7 countries with the most forest areas in the world

Forests cover about 31–32 % of the Earth’s land surface and are vital to life on our planet. They absorb carbon dioxide, help regulate the climate, protect watersheds, support biodiversity and provide livelihoods to millions of people.

Understanding which countries contain the largest forest areas helps explain global patterns in ecology, climate action and sustainable development.

Based on the Food and Agriculture Organization’s GFRA 2025, here are the seven nations with the largest forest areas — measured in million hectares:

1. Russia — 832.6 million hectares

Russia leads by a huge margin, holding about 20 % of the world’s total forest area. Its vast boreal forests stretch across Siberia and the Far East and are some of the largest continuous forest ecosystems on Earth. These forests play a major role in carbon storage and global climate stability.

2. Brazil — 486.1 million hectares

Brazil is home to the Amazon Rainforest, the largest tropical forest on the planet. These forests are enormously biodiverse and crucial for global weather systems and carbon cycling. Though deforestation has been a concern, Brazil still ranks second in total forest area.

3. Canada — 368.8 million hectares

Canada’s forests mostly consist of boreal woodlands — vast, uninterrupted forests that stretch from Newfoundland and Labrador in the east to the Yukon in the west. These forests are important for wildlife habitat and long-term carbon sequestration.

4. United States — 308.9 million hectares

The US ranks fourth globally. Its forest ecosystems include the evergreen woods of the Pacific Northwest, the hardwood forests of the Eastern US and extensive boreal forests in Alaska. Forests in the US contribute to national conservation and carbon-capture efforts.

5. China — 227.1 million hectares

China has risen rapidly in forest area due to ambitious reforestation and afforestation programmes. Forests in China span temperate woodlands, subtropical broadleaf forests, and high-altitude forests in the west. These efforts help reduce soil erosion and improve air quality.

6. Democratic Republic of the Congo — 139.2 million hectares

The DRC contains a large share of the Congo Basin rainforest, the world’s second-largest tropical forest after the Amazon. Its forests are rich in biodiversity and essential for stabilising regional climate patterns.

7. Australia — 133.6 million hectares

Australia comes in seventh, surprising to many because much of the country is arid. But its forests — from eucalyptus woodlands to tropical rainforests — add up to a significant total area. These forests support unique wildlife and play an important ecological role across the continent.

These seven countries alone hold a significant share of the world’s forests — together they make up well over half of global forest area.

While some countries are expanding forest cover — especially China and India through reforestation efforts — others are losing forests due to deforestation, fires and land conversion. Forest management and conservation policies remain critical to protecting these ecosystems.

These forests are ecological powerhouses — storing carbon, hosting millions of species, and supporting human life around the globe. Conservation measures, sustainable forestry, and international cooperation will be crucial in preserving these vital ecosystems for the future.

The post 7 countries with the most forest areas in the world appeared first on Vanguard News.