5 Most Forested Countries in Asia

2. Laos

Percentage of Area Forested: 71.8%

Laos is renowned for its extensive forested landscapes, with forests covering approximately 71.8% of its total land area. These forests encompass diverse ecosystems, including tropical rainforests, deciduous forests, and montane forests, providing habitats for a wealth of plant and animal species, such as the endangered Siamese crocodile and the Annamite striped rabbit. Laos’s forests also play critical roles in providing ecosystem services like carbon sequestration, soil conservation, and water regulation, supporting the livelihoods of rural communities and contributing to national development. Despite facing issues of deforestation, driven by factors such as agricultural expansion, logging, and infrastructure projects, Laos has made efforts to strengthen forest management, promote sustainable land-use practices, and expand protected areas to conserve its valuable forest resources.