Agricultural land

In brief

Agricultural land: across 207 countries and territories, values range from 0.5 % (Suriname) to 100 % (Tuvalu), with a world median of 36.8 %. Data: 2023–2024. The top 10% of countries exceed 70.3 %, while the bottom 10% stay below 7.1 %. By continent, the median is highest in Africa (49.4 %) and lowest in Oceania (16.2 %).

Median by continent

Why this indicator matters

This indicator shows what share of the territory is used to grow crops or raise animals: fields, orchards, meadows. It lets you compare the place of agriculture in land use and the pressure it puts on landscapes and forests.

What makes this indicator vary

The share of farmland depends on climate, soil quality, terrain and available water. It is low in deserts, mountains and dense forests, and higher in fertile plains. Population density and agricultural policies also play a role.

Reading precautions

The category groups very different uses, from intensive crops to extensive pasture. A high share does not mean high output, because yields vary greatly. The definition of meadows changes by country, which limits precision.