The leafy champions of Europe

Let’s start with the overachievers. Finland and Sweden are basically one giant forest with a few cities sprinkled in. Finland boasts around 74 percent forest coverage. Sweden is not far behind with 69 percent.

Estonia, Slovenia and Latvia also deserve a leafy round of applause. These countries have more than half of their land covered in forest. Latvia in particular is so foresty it could probably host a squirrel Olympics.

Even tiny Luxembourg punches above its weight with over 35 percent forest cover.

The bald spots of the continent

Now let’s talk about the less fortunate. The Netherlands, Denmark and Malta are not exactly tree havens. Malta barely scrapes together 1 percent forest coverage.

The UK, despite its romantic tales of Sherwood Forest, manages only around 13 percent. Robin Hood would be very disappointed. He’d probably have to rob from the rich and plant a few trees while he’s at it.

Ireland is slightly better with about 11 percent. But considering how green it looks from the plane, you’d expect more. Turns out most of that green is grass, not trees.

Europe vs the rest of the world

Europe holds about a quarter of the world’s forest area. That’s impressive until you realise Russia is doing most of the heavy lifting. Russia alone has over 800 million hectares of forest. That’s one fifth of the global total.

South America, thanks to Brazil and the Amazon, comes next with around 20 percent. Africa and North America follow.

Globally, forests cover about one third of habitable land. But half of that land is now used for farming. So trees are losing the battle to cows and cabbages.

Why it matters

Forests are not just pretty. They help fight climate change, provide homes for wildlife and keep us from turning into crispy bacon under the sun.

Countries with low forest coverage often struggle with farming, shade and wood supply. For example Malta might be lovely for a beach holiday, but don’t expect to build a log cabin there.