Switzerland Forest Area
Forest area as % of land area AG.LND.FRST.ZS
Switzerland's forest area was 32.56% in 2025, ranked 104th globally. This represents a 0.5% increase from 2024. Data from World Bank, covering 1990–2025.
Overview
Switzerland's forest area stood at 32.56% in 2025, a rise of +0.17% from 2023. Based on recent trends, this figure is projected to reach 32.56% by 2025. Switzerland ranked 104th globally.
Switzerland’s forest area has risen steadily over the 35‑year series, expanding from 29.18 % of land in 1990 to a record 32.56 % in 2025, the highest level observed in the dataset and the country’s all‑time peak. This modest but persistent gain places Switzerland at rank 104 globally, marginally below peers such as Germany (32.68 %) and France (32.79 %) while exceeding the forest cover of Guatemala (32.38 %). The upward trajectory reflects a combination of reforestation policies, natural regeneration in alpine valleys and the conversion of marginal agricultural land back to woodland, all supported by robust environmental regulations. Although the increase averages roughly 0.09 percentage points per year, the limited scope for further expansion in a highly mountainous terrain suggests that future growth will likely decelerate unless new afforestation initiatives target previously unproductive areas or climate‑induced shifts in vegetation zones expand suitable forest habitats.
Data & projection
| Year | Forest Area | YoY change | Rank |
|---|---|---|---|
| 2026* trend | 32.64% | - | - |
| 2025* trend | 32.56% | - | - |
| 2025 | 32.56% | +0.17% | #104 |
| 2023 | 32.38% | +0.09% | #104 |
| 2022 | 32.30% | +0.09% | #105 |
| 2021 | 32.21% | +0.09% | #104 |
| 2020 | 32.12% | +0.09% | #104 |
| 2019 | 32.03% | +0.09% | #103 |
| 2018 | 31.95% | +0.09% | #103 |
| 2017 | 31.86% | +0.09% | #102 |
| 2016 | 31.77% | +0.09% | #102 |
| 2015 | 31.69% | +0.09% | #103 |
| 2014 | 31.60% | +0.09% | #103 |
| 2013 | 31.51% | +0.09% | #103 |
| 2012 | 31.42% | +0.09% | #103 |
| 2011 | 31.34% | +0.09% | #104 |
| 2010 | 31.25% | +0.10% | #104 |
Detected Pattern
Analysis
Switzerland matched the Export Boom Cycle pattern in 2016. Historically, 71% of countries showing this pattern (546 out of 768) saw forest area improve within 24 months. View full analysis →
Frequently Asked Questions
Switzerland's forest area was 32.56% in 2025. Ranked 104th globally. This represents a 0.5% increase from the previous year.
Switzerland's forest area peaked at 32.56% in 2025.
The lowest forest area in Switzerland was 29.18% in 1990.
Switzerland ranks 104th globally in forest area as of 2025.
The World Bank indicator code is AG.LND.FRST.ZS. Data sourced from World Bank.
Switzerland's forest area is projected to reach 32.56% by 2025 based on trend extrapolation.
The forest area of Switzerland in 2025 was 32.56%. This ranks 104th in the world.
Cite this page
@misc{historysaid_switzerland_forest-area,
title = {Switzerland Forest Area},
url = {https://historysaid.com/switzerland/forest-area/},
publisher = {HistorySaid},
year = {2026}
}