Top Countries for Land Reclamation and Poldering: The Netherlands Leads

Land reclamation (creating new land from sea) and poldering (draining enclosed areas) are concentrated in a few nations:

Most Reclaimed Land (area)

1. Netherlands – 16,500 km²
2. South Korea – 10,500 km²
3. Japan – 7,000 km²
4. United States – 5,700 km²
5. China – 4,500 km²
6. Germany – 4,100 km²
7. United Kingdom – 3,800 km²
8. Italy – 3,500 km²
9. Egypt – 3,200 km²
10. France – 2,800 km²

Highest % of Land Poldered

1. Netherlands – 40%
2. South Korea – 20%
3. Japan – 17%
4. United States – 15%
5. China – 10%

The Dutch mastery of water management, dating back centuries, makes them the undisputed leader in both categories.