Netherlands Forest Area
Forest area as % of land area AG.LND.FRST.ZS
Netherlands's forest area was 11.11% in 2025, ranked 158th globally. This represents a 0.5% increase from 2024. Data from World Bank, covering 1990–2025.
Overview
Netherlands's forest area stood at 11.11% in 2025, a rise of +0.06% from 2023. Based on recent trends, this figure is projected to reach 11.11% by 2025. Netherlands ranked 158th globally.
Netherlands’ forest area has risen steadily over the 35‑year span from 10.23 percent of land in 1990 to a record 11.11 percent in 2025, placing the country at rank 158 globally. The upward trajectory reflects modest afforestation and the conversion of marginal agricultural land to mixed woodlands, a pattern echoed in peer nations such as Rwanda, whose forest cover stands at 11.39 percent, and South Sudan, at 11.33 percent. The all‑time trough of 10.23 percent in 1990 marked the lowest point in the series, after which policy incentives for sustainable timber production and biodiversity corridors contributed to incremental gains each reporting period. While the Netherlands remains well below the global average forest share, the consistent increase suggests that continued investment in urban greening and climate‑resilient planting could sustain the rise, provided land‑use pressures do not intensify. Future trajectories will depend on the balance between development demands and the nation’s commitment to expanding forested landscapes.
Data & projection
| Year | Forest Area | YoY change | Rank |
|---|---|---|---|
| 2026* trend | 11.14% | - | - |
| 2025* trend | 11.11% | - | - |
| 2025 | 11.11% | +0.06% | #158 |
| 2023 | 11.06% | +0.03% | #158 |
| 2022 | 11.03% | +0.03% | #160 |
| 2021 | 11.00% | +0.03% | #160 |
| 2020 | 10.97% | +0.03% | #160 |
| 2019 | 10.95% | +0.03% | #160 |
| 2018 | 10.92% | +0.03% | #160 |
| 2017 | 10.89% | +0.03% | #161 |
| 2016 | 10.86% | +0.03% | #163 |
| 2015 | 10.84% | −0.04% | #163 |
| 2014 | 10.88% | −0.05% | #161 |
| 2013 | 10.93% | −0.04% | #157 |
| 2012 | 10.97% | −0.05% | #157 |
| 2011 | 11.02% | −0.05% | #156 |
| 2010 | 11.07% | +0.04% | #155 |
Detected Pattern
Analysis
Netherlands 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
Netherlands's forest area was 11.11% in 2025. Ranked 158th globally. This represents a 0.5% increase from the previous year.
Netherlands's forest area peaked at 11.11% in 2025.
The lowest forest area in Netherlands was 10.23% in 1990.
Netherlands ranks 158th globally in forest area as of 2025.
The World Bank indicator code is AG.LND.FRST.ZS. Data sourced from World Bank.
Netherlands's forest area is projected to reach 11.11% by 2025 based on trend extrapolation.
The forest area of Netherlands in 2025 was 11.11%. This ranks 158th in the world.
Cite this page
@misc{historysaid_netherlands_forest-area,
title = {Netherlands Forest Area},
url = {https://historysaid.com/netherlands/forest-area/},
publisher = {HistorySaid},
year = {2026}
}