Top-10 Countries with Largest Forest Area in the World

Forests, with their ecological significance and environmental benefits, are essential resources for the planet. From providing habitat for diverse wildlife to serving as carbon sinks and regulating climate, forests play a crucial role in sustaining life on Earth. Let’s delve into the top 10 countries with the largest forest areas, showcasing their rich biodiversity and environmental contributions.

Worldwide Forest Area

The FAO’s Global Forest Resources Assessment reveals that the world has 4.06 billion hectares (10.0 billion acres) of forest, accounting for 31% of the total land area. This highlights the significant role forests play in the global ecosystem, providing habitat, regulating climate, and supporting biodiversity. Forest conservation is crucial for maintaining these vital functions.

Largest Country in terms of Forest Area

Russia boasts an astounding 8.2 million square kilometers of forest, surpassing the entire landmass of Australia. This vast area, primarily Siberian taiga, comprises 22% of the world’s total forest reserves, making Russia the global leader in woodland abundance. These immense forests are vital as a global “carbon sink,” absorbing significant amounts of carbon dioxide and helping to mitigate climate change. The next time you take a breath, consider the crucial role Russian forests play in maintaining our planet’s health.

Top-10 Countries with the Largest Forest Area in the World 2024

Russia, with the forest area of 8,153,116 square km, stands as the largest country in terms of forest area, followed by Brazil, Canada, U.S., and China.

Here is the list of top-10 countries with the largest forest area 2024:

Top-10 Countries with the Largest Forest Area 2024
Rank	Country	Forest Area (in sq. km)	Forest Area (in %)
1.	Russia	8,153,116	20.1%
2.	Brazil	4,953,914	12.3%
3.	Canada	3,468,911	8.6%
4.	U.S.	3,097,950	7.7%
5.	China	2,218,578	5.5%
6.	Australia	1,340,051	3.3%
7.	DRC	1,250,539	3.1%
8.	Indonesia	915,277	2.3%
9.	India	724,264	1.8%
10.	Peru	721,575	1.8%

Country with the Largest Forest Area – Russia

Forest Area: 8,153,116 square kilometers

Russia dominates global forest coverage with an astounding 8.2 million square kilometers, surpassing the landmass of Australia. These forests, primarily Siberian taiga, comprise 22% of the world’s total forest reserves. Beyond their size, they act as a crucial global carbon sink, absorbing significant carbon dioxide and mitigating climate change. Russia’s immense forests play a vital role in maintaining our planet’s health.

Second Largest Country in terms of Forest Area – Brazil

Forest Area: 4,953,914 square kilometers

Brazil, home to the vast Amazon rainforest, boasts nearly 5 million square kilometers of forest, making up 13% of the world’s total forest cover. These forests are rich in biodiversity, with about 400 billion trees from 16,000 species. However, deforestation threatens these ecosystems, highlighting the urgent need for enhanced conservation efforts.

World’s Third Largest Country in terms of Forest Area – Canada

Forest Area: 3,468,911 square kilometers

Canada boasts the third-largest forest area globally, covering 3.5 million square kilometers. These forests contribute 6.9% to the national GDP and host over 140,000 species, including the Canadian moose and grizzly bear. Wildlife enthusiasts and nature lovers will find Canada’s vast forests a remarkable destination.