Where Are Most of the World's Rainforests Located?

The vast majority of rainforests lie in the tropical zone near the equator (10°N–10°S), where warmth and constant moisture fuel year-round growth.

Top Countries by Rainforest Area

1. Brazil (Amazon — ~60% of global tropical rainforest)
2. Indonesia (Sumatra, Borneo, Papua)
3. Democratic Republic of the Congo (Congo Basin — 2nd largest)
4. Peru (Western Amazon)
5. Colombia (Amazon, Chocó, Andean slopes)
6. Malaysia (Borneo, Peninsula)
7. Madagascar (unique endemic ecosystems)

Other Types

• Subtropical: SE US, SE China, SE Brazil, N Argentina.
• Temperate: Pacific NW (USA/Canada), Chile, Tasmania, New Zealand, Japan, UK/Ireland (Atlantic oakwoods).

Tropical rainforests cover ~6–7% of Earth's land but harbor >50% of terrestrial species and regulate global carbon/water cycles.