Zambia Forest Area
Forest area as % of land area AG.LND.FRST.ZS
Zambia's forest area was 59.02% in 2025, ranked 29th globally. This represents a 0.9% decrease from 2024. Data from World Bank, covering 1990–2025.
Overview
Zambia's forest area stood at 59.02% in 2025, a decline of +0.51% from 2023. Based on recent trends, this figure is projected to reach 59.02% by 2025. Zambia ranked 29th globally.
Zambia’s forest area has contracted steadily over the 35‑year series, falling from the all‑time peak of 63.78 km² in 1990 to a trough of 59.02 km² in 2025, placing the country 29th globally with the latest figure of 59.02 km². The decline represents a loss of roughly 4.76 km², or 7.5 percent, and mirrors a broader regional pattern of forest shrinkage linked to agricultural expansion, timber extraction and infrastructure development. By comparison, the Virgin Islands (US) reported a marginally higher forest cover of 59.03 km² in the same year, while Brazil’s forest area stood at 58.69 km², underscoring that Zambia’s forest stock remains comparable to other mid‑ranked nations despite differing ecological contexts. Continued pressure from land‑use change suggests the downward trajectory may persist unless policy interventions strengthen forest protection, promote sustainable land management and incentivise reforestation, which could stabilize or reverse the loss in the coming decade.
Data & projection
| Year | Forest Area | YoY change | Rank |
|---|---|---|---|
| 2026* trend | 58.76% | - | - |
| 2025* trend | 59.02% | - | - |
| 2025 | 59.02% | −0.51% | #29 |
| 2023 | 59.52% | −0.25% | #28 |
| 2022 | 59.78% | −0.25% | #28 |
| 2021 | 60.03% | −0.25% | #27 |
| 2020 | 60.28% | −0.25% | #27 |
| 2019 | 60.54% | −0.25% | #27 |
| 2018 | 60.79% | −0.25% | #27 |
| 2017 | 61.04% | −0.25% | #27 |
| 2016 | 61.30% | −0.25% | #26 |
| 2015 | 61.55% | −0.25% | #26 |
| 2014 | 61.80% | −0.25% | #26 |
| 2013 | 62.06% | −0.25% | #25 |
| 2012 | 62.31% | −0.25% | #25 |
| 2011 | 62.56% | −0.25% | #25 |
| 2010 | 62.81% | −0.05% | #25 |
Detected Pattern
Analysis
Zambia 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
Zambia's forest area was 59.02% in 2025. Ranked 29th globally. This represents a 0.9% decrease from the previous year.
Zambia's forest area peaked at 63.78% in 1990.
The lowest forest area in Zambia was 59.02% in 2025.
Zambia ranks 29th globally in forest area as of 2025.
The World Bank indicator code is AG.LND.FRST.ZS. Data sourced from World Bank.
Zambia's forest area is projected to reach 59.02% by 2025 based on trend extrapolation.
The forest area of Zambia in 2025 was 59.02%. This ranks 29th in the world.
Cite this page
@misc{historysaid_zambia_forest-area,
title = {Zambia Forest Area},
url = {https://historysaid.com/zambia/forest-area/},
publisher = {HistorySaid},
year = {2026}
}