The dataset contains four csv files that were used to produce the results and other figures in the paper. NFI availability and characteristics data: data on the total number of NFIs, the NFI extent, and the year of the most recent NFI in countries with NFI as reported in FRA 2020 country reports. National biomass intercomparison data: national forest AGB data for the year 2018 from FRA 2020 and CCI Biomass product that were used in the national biomass intercomparison analysis. NFI plot design characteristics: data on variables that were used in the analysis of NFI plot designs in 46 tropical countries. NFI years: data on NFI years of the latest NFI in 46 tropical countries.