Airports per 1,000 Sq Km 2017
Explore airport density per 1,000 sq km; indicates transportation accessibility and regional connectivity.
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Complete Data Rankings
Analysis: These countries represent the highest values in this dataset, showcasing significant scale and impact on global statistics.
- #215
Monaco - #214
Gibraltar - #213
Nauru - #212
Tuvalu - #211
China, Macao SAR - #210
Sint Maarten (Dutch part) - #209
Saint Martin (French part) - #208
Bermuda - #207
San Marino - #206
British Virgin Islands
Context: These countries or territories have the lowest values, often due to geographic size, administrative status, or specific characteristics.
Analysis & Context
Russia led the world in 2017 for Airports per 1,000 Sq Km, with a staggering 16,376,870, illustrating a vast difference in airport density globally, with the minimum recorded at 260 for Saint Kitts and Nevis. The global average for this metric was 649,534.85, providing a benchmark for assessing transportation accessibility and regional connectivity.
Geographic and Economic Drivers of Airport Density
The stark contrast in Airports per 1,000 Sq Km across countries can largely be attributed to geographic and economic factors. Countries with vast land areas such as Russia (16,376,870), China (9,388,210), and the United States (9,147,420) demonstrate higher airport densities. These nations have substantial economic capacity to support extensive aviation infrastructure, facilitating connectivity across their expansive territories.
Conversely, smaller island nations like Saint Kitts and Nevis and the Maldives exhibit the lowest figures at 260 and 300 respectively. The limited land area naturally restricts the number of airports, and their economies may not necessitate or support a high number of airports given the short travel distances.
Impact of Urbanization on Airport Infrastructure
Urbanization plays a significant role in the distribution of airports. Countries with large urban populations, such as India (2,973,190) and Brazil (8,358,140), show substantial airport density to accommodate the travel demands of their populous cities. Urban centers drive the need for increased connectivity, compelling governments to invest in airport infrastructure to support economic activities.
In contrast, less urbanized regions might not exhibit the same level of airport density. For instance, Algeria with a figure of 2,381,741 reflects a balance between its urban centers and vast rural areas, impacting the overall airport density.
Policy and Infrastructure Investment
Government policy and infrastructure investment can significantly influence airport density. Countries like Australia (7,692,020) have historically invested heavily in aviation to connect remote areas, driven by both policy and necessity. In contrast, smaller nations or those with constrained budgets may prioritize other forms of infrastructure over expanding aviation.
For example, South Korea's modest increase of 21 in airport density can be attributed to strategic infrastructure investments aimed at enhancing regional connectivity without overextending resources.
Year-over-Year Trends and Their Implications
Analyzing the year-over-year changes reveals strategic shifts in airport infrastructure investment. Kenya experienced the most significant increase, with a jump of 1,956, reflecting a proactive approach to improving regional connectivity. This increase aligns with broader economic growth and tourism strategies.
On the other hand, Iran saw the largest decrease, with a reduction of 6,260, possibly due to economic sanctions impacting its ability to maintain or expand aviation infrastructure. Similarly, Estonia faced a notable decline of 720, indicating potential shifts in transportation policy or budget reallocations.
These trends underscore the dynamic nature of airport infrastructure development, influenced by economic conditions, policy decisions, and geographic necessities. Understanding these factors provides a comprehensive view of how airport density shapes and is shaped by global transportation networks.
Frequently Asked Questions About Airports per 1,000 Sq Km in 2017
Which country had the highest airport density per 1,000 sq km in 2017?
Russia had the highest airport density per 1,000 sq km in 2017 with a value of 16,376,870.
Which country had the lowest airport density per 1,000 sq km in 2017?
Monaco had the lowest airport density per 1,000 sq km in 2017 with a value of 2.03.
What was the average airport density per 1,000 sq km across all countries in 2017?
The average airport density per 1,000 sq km across all 215 countries in 2017 was 604,225.
What was the median airport density per 1,000 sq km in 2017?
The median airport density per 1,000 sq km in 2017 was 94,280.
Which countries were in the top 3 for airport density per 1,000 sq km in 2017?
