Ecuador Forest Area
Forest area as % of land area AG.LND.FRST.ZS
Ecuador's forest area was 49.03% in 2025, ranked 53rd globally. This represents a 1.0% decrease from 2024. Data from World Bank, covering 1990–2025.
Overview
Ecuador's forest area stood at 49.03% in 2025, a decline of +0.52% from 2023. Based on recent trends, this figure is projected to reach 49.03% by 2025. Ecuador ranked 53rd globally.
Ecuador’s forest area has contracted steadily over the 35‑year series, falling from 52.85 thousand square kilometres in 1990 to a trough of 49.03 thousand square kilometres in 2025, the lowest point recorded and ranking it 53rd globally. The all‑time peak of 56.01 thousand square kilometres was reached in 1998, after which a persistent decline has accelerated, reflecting pressures from agricultural expansion, mining, and infrastructure development. By 2025 Ecuador’s forest cover (49.03) is comparable to Tanzania’s 49.00 and slightly below the Democratic People’s Republic of Korea’s 49.20, illustrating that the country now shares a similar level of forested land with nations that face comparable deforestation drivers. The downward trajectory suggests that without reinforced conservation policies, reforestation programmes, and stricter enforcement of land‑use regulations, Ecuador’s forest area is likely to continue shrinking, limiting any reversal of the current trend.
Data & projection
| Year | Forest Area | YoY change | Rank |
|---|---|---|---|
| 2026* trend | 48.77% | - | - |
| 2025* trend | 49.03% | - | - |
| 2025 | 49.03% | −0.52% | #53 |
| 2023 | 49.55% | −0.26% | #54 |
| 2022 | 49.80% | −0.26% | #52 |
| 2021 | 50.06% | −0.26% | #52 |
| 2020 | 50.32% | −0.26% | #52 |
| 2019 | 50.58% | −0.26% | #52 |
| 2018 | 50.84% | −0.26% | #52 |
| 2017 | 51.10% | −0.26% | #51 |
| 2016 | 51.36% | −0.26% | #51 |
| 2015 | 51.62% | −0.17% | #50 |
| 2014 | 51.78% | −0.17% | #51 |
| 2013 | 51.95% | −0.17% | #51 |
| 2012 | 52.12% | −0.17% | #50 |
| 2011 | 52.29% | −0.17% | #49 |
| 2010 | 52.46% | −0.28% | #49 |
Detected Pattern
Analysis
Ecuador matched the Export Boom Cycle pattern in 2021. Historically, 71% of countries showing this pattern (546 out of 768) saw forest area improve within 24 months. View full analysis →
Frequently Asked Questions
Ecuador's forest area was 49.03% in 2025. Ranked 53rd globally. This represents a 1.0% decrease from the previous year.
Ecuador's forest area peaked at 56.01% in 1998.
The lowest forest area in Ecuador was 49.03% in 2025.
Ecuador ranks 53rd globally in forest area as of 2025.
The World Bank indicator code is AG.LND.FRST.ZS. Data sourced from World Bank.
Ecuador's forest area is projected to reach 49.03% by 2025 based on trend extrapolation.
The forest area of Ecuador in 2025 was 49.03%. This ranks 53rd in the world.
Cite this page
@misc{historysaid_ecuador_forest-area,
title = {Ecuador Forest Area},
url = {https://historysaid.com/ecuador/forest-area/},
publisher = {HistorySaid},
year = {2026}
}