South Africa Forest Area
Forest area as % of land area AG.LND.FRST.ZS
South Africa's forest area was 13.91% in 2025, ranked 146th globally. This represents a 0.4% decrease from 2024. Data from World Bank, covering 1990–2025.
Overview
South Africa's forest area stood at 13.91% in 2025, a decline of +0.06% from 2023. Based on recent trends, this figure is projected to reach 13.91% by 2025. South Africa ranked 146th globally.
South Africa's forest area has exhibited a decline over the past three and a half decades, with the latest data from the World Bank indicating a forest area of 13.91 square kilometers as of 2025. This represents a decrease from the all-time peak of 14.96 square kilometers in 1990, marking a reversal in the country's forest cover. Compared to its peers, South Africa's forest area ranks lower than Lebanon's 14.30 square kilometers and is surpassed by Azerbaijan's 14.39 square kilometers. The downward trend in South Africa's forest area is in contrast to the UK's relatively stable forest cover, which stood at 13.36 square kilometers in 2025. Morocco's forest area, at 12.98 square kilometers, is also smaller than South Africa's. The decline in South Africa's forest area may be attributed to various factors, including deforestation and land conversion for agricultural or urban purposes. A shift in land-use policies or increased investment in sustainable forestry practices could potentially alter the trend and lead to an improvement in South Africa's forest cover.
Data & projection
| Year | Forest Area | YoY change | Rank |
|---|---|---|---|
| 2026* trend | 13.88% | - | - |
| 2025* trend | 13.91% | - | - |
| 2025 | 13.91% | −0.06% | #146 |
| 2023 | 13.97% | −0.03% | #145 |
| 2022 | 14.00% | −0.03% | #145 |
| 2021 | 14.03% | −0.03% | #145 |
| 2020 | 14.06% | −0.03% | #144 |
| 2019 | 14.09% | −0.03% | #144 |
| 2018 | 14.12% | −0.03% | #144 |
| 2017 | 14.15% | −0.03% | #144 |
| 2016 | 14.18% | −0.03% | #144 |
| 2015 | 14.21% | −0.03% | #144 |
| 2014 | 14.24% | −0.03% | #144 |
| 2013 | 14.27% | −0.03% | #144 |
| 2012 | 14.30% | −0.03% | #144 |
| 2011 | 14.33% | −0.03% | #144 |
| 2010 | 14.36% | −0.03% | #143 |
Detected Pattern
Analysis
South Africa matched the Export Boom Cycle pattern in 1994. Historically, 71% of countries showing this pattern (546 out of 768) saw forest area improve within 24 months. View full analysis →
Frequently Asked Questions
South Africa's forest area was 13.91% in 2025. Ranked 146th globally. This represents a 0.4% decrease from the previous year.
South Africa's forest area peaked at 14.96% in 1990.
The lowest forest area in South Africa was 13.91% in 2025.
South Africa ranks 146th globally in forest area as of 2025.
The World Bank indicator code is AG.LND.FRST.ZS. Data sourced from World Bank.
South Africa's forest area is projected to reach 13.91% by 2025 based on trend extrapolation.
The forest area of South Africa in 2025 was 13.91%. This ranks 146th in the world.
Cite this page
@misc{historysaid_south-africa_forest-area,
title = {South Africa Forest Area},
url = {https://historysaid.com/south-africa/forest-area/},
publisher = {HistorySaid},
year = {2026}
}