Tropical rainforests are located close to the equator, an area known as the tropic zone. Most are in the area between the Tropic of Cancer. and the Tropic of Capricorn.
Temperatures near the equator are higher. These higher temperatures cause accelerated evaporation of water, which results in frequent rain in forested areas in the tropics.
Tropical rainforests are found in South and Central America, Africa, Australia, and Asia. Tropical rainforests cover only about 6% of the Earth's surface.
The largest tropical rain forest are in the Amazon River Basin, the Congo River Basin, and throughout much of southeast Asia. There are many smaller ones located throughout the tropics including Central America, Madagascar, Australia and India.
Temperate rainforests are found in the area of the earth known as the temperate zones. Areas that include temperate rainforests are the pacific coast of the United States and Canada, New Zealand, Tasmania, Chile, Ireland, Scotland and Norway. There are fewer temperate forests.. Also they cover a lot less area.