forests are vital ecosystems that cover about 31% of the Earth's land surface, equivalent to approximately 4.06 billion hectares of land. These forests are distributed across various regions of the globe, playing an essential role in regulating the planet’s climate, protecting biodiversity, and supporting millions of people through economic and environmental benefits. This content provides an in-depth analysis of the current state of the world’s forest cover, examining the key regions, the benefits forests provide, and the pressing challenges such as deforestation and forest degradation.
Global Distribution of Forests
Forests are found in almost every region of the world, but they are unevenly distributed. The largest concentrations of forest cover are found in tropical, boreal, and temperate regions.
Tropical Forests
Tropical forests, which are mainly located near the equator, account for nearly 45% of the world's forests. The Amazon Rainforest in South America, the Congo Basin in Central Africa, and the tropical forests of Southeast Asia are the most prominent examples. Tropical forests are some of the most biologically diverse ecosystems on the planet, housing nearly 50% of the world’s plant and animal species.
Boreal Forests
Boreal forests, also known as taiga, are primarily located in high northern latitudes, such as Russia, Canada, and parts of Scandinavia. These forests make up around 27% of global forest cover and are characterized by cold climates and coniferous trees. They are essential for carbon storage, as the soils in boreal regions contain large amounts of organic matter that help to sequester carbon.
Temperate Forests
Temperate forests, found in regions with moderate climates such as Europe, North America, and parts of East Asia, cover around 16% of the world’s forests. These forests include both deciduous and evergreen trees and are important for timber production, recreation, and wildlife habitat.
Key Countries Contributing to Forest Cover
A few countries hold the largest portions of the world's forests. The top five countries—Brazil, Russia, Canada, the United States, and China—account for more than half of the world’s total forest area.
Brazil
Brazil is home to the largest tropical forest, the Amazon, which spans over 60% of the country’s territory. The Amazon forest plays a crucial role in absorbing carbon dioxide and producing oxygen, earning it the nickname "the lungs of the Earth." Brazil's forest area totals more than 497 million hectares.
Russia
Russia contains the largest boreal forests in the world, covering around 815 million hectares, or roughly 20% of global forest cover. The vast forests in Siberia play a significant role in the global carbon cycle.
Canada
Canada's forests account for about 347 million hectares of land, with a significant portion being boreal forests. These forests are crucial for biodiversity and contribute to Canada's timber and forestry industries.
United States
The United States has about 310 million hectares of forest, ranging from the temperate forests in the eastern U.S. to the old-growth forests of the Pacific Northwest. The U.S. forestry sector is also a major contributor to the economy, providing jobs and supporting rural communities.
China
China has made significant strides in reforestation over the past few decades. Its forest area has grown to 220 million hectares, thanks to large-scale afforestation programs. These efforts have helped reduce soil erosion and desertification in several regions.
Importance of Forests
Forests provide a wide array of benefits that are critical for the well-being of humans, wildlife, and the environment.
Environmental Benefits
Forests play a fundamental role in regulating the climate by absorbing carbon dioxide and producing oxygen. It is estimated that forests absorb about 2.6 billion tonnes of carbon dioxide annually, making them essential for mitigating climate change. They also help maintain water cycles, prevent soil erosion, and support biodiversity by providing habitat for over 80% of terrestrial species.
Economic and Social Benefits
Forests provide livelihoods for millions of people around the world. More than 1.6 billion people depend on forests for their food, medicine, fuel, and shelter. In addition, forests contribute to various industries, including timber, paper, and tourism, generating significant economic value.
Challenges Facing Forests
Despite the vital importance of forests, they face numerous challenges that threaten their survival and the ecosystems they support.
Deforestation
One of the most pressing challenges is deforestation. From 2015 to 2020, the world lost an estimated 10 million hectares of forest each year due to activities such as logging, agriculture, and urbanization. The Amazon Rainforest, in particular, has seen alarming rates of deforestation in recent years, driven by the expansion of agriculture, especially cattle ranching and soy farming.
Forest Degradation
In addition to deforestation, forests are also facing degradation, where forest ecosystems are weakened and lose their ability to function effectively. This can occur through selective logging, unsustainable agricultural practices, and the introduction of invasive species. Forest degradation affects carbon storage, biodiversity, and local communities that rely on forest resources.
Conservation and Restoration Efforts
Efforts to conserve and restore forests are essential to combat the threats posed by deforestation and degradation.
Reforestation and Afforestation
Many countries are undertaking reforestation and afforestation projects to restore lost forest cover. China, India, and Ethiopia have implemented large-scale tree-planting programs. For instance, China’s "Great Green Wall" initiative aims to combat desertification by planting millions of trees along the country’s northern regions.
International Agreements and Programs
Several international agreements and organizations work to protect forests, such as the United Nations’ REDD+ program (Reducing Emissions from Deforestation and Forest Degradation). This initiative incentivizes developing countries to reduce deforestation and invest in sustainable forest management.
List of World Forest Cover
Region/Area
Total Forest Area (hectares)
Percentage of Global Forest Cover
Forest Type
Significant Information
Amazon Basin (South America)
670 million
16%
Tropical Rainforest
Largest tropical rainforest; known as "lungs of the Earth"; faces severe deforestation threats.
Congo Basin (Africa)
314 million
8%
Tropical Rainforest
Second-largest tropical rainforest; supports rich biodiversity and is home to endangered species.
Southeast Asia
206 million
5%
Tropical Rainforest
Includes Indonesia and Malaysia; known for diverse wildlife but heavily impacted by palm oil plantations.
Russia (Boreal Forest/Taiga)
815 million
20%
Boreal Forest
Largest forested area globally; critical for carbon storage and climate regulation.
Canada (Boreal Forest)
347 million
9%
Boreal Forest
Part of the northern boreal region; supports timber industry and wildlife habitats.
United States (Temperate Forest)
310 million
8%
Temperate Forest
Includes Pacific Northwest and Eastern U.S. forests; key to biodiversity and timber production.
European Union
182 million
4%
Temperate Forest
Mixed forests with a focus on sustainable forest management; high population pressure.
China
220 million
5%
Temperate & Subtropical Forest
Major reforestation efforts through the "Great Green Wall"; helps reduce desertification.
Australia
125 million
3%
Tropical & Temperate Forest
Contains eucalyptus forests; highly vulnerable to bushfires and climate change.
India
71 million
2%
Subtropical & Tropical Forest
Significant biodiversity; government efforts in afforestation programs to combat deforestation.
Central America
20 million
0.5%
Tropical Rainforest
Critical for wildlife and indigenous communities; faces rapid deforestation for agriculture.
Scandinavia (Norway, Sweden, Finland)
66 million
1.6%
Boreal & Temperate Forest
Heavily forested, with sustainable forest management and timber production.
New Zealand
8 million
0.2%
Temperate Forest
Known for ancient rainforests and strict conservation laws protecting native species.
Japan
25 million
0.6%
Temperate & Subtropical Forest
Mountainous forests with unique biodiversity; prone to deforestation for urban expansion.
Chile
17 million
0.4%
Temperate Rainforest
Valdivian temperate rainforest; one of the few temperate rainforests in the world, high in endemism.
