India rises to 9th rank in global Forest Area Rankings

India has made a significant leap in global forest area rankings, climbing up to 9th place worldwide. The country has also maintained its position as one of the top three nations in terms of annual forest growth. According to the UN Food and Agriculture Organisation's (FAO) latest report, India's progress is a testament to its commitment to afforestation and community-led conservation efforts.

The world's total forest area stands at 4.14 billion hectares, covering 32% of the planet's land. More than half of this vast area is concentrated in just five countries: Russia, Brazil, Canada, the US, and China. India follows Australia, the Democratic Republic of the Congo, and Indonesia, solidifying its position among the world's top 10 forest-rich nations.

India's climb from 10th to 9th position globally in total forest area is a notable achievement. The country has also recorded an annual forest area gain of 1,91,000 hectares, ranking 3rd globally behind China and the Russian Federation. The FAO report highlights India's efforts in sustainable forest management and ecological conservation, driven by government initiatives and public participation.

Union Environment Minister Bhupender Yadav shared the news on his X account:

India is Top 9 in the Global Forest Assessment 2025 🌳🌲

Here is a reason to rejoice for all Indians. We have achieved 9th rank in terms of forest area at the global level as compared to 10th spot in the previous assessment. We have also maintained our 3rd position globally in… pic.twitter.com/nDC5uzPuNi

— Bhupender Yadav (@byadavbjp) October 22, 2025

The report underscores the significance of India's commitment to environmental conservation, showcasing the country's progress in increasing its forest cover. With continued efforts, India is poised to further enhance its forest area and reinforce its position as a leader in sustainable development.