Zimbabwe Forest Area
Forest area as % of land area AG.LND.FRST.ZS
Zimbabwe's forest area was 44.50% in 2025, ranked 62nd globally. This represents a 0.5% decrease from 2024. Data from World Bank, covering 1990–2025.
Overview
Zimbabwe's forest area stood at 44.50% in 2025, a decline of +0.24% from 2023. Based on recent trends, this figure is projected to reach 44.50% by 2025. Zimbabwe ranked 62nd globally.
Zimbabwe’s forest area has contracted from 48.67 percent of total land in 1990, the all‑time peak, to 44.50 percent in 2025, the lowest level recorded over the 35‑year series and placing the country 62nd globally. This 4.17‑point decline reflects sustained pressures from agricultural expansion, charcoal production and timber extraction, which have outpaced reforestation efforts. The downward trajectory mirrors that of Mozambique, whose forest cover stands at 45.22 percent, and contrasts with the modestly higher level of the Dominican Republic at 45.32 percent, underscoring regional vulnerability to land‑use change. The persistent loss suggests that without intensified forest‑management policies, such as community‑based conservation and incentives for sustainable woodfuel, Zimbabwe’s forest share is likely to continue shrinking, potentially breaching the 40‑percent threshold in the coming decade.
Data & projection
| Year | Forest Area | YoY change | Rank |
|---|---|---|---|
| 2026* trend | 44.38% | - | - |
| 2025* trend | 44.50% | - | - |
| 2025 | 44.50% | −0.24% | #62 |
| 2023 | 44.74% | −0.12% | #62 |
| 2022 | 44.86% | −0.12% | #61 |
| 2021 | 44.97% | −0.12% | #61 |
| 2020 | 45.09% | −0.12% | #62 |
| 2019 | 45.21% | −0.12% | #62 |
| 2018 | 45.33% | −0.12% | #62 |
| 2017 | 45.45% | −0.12% | #62 |
| 2016 | 45.57% | −0.12% | #62 |
| 2015 | 45.69% | −0.12% | #62 |
| 2014 | 45.81% | −0.12% | #62 |
| 2013 | 45.93% | −0.12% | #61 |
| 2012 | 46.05% | −0.12% | #61 |
| 2011 | 46.17% | −0.12% | #61 |
| 2010 | 46.28% | −0.12% | #61 |
Detected Pattern
Analysis
Zimbabwe matched the Stagflation Risk pattern in 2024. Historically, 38% of countries showing this pattern (117 out of 307) saw forest area improve within 24 months. View full analysis →
Frequently Asked Questions
Zimbabwe's forest area was 44.50% in 2025. Ranked 62nd globally. This represents a 0.5% decrease from the previous year.
Zimbabwe's forest area peaked at 48.67% in 1990.
The lowest forest area in Zimbabwe was 44.50% in 2025.
Zimbabwe ranks 62nd globally in forest area as of 2025.
The World Bank indicator code is AG.LND.FRST.ZS. Data sourced from World Bank.
Zimbabwe's forest area is projected to reach 44.50% by 2025 based on trend extrapolation.
The forest area of Zimbabwe in 2025 was 44.50%. This ranks 62nd in the world.
Cite this page
@misc{historysaid_zimbabwe_forest-area,
title = {Zimbabwe Forest Area},
url = {https://historysaid.com/zimbabwe/forest-area/},
publisher = {HistorySaid},
year = {2026}
}