The 10 Biggest Forests on Earth

Forests are essential to life on Earth. They absorb carbon dioxide, produce oxygen, support biodiversity, and regulate the planet’s climate. Covering approximately 31% of the Earth’s land area, forests are home to over 80% of terrestrial species of animals, plants, and fungi. Among the world’s forests, some stand out for their sheer size, biodiversity, and ecological importance. Below is a comprehensive look at the ten largest forests on Earth.

1. Amazon Rainforest

Spanning over 5.5 million square kilometers, the Amazon Rainforest is the largest tropical forest in the world. It covers parts of nine countries in South America, with the majority located in Brazil. This forest is home to an estimated 10% of all known species, including jaguars, sloths, and macaws. The Amazon plays a critical role in regulating the Earth’s climate by absorbing vast amounts of carbon dioxide.

2. Congo Rainforest

The Congo Rainforest, the world’s second-largest tropical forest, covers approximately 3 million square kilometers across central Africa. Located mainly in the Democratic Republic of Congo, this forest is rich in biodiversity, hosting species like forest elephants, gorillas, and okapis. The Congo Rainforest is vital for the local communities and the planet, acting as a significant carbon sink and influencing global weather patterns.

3. Taiga (Boreal Forest)

The Taiga, also known as the Boreal Forest, is the largest forest biome in the world, stretching across Canada, Russia, Scandinavia, and parts of Alaska. Covering approximately 17 million square kilometers, the Taiga is dominated by coniferous trees such as spruce, fir, and pine. Despite its harsh climate, the Taiga is home to diverse wildlife, including wolves, moose, and bears. This biome plays a key role in carbon storage and maintaining the Earth’s climate.

4. Valdivian Temperate Rainforest

Located in southern Chile and Argentina, the Valdivian Temperate Rainforest covers approximately 248,100 square kilometers. Known for its dense vegetation, this forest is home to unique plant species like the Alerce tree and wildlife such as the pudú, the world’s smallest deer. The Valdivian rainforest acts as a carbon sink and helps regulate regional climate patterns.

5. New Guinea Rainforest

Spanning about 785,000 square kilometers, the New Guinea Rainforest is the largest tropical forest in the Asia-Pacific region. Located on the island of New Guinea, shared by Papua New Guinea and Indonesia, this forest hosts extraordinary biodiversity, including tree kangaroos, cassowaries, and numerous endemic plant species. The indigenous communities of New Guinea rely on the forest for their livelihoods, while its dense vegetation helps mitigate climate change.

6. Australian Eucalypt Forests

Covering approximately 920,000 square kilometers, Australia’s eucalypt forests are the largest native forests on the continent. Dominated by eucalyptus trees, these forests support a wide range of wildlife, including koalas, kangaroos, and cockatoos. Eucalypt forests are crucial for maintaining biodiversity, regulating the local climate, and supporting Indigenous communities.

7. Daintree Rainforest

Located in Queensland, Australia, the Daintree Rainforest is the oldest continuously surviving tropical rainforest, dating back over 180 million years. Spanning approximately 1,200 square kilometers, it is home to rare species such as the cassowary, Bennett’s tree kangaroo, and ancient plant species like the idiot fruit tree. The Daintree is not only a biodiversity hotspot but also plays a vital role in capturing carbon dioxide and maintaining regional climate stability.

8. Sundarbans Mangrove Forest

The Sundarbans Mangrove Forest, covering about 10,000 square kilometers, is located in the delta region of Bangladesh and India. It is the largest mangrove forest in the world and a UNESCO World Heritage Site. Known for its rich biodiversity, the Sundarbans is home to the iconic Bengal tiger, saltwater crocodiles, and various bird species. The forest serves as a natural barrier against coastal erosion and extreme weather events.

9. Tongass National Forest

Situated in southeastern Alaska, the Tongass National Forest is the largest national forest in the United States, covering about 68,000 square kilometers. This temperate rainforest is known for its towering Sitka spruce, western hemlock, and cedar trees. The Tongass is home to diverse wildlife, including brown bears, bald eagles, and salmon. It plays a critical role in carbon sequestration and supporting local economies through sustainable forestry and tourism.

10. Bosawas Biosphere Reserve

Located in northeastern Nicaragua, the Bosawas Biosphere Reserve covers approximately 20,000 square kilometers, making it one of the largest tropical forests in Central America. The reserve is home to a rich array of flora and fauna, including jaguars, tapirs, and rare bird species. Indigenous communities such as the Mayangna and Miskito people rely on the forest for their cultural and economic well-being. Bosawas serves as a vital carbon sink and helps regulate the region’s climate.