Greenest nations: Countries with the largest forest cover
As a matter of fact, 29% of our planet Earth is covered with land, of which 31% is occupied by forests. Due to their geographical distribution, certain countries benefit from the extensive coverage of these dense woods that exist within their borders. Today, let us explore the top five destinations with the largest forest area.
Russia
Russia has the world's largest cover of forest, spanning a whopping 8,151,356 sq km, which is approximately one-fifth of the global forested area. Covering almost half of Russia's land, these dense wood reserves are home to several species of flora (pine, birch, fir, spruce, coniferous, etc.) and the wildest of fauna you can imagine. Mixed in among them are rivers, wetlands, lakes, and fens.
Brazil
Next on the list is Brazil, which amasses 4,984,580 sq km of forested land and has become the second-largest nation in the world with such a humongous green belt. Factually, about 62.4% of the country has been occupied by forests, serving as home to approximately 40,000 distinct species of flora, 400 kinds of mammals, and 1,300 varieties of birds.
Canada
Believe it or not, Canada's extensive forest land contributes to nine percent of the global forested area on the planet. With a staggering 3,473,020 sq km of forest land, which is about 30% of its territory, the country harbors a diverse set of plants and animals. Ontario makes up 20% of Canada's forests, which makes up roughly two percent of the global count.
The United States of America
Once scoring a billion acres of forest cover, today the US has 3,313,622 sq km of it, which makes it the fourth country with the largest forested area. The country features several ecosystems, each home to a medley of wildlife and natural vegetation. Maine (89.4%), New Hampshire (84.3%), and American Samoa (80.8%) are the top three destinations with the largest forest cover.
China
Featuring 211,405,700 sq km of forested land, China secures the fifth spot in the list of countries with the highest forested area. Xishuangbanna Biosphere Reserve is made up of five sub-reserves, comprising the largest and most comprehensive tropical forest in the country. Per facts and data, from 1978 to 2023, China's forest coverage rate has significantly increased by more than 10%.
