Forests are very important for our planet. They help clean the air, support wildlife, control the climate, and provide jobs to millions of people. Forests cover about one-third of the Earth’s land — that’s around 4.06 billion hectares. But more than half of this forest land is found in just a few countries.
Here’s a list of the top countries with the largest forest areas in the world, based on reports from the Food and Agriculture Organization (FAO):
🌲 1. Russia
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Forest area: 815 million hectares
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Type: Boreal (taiga) forests
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Russia has the most forest in the world—almost 20% of the planet’s total. These forests are vital for fighting climate change but face threats like fires and logging.
🌳 2. Brazil
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Forest area: 497 million hectares
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Type: Tropical (Amazon Rainforest)
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Brazil is home to the Amazon, the largest tropical forest on Earth, full of biodiversity and important for the climate.
🌲 3. Canada
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Forest area: 347 million hectares
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Type: Mostly boreal forests
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Canada’s forests are mostly untouched and are key to carbon storage. Forest laws here are strict and well-managed.
🌲 4. United States
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Forest area: 310 million hectares
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Type: Mixed (boreal, temperate, and tropical in Hawaii and Florida)
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The U.S. has many forest types, and management is shared between public and private lands.
🌳 5. China
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Forest area: 220 million hectares
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Type: Mix of natural and planted forests
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China has increased its forest cover with large tree-planting programs to stop desertification and reduce pollution.
🌳 6. Democratic Republic of the Congo (DRC)
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Forest area: 126 million hectares
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Type: Tropical (Congo Basin)
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DRC has the second-largest tropical forest after the Amazon. But illegal mining and farming are hurting its forests.
🌳 7. Australia
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Forest area: 125 million hectares
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Type: Eucalyptus, tropical, and dry forests
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Australia has unique forests with rare species. But fires, drought, and logging are major problems.
🌳 8. Indonesia
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Forest area: 92 million hectares
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Type: Tropical rainforests
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Rich in wildlife, Indonesia’s forests are being destroyed for palm oil and logging, though efforts are being made to protect them.
🌳 9. Peru
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Forest area: 72 million hectares
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Type: Amazon rainforest
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Peru’s forests are full of wildlife and are important to local communities. But illegal activities like mining are growing.
🌳 10. India
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Forest area: 72 million hectares
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Type: Tropical and mixed forests
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India has many forest zones, including the Western Ghats and Northeast. The country works on planting trees, but faces challenges from development and climate change.
These countries are the main caretakers of the world’s forests. Each type of forest—from icy taigas to hot rainforests—plays a major role in keeping Earth healthy.
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