Band 8+: Task 1 The table below gives information about the percentage of land covered by forest in various countries in 1990 and 2005 with estimated figures for 2015. Summarize the information by selecting and reporting the main features, and make comparisons where relevant. Country Percentage of Forest 1990 Percentage of Land Covered by Land Covered by Forest 2005 Percentage of Land Covered by Forest 2015 Australia 21.9 21.3 20.0 New Zealand 28.8 31.0 32.3 Brazil 62.2 57.2 53.5 Chile 20.4 21.5 22.0

The table compares the proportion of land covered by forests in four countries; Australia, New Zealand, Brazil, and Chile in 1990 and 2005.

Overall, Brazil consistently had the highest percentage of forested land, although its figure declined steadily over the period. In contrast, New Zealand and Chile experienced growth, while Australia saw a gradual decrease.

In 1990, Brazil’s forest coverage was the most significant at 62,2%, far exceeding that of the other three countries. However, this percentage fell to 57,2% by 2005 and was expected to drop further to 53,5% by 2015. Australia also showed a downward trend, with its forested area declining from 21,9% in 1990 to an estimated 20% in 2015.

By contrast, New Zealand’s forest coverage increased notably, rising from 28,8% in 1990 to 32,3% in 2015, making it the only country with over 30% forest coverage apart from Brazil. Similarly, Chile’s figures showed gradual growth, from 20,4% in 1990 to an estimated 22% in 2015.