Benin Forest Area
Forest area as % of land area AG.LND.FRST.ZS
Benin's forest area was 25.59% in 2025, ranked 115th globally. This represents a 3.4% decrease from 2024. Data from World Bank, covering 1990–2025.
Overview
Benin's forest area stood at 25.59% in 2025, a decline of +0.89% from 2023. Based on recent trends, this figure is projected to reach 25.59% by 2025. Benin ranked 115th globally.
Benin's forest area has undergone a significant decline over the past three and a half decades. With a forest area of 25.59, the country now ranks #115 globally, a stark contrast to its peak of 42.88 in 1990. This represents a 39.59% decrease in forested land, a trend shared by several of its peers, including Botswana which also experienced a substantial decline. In comparison, Botswana's forest area stands at 25.87, a mere 0.28 percentage points higher than Benin's. The decline in Benin's forest area is a cause for concern, as it may have severe ecological and economic implications for the country. A continuation of deforestation at this rate may lead to further environmental degradation, impacting the livelihoods of those dependent on the forest ecosystem. Any significant policy interventions or changes in land use practices could potentially alter the trajectory of Benin's forest area, but for now, the trend remains concerning.
Data & projection
| Year | Forest Area | YoY change | Rank |
|---|---|---|---|
| 2026* trend | 25.14% | - | - |
| 2025* trend | 25.59% | - | - |
| 2025 | 25.59% | −0.89% | #115 |
| 2023 | 26.47% | −0.44% | #113 |
| 2022 | 26.92% | −0.44% | #114 |
| 2021 | 27.36% | −0.44% | #115 |
| 2020 | 27.80% | −0.44% | #115 |
| 2019 | 28.25% | −0.44% | #115 |
| 2018 | 28.69% | −0.44% | #113 |
| 2017 | 29.13% | −0.44% | #111 |
| 2016 | 29.58% | −0.44% | #111 |
| 2015 | 30.02% | −0.44% | #110 |
| 2014 | 30.46% | −0.44% | #108 |
| 2013 | 30.91% | −0.44% | #107 |
| 2012 | 31.35% | −0.44% | #104 |
| 2011 | 31.79% | −0.44% | #103 |
| 2010 | 32.24% | −0.44% | #103 |
Analysis
Benin's forest area was 25.59% in 2025, a decline of −0.89% from 2024. Based on trends, estimated 25.59% by 2025.
Frequently Asked Questions
Benin's forest area was 25.59% in 2025. Ranked 115th globally. This represents a 3.4% decrease from the previous year.
Benin's forest area peaked at 42.88% in 1990.
The lowest forest area in Benin was 25.59% in 2025.
Benin ranks 115th globally in forest area as of 2025.
The World Bank indicator code is AG.LND.FRST.ZS. Data sourced from World Bank.
Benin's forest area is projected to reach 25.59% by 2025 based on trend extrapolation.
The forest area of Benin in 2025 was 25.59%. This ranks 115th in the world.
Cite this page
@misc{historysaid_benin_forest-area,
title = {Benin Forest Area},
url = {https://historysaid.com/benin/forest-area/},
publisher = {HistorySaid},
year = {2026}
}