Nepal: Nearly Half the Nation Covered in Forests

Nepal boasts a remarkable 45.31 percent of its total land area covered by forests, positioning it as a regional leader in forest conservation within South Asia. This significant forest cover surpasses the global average, as reported by the Food and Agriculture Organization (FAO), which states that 31 percent of the world’s land area is forested.

In a comparative analysis with neighboring countries, Nepal’s forest coverage is notably higher. China, which shares a border with Nepal, has 22.96 percent of its land area under forest cover, while India has 21.71 percent. These figures highlight Nepal’s commitment to preserving its natural landscapes and biodiversity.

The Economic Survey 2081 BS further underscores Nepal’s prominent position in South Asia. Bhutan leads the region with an impressive 69.71 percent of its land covered by forests. Nepal follows as the second-highest, demonstrating its dedication to maintaining and enhancing its forested areas.

Other countries in the region show varying degrees of forest cover: Sri Lanka has 34.1 percent, Bangladesh 12.8 percent, Pakistan 4.8 percent, Maldives 2.7 percent, and Afghanistan has the lowest with only 1.9 percent of its land area forested.

Globally, about 54 percent of the total forest area is concentrated in just five countries: Brazil, Canada, China, Russia, and the United States. This global context further emphasizes the significance of Nepal’s forest cover in the South Asian region.

Nepal’s efforts in forest conservation are not only crucial for environmental sustainability but also for supporting biodiversity, mitigating climate change, and promoting the well-being of local communities dependent on forest resources.