Forests are nature’s most valuable resource. They give us clean air, control the climate, and provide home to millions of species. Around 31 percent of the Earth’s land area is still covered in forests. But the world’s largest forest areas are mainly located in just ten countries. These nations together hold almost 70 percent of the planet’s total green cover. This detailed guide gives in-depth profiles of the top 10 countries with the largest forest area, along with their facts, figures, and unique ecological features.
Overview Table – Top 10 Countries with Largest Forest Area (2025 Estimates)
| Rank | Country | Total Forest Area (million ha) | % of Global Forest Cover |
|---|---|---|---|
| 1 | Russia | 814.8 | ~20 % of global forests |
| 2 | Brazil | 491.6 | ~12 % of global forests |
| 3 | Canada | 347.0 | ~9 % of global forests |
| 4 | United States | 310.6 | ~8 % of global forests |
| 5 | China | 211.4 | ~5 % of global forests |
| 6 | Democratic Republic of Congo | 152.0 | ~4 % of global forests |
| 7 | Australia | 125.3 | ~3 % of global forests |
| 8 | Indonesia | 89.6 | ~2 % of global forests |
| 9 | Peru | 73.6 | ~2 % of global forests |
| 10 | India | 71.0 | ~1.8 % of global forests |
1. Russia – The World Leader in Forest Area
Russia holds the world’s largest forest area, covering about 814.8 million hectares. Nearly half of Russia’s territory is under forest cover, stretching from the western plains to the Pacific coast. Most of these are boreal forests (taiga) filled with pine, spruce, and larch trees. These vast forests act as a giant carbon sink for the entire planet.
Key Highlights of Russia’s Forest Region
- Contains nearly 20 percent of the world’s total forests.
- Major forest zones: Siberia, Far East, and the European North.
- Boreal forests are home to wolves, brown bears, and lynx.
- Seasonal wildfires affect millions of hectares annually.
- Forests store more carbon than all tropical rainforests combined.
2. Brazil – Home to the Mighty Amazon Rainforest
Brazil ranks second with 491.6 million hectares of forest cover. The Amazon rainforest alone covers about 60 percent of the nation’s total area. This region produces massive amounts of oxygen and supports unmatched biodiversity. The forest also regulates global rainfall and temperature.
Interesting Facts About Brazil’s Forests
- The Amazon accounts for one in ten known species on Earth.
- Houses over 16,000 tree species and 40,000 plant species.
- Annual rainfall in Amazon areas ranges from 2,000–3,000 mm.
- Brazil has more than 300 protected forest reserves.
- Ongoing projects aim to restore 20 million hectares by 2030.
3. Canada – Land of Endless Boreal Forests
Canada is third on the list with 347 million hectares of forest area. Over 80 percent of its forests are boreal, forming one of the planet’s most continuous green belts. These forests help regulate North America’s climate and store billions of tons of carbon.
Highlights of Canadian Forests
- 38 percent of Canada’s total land is forested.
- Forest industry contributes billions to the national GDP.
- Popular tree species include spruce, fir, pine, and birch.
- Forests are mostly publicly owned and sustainably managed.
- Canada has more than 200,000 wildlife species living in these regions.
4. United States – Diverse Forests Across the Continent
The United States has about 310.6 million hectares of forests, making it the fourth largest in the world. Its forests stretch from Alaska’s boreal zones to Florida’s everglades and Hawaii’s tropical rainforests. This diversity makes the U.S. a global model for forest management.
Major Features of U.S. Forest Ecosystems
- 33 percent of U.S. land is forested.
- Leading species: Douglas fir, oak, and redwood.
- Wildfires are a key challenge in western states.
- Over 150 national forests cover huge portions of the country.
- Millions of hectares are replanted annually under sustainability programs.
5. China – The Global Champion of Reforestation
China holds around 211.4 million hectares of forest area and continues to expand its green cover every year. Through massive tree-planting drives and ecological restoration projects, China has become a leader in global reforestation efforts.
Key Facts About China’s Forestry Growth
- Forest coverage now exceeds 23 percent of national land.
- Home to more than 2,800 native tree species.
- The “Grain for Green” program converted croplands to forests.
- Desert control zones are turning barren lands into green belts.
- Aims to increase forest cover to 26 percent by 2035.
6. Democratic Republic of Congo – The Lungs of Africa
The DRC has around 152 million hectares of forest, representing the largest forest area in Africa. It forms the core of the Congo Basin, the second-largest tropical rainforest in the world after the Amazon. These forests play a vital role in absorbing carbon and support unique wildlife.
Features of Congo Basin Forests
- Holds over 60 percent of Africa’s tropical rainforest area.
- Provides habitat to gorillas, chimpanzees, and forest elephants.
- Supports over 75 million people for livelihood and food.
- Rainfall exceeds 2,200 mm in most areas.
- Deforestation rates are falling with community management programs.
