Russia has the world's largest forest area at 832.6 Mha, accounting for a dominant 20.1% global share

  • Global forest cover is 4.1 Bha, according to the latest FAO assessment.
  • At 832.6 Mha, 20.1% of the global total, Russia has the world’s largest forest area.
  • Brazil (486.1 Mha; 11.7%) and Canada (368.8 Mha; 8.9%) rank second and third, respectively.
  • The United States (7.5%) and China (5.5%) complete the global top five.
  • Africa’s top contributor is the Democratic Republic of Congo, with 139.2 Mha, 3.4% of the global total.
  • Other African countries in the top 20 include Angola, Zambia, Tanzania, and the Central African Republic, each accounting for approximately 1% of the global forest area.
  • Together, the top ten countries account for over 78% of the world’s total forest area, highlighting the global concentration of forest resources.

The latest data from the UN FAO’s Global Forest Resources Assessment 2025 reveals that the world’s total forest area stands at 4.1 Bha, with a few countries accounting for most of this green wealth.

Russia leads globally with 832.6 Mha, representing a commanding 20.1% of global forests. It is followed by Brazil (11.7%) and Canada (8.9%), forming a trio that holds more than 40% of the planet’s total forest area.

Source:

Global Forest Resources Assessment 2025., UN FAO

Period:

2024
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