The top 3 countries for airport density per 1,000 sq km in 2017 were Russia, China, and the United States.
How many countries were included in the dataset for airport density per 1,000 sq km in 2017?
The dataset for airport density per 1,000 sq km in 2017 included 215 countries.
Insights by country
Cambodia
Cambodia ranked #89 globally with 176520 Airports per 1,000 Sq Km in 2017. This figure is significantly higher than many of its Southeast Asian neighbors, reflecting the country's developing infrastructure. The high density of airports can be attributed to Cambodia's growing tourism sector, which has driven investments in air travel facilities to cater to increasing international visitors.
Bangladesh
In 2017, Bangladesh ranked #95 globally with 130170 Airports per 1,000 Sq Km. This figure is significantly higher than many neighboring countries, reflecting a concentrated infrastructure development strategy. The high density of airports can be attributed to Bangladesh's geographical layout, which necessitates improved connectivity across its numerous islands and regions, as well as its growing economy that demands enhanced transport links.
Croatia
In 2017, Croatia ranked #124 globally with 55964 Airports per 1,000 Sq Km. This figure is notably low compared to many European neighbors, reflecting the country's smaller land area and population density. The relatively high number of airports can be attributed to Croatia's robust tourism sector, which drives demand for air travel, especially during the summer months.
Argentina
In 2017, Argentina ranked #8 globally with 2736690 Airports per 1,000 Sq Km. This figure is significantly higher than many of its regional neighbors, reflecting a robust aviation infrastructure. The extensive network of airports in Argentina is driven by its large land area and the need to connect remote regions to urban centers, facilitating trade and tourism in a country known for its diverse geography.
Mauritius
In 2017, Mauritius ranked #173 globally with 1997 airports per 1,000 Sq Km. This figure is notably low compared to island nations like the Maldives, which has a higher density of airports relative to its size. The limited number of airports in Mauritius can be attributed to its small land area and the focus on developing a few key international airports to support tourism and trade, which are vital to its economy.
Australia
In 2017, Australia ranked #6 globally with 7692020 Airports per 1,000 Sq Km. This figure is significantly higher than many countries, reflecting Australia's vast land area and relatively low population density, which necessitates a more extensive airport network for connectivity. The country's strategic focus on tourism and trade, coupled with its geographic isolation, drives the development and maintenance of numerous airports to support both domestic and international travel.
Congo
Congo ranked #65 globally in 2017 with 341500 Airports per 1,000 Sq Km. This figure is significantly higher than many countries, reflecting the country's extensive land area and the importance of air transport for connectivity in a region often challenged by inadequate road infrastructure. The high number of airports supports economic activities, particularly in remote areas, facilitating access to resources and markets.
Dominica
In 2017, Dominica ranked #181 globally with 750 Airports per 1,000 Sq Km. This figure is significantly higher than many countries, reflecting the island's unique geographic characteristics and the necessity for accessible air transport in a region prone to natural disasters. The high density of airports is driven by Dominica's reliance on tourism and the need for rapid evacuation routes during hurricanes, which are common in the Eastern Caribbean.
Afghanistan
In 2017, Afghanistan ranked #40 globally with 652230 Airports per 1,000 Sq Km. This figure is notable compared to global averages, as many countries with similar geographic challenges have fewer airports. The high number of airports can be attributed to Afghanistan's rugged terrain, which necessitates air travel for access to remote areas, and ongoing efforts to improve infrastructure amidst a complex security situation.
Chad
In 2017, Chad ranked #21 globally with 1259200 Airports per 1,000 Sq Km. This figure is significantly higher than many neighboring countries, indicating a relative abundance of airport infrastructure. The extensive land area of Chad, combined with its strategic location in Central Africa, necessitates a network of airports to facilitate transportation and access, particularly in a country where road infrastructure is often limited.
Data Source
Our World in Data
Our World in Data is a collaborative effort between researchers at the University of Oxford, who are the scientific editors of the website content; and the UK-based nonprofit organization Global Change Data Lab (GCDL), which publishes and maintains the website and the data tools that make our work possible.
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