7. Australia – The Continent of Eucalypt Forests
Australia’s forests cover about 125.3 million hectares of land. The continent’s forests range from tropical rainforests in Queensland to dry eucalyptus woodlands in the south. These forests are adapted to fire, making them ecologically unique.
Main Characteristics of Australian Forests
- Eucalyptus trees cover more than 75 percent of forest land.
- Habitat for koalas, kangaroos, and hundreds of bird species.
- Bushfires burn millions of hectares every few years.
- Indigenous fire practices help reduce fire damage.
- Around 17 percent of forests are legally protected.
8. Indonesia – Tropical Islands of Dense Greenery
Indonesia possesses 89.6 million hectares of forest area, making it one of Asia’s largest green zones. Its forests include lowland rainforests, mountain forests, and peatlands spread across thousands of islands. These ecosystems are critical for climate control and biodiversity.
Highlights of Indonesia’s Forest Regions
- Supports orangutans, Sumatran tigers, and hornbills.
- Peat forests store massive carbon reserves.
- Palm oil expansion remains a key challenge.
- Government has banned new forest clearance permits.
- Replanting and peat restoration projects cover millions of hectares.
9. Peru – Amazonian Heart of South America
Peru’s forests span 73.6 million hectares, largely within the Amazon Basin. Its rainforests protect rare wildlife, Indigenous cultures, and vital water resources. Peru is a leading country in community-based forest management.
Main Aspects of Peruvian Forests
- Around 60 percent of national land is forested.
- Contains over 2,000 recorded bird species.
- Key regions: Loreto, Madre de Dios, Ucayali.
- Indigenous communities manage large forest territories.
- Focus on sustainable logging and ecotourism growth.
10. India – The Fastest Growing Green Nation
India completes the list with 71 million hectares of forest area, covering about 22 percent of its land mass. From Himalayan pine forests to tropical evergreens and mangroves, India’s diversity is unmatched. It has shown consistent growth in forest cover due to massive plantation drives.
Key Facts About India’s Forests
- India aims to reach 33 percent green cover by 2035.
- Western Ghats and Northeast India are major biodiversity hotspots.
- World’s largest mangrove forest – Sundarbans – lies in India.
- Over 270 million people depend on forests for livelihood.
- Afforestation programs plant more than 2 billion trees annually.
Comparative Insights – Top 10 Countries with their Forest Type and Biodiversity
| Country | Forest Type | Major Species |
|---|---|---|
| Russia | Boreal taiga | Pine, Spruce, Larch |
| Brazil | Tropical rainforest | Mahogany, Rubber, Brazil Nut |
| Canada | Boreal forest | Fir, Spruce, Maple |
| United States | Mixed temperate | Oak, Redwood, Pine |
| China | Mixed temperate & subtropical | Bamboo, Cypress, Elm |
| DR Congo | Tropical rainforest | Teak, Ebony, Mahogany |
| Australia | Dry eucalyptus & tropical | Eucalyptus, Acacia |
| Indonesia | Tropical peat forest | Dipterocarp, Teak |
| Peru | Amazon rainforest | Mahogany, Cedar |
| India | Mixed tropical & temperate | Sal, Teak, Bamboo |
The Global Impact of Forest Area Distribution
The world’s largest forests are concentrated in just ten countries, holding over two-thirds of Earth’s green cover. These forests play a crucial role in maintaining rainfall patterns, absorbing carbon, and protecting soils, making them essential for global climate stability.
Key Impacts of Forest Distribution
- Major Holders of Global Forests: Top 10 countries together account for more than 66% of the planet’s forests.
- Climate Regulation: Forests control rainfall, reduce greenhouse gases, and stabilize global temperatures.
- Soil and Water Protection: Tree cover prevents soil erosion and safeguards freshwater resources.
- Biodiversity Hotspots: These forests provide habitats for millions of plant and animal species.
- Afforestation and Restoration Efforts: Nations invest in tree-planting programs to restore degraded lands.
- Carbon Offset Initiatives: Large-scale forest conservation projects help offset carbon emissions.
FAQs on the Top 10 Countries with Largest Forest Area
What country has the largest forest area in the world?
Russia holds the largest forest area globally, with 814.8 million hectares of forest cover.
Which country has the Amazon rainforest?
The Amazon rainforest lies mainly in Brazil, covering around 60% of the country’s total land area.
How much of Earth’s surface is forested?
Around 31% of the planet’s land is still covered in forests as of 2025.
Which country has the fastest-growing forest cover?
China and India are the world’s fastest-growing green nations due to massive afforestation drives.
What is the main type of forest in Canada?
Canada’s primary forest type is the boreal forest, covering over 80% of its forested lands.
Why is the Congo Basin important?
The Congo Basin acts as Africa’s green lungs, absorbing billions of tons of carbon annually.
Which forest is the most biodiverse on Earth?
The Amazon rainforest in Brazil is the most biodiverse forest, home to one in ten known species.