France Forest Area
Forest area as % of land area AG.LND.FRST.ZS
France's forest area was 32.79% in 2025, ranked 102nd globally. This represents a 1.0% increase from 2024. Data from World Bank, covering 1990–2025.
Overview
France's forest area stood at 32.79% in 2025, a rise of +0.31% from 2023. Based on recent trends, this figure is projected to reach 32.79% by 2025. France ranked 102nd globally.
France’s forest area has risen steadily from 26.79 percent of land in 1990 to 32.79 percent in 2025, marking both the all‑time trough and the all‑time peak within a 35‑year span. This 6.00‑point increase reflects a gradual afforestation and reforestation effort that has outpaced many neighboring nations; for example, Italy records 33.26 percent and Germany 32.68 percent in the same year, placing France at 102nd globally. The upward trajectory aligns with European Union policies promoting sustainable land use and carbon sequestration, while domestic incentives have encouraged private landowners to convert marginal agricultural plots to woodland. Although the growth rate has moderated in recent years, the continued expansion of forest cover is likely to depend on the balance between agricultural demand, climate‑change‑induced disturbances and the effectiveness of future conservation programmes, suggesting that the upward trend could persist if supportive policies remain in place.
Data & projection
| Year | Forest Area | YoY change | Rank |
|---|---|---|---|
| 2026* trend | 32.94% | - | - |
| 2025* trend | 32.79% | - | - |
| 2025 | 32.79% | +0.31% | #102 |
| 2023 | 32.48% | +0.15% | #102 |
| 2022 | 32.32% | +0.15% | #104 |
| 2021 | 32.17% | +0.15% | #105 |
| 2020 | 32.01% | +0.15% | #105 |
| 2019 | 31.86% | +0.15% | #104 |
| 2018 | 31.70% | +0.15% | #104 |
| 2017 | 31.55% | +0.15% | #104 |
| 2016 | 31.39% | +0.15% | #105 |
| 2015 | 31.24% | +0.15% | #105 |
| 2014 | 31.08% | +0.15% | #105 |
| 2013 | 30.93% | +0.15% | #106 |
| 2012 | 30.77% | +0.15% | #107 |
| 2011 | 30.62% | +0.15% | #107 |
| 2010 | 30.46% | +0.21% | #107 |
Detected Pattern
Analysis
France matched the Export Boom Cycle pattern in 2019. Historically, 71% of countries showing this pattern (546 out of 768) saw forest area improve within 24 months. View full analysis →
Frequently Asked Questions
France's forest area was 32.79% in 2025. Ranked 102nd globally. This represents a 1.0% increase from the previous year.
France's forest area peaked at 32.79% in 2025.
The lowest forest area in France was 26.79% in 1990.
France ranks 102nd globally in forest area as of 2025.
The World Bank indicator code is AG.LND.FRST.ZS. Data sourced from World Bank.
France's forest area is projected to reach 32.79% by 2025 based on trend extrapolation.
The forest area of France in 2025 was 32.79%. This ranks 102nd in the world.
Cite this page
@misc{historysaid_france_forest-area,
title = {France Forest Area},
url = {https://historysaid.com/france/forest-area/},
publisher = {HistorySaid},
year = {2026}
}