Airports per 1,000 Sq Km 2018
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
In 2018, Russia led the world in "Airports per 1,000 Sq Km" with a staggering 16,376,870, while the global range spanned from 260 to 16,376,870. The global average stood at 649,548.96, providing a benchmark for understanding transportation accessibility and regional connectivity across nations.
Geographical Expanses and Airport Density
The high airport density in countries like Russia and Canada, with values of 16,376,870 and 8,965,590 respectively, can be attributed to their vast geographical expanses. These countries require a large number of airports to ensure connectivity across their immense territories, where alternative transport infrastructure like roads and railways may be less feasible or efficient. Similarly, Australia exhibits a high airport density of 7,692,020, underscoring the need for air travel in connecting its distant urban centers and remote areas.
Economic Powerhouses and Infrastructure Investment
Economic factors also play a crucial role in airport density. China and the United States, with densities of 9,388,210 and 9,147,420 respectively, are examples where strong economic growth and substantial investment in infrastructure lead to a high number of airports. These countries’ focus on enhancing domestic and international connectivity to support economic activities reflects in their airport density figures. India, with a density of 2,973,190, similarly benefits from its economic expansion and policy-driven infrastructure development.
Small Island Nations and Limited Airport Infrastructure
Conversely, small island nations like Saint Kitts and Nevis and the Maldives, with densities of 260 and 300 respectively, are at the lower end of the spectrum. Their limited landmass naturally restricts the number of airports they can accommodate, and their economies may not necessitate or support a large number of airports. Other island nations such as Malta and Grenada show similar patterns with densities of 320 and 340, highlighting the constraints of geography and scale.
Year-Over-Year Changes in Airport Density
In terms of year-over-year changes, Kenya experienced the most significant increase with a rise of 1,956.10, indicating a strategic push to enhance air connectivity. Iceland and Belgium also saw notable increases of 580.00 and 160.00 respectively, possibly reflecting economic strategies to boost tourism and trade. On the other hand, countries like Myanmar and Sri Lanka experienced declines of 50.00 and 29.00, which could be attributed to shifts in policy focus or economic challenges limiting infrastructure development.
Overall, the "Airports per 1,000 Sq Km" metric in 2018 highlights significant disparities driven by geographical, economic, and policy factors. While countries with vast territories or strong economic capabilities tend to have higher airport densities, smaller or economically constrained nations often show lower figures, shaped by their unique geographical and developmental contexts.
Frequently Asked Questions About Airports per 1,000 Sq Km in 2018
Which country had the highest airport density per 1,000 sq km in 2018?
Russia had the highest airport density per 1,000 sq km in 2018, with a value of 16,376,870.
Which country had the lowest airport density per 1,000 sq km in 2018?
Monaco had the lowest airport density per 1,000 sq km in 2018, with a value of 2.03.
What was the average airport density per 1,000 sq km across all countries in 2018?
The average airport density per 1,000 sq km across all countries in 2018 was 604,238.
What was the median airport density per 1,000 sq km in 2018?
The median airport density per 1,000 sq km in 2018 was 94,280.
How many countries were included in the dataset for airport density per 1,000 sq km in 2018?
The dataset for airport density per 1,000 sq km in 2018 included 215 countries.
Which countries were in the top 3 for airport density per 1,000 sq km in 2018?
The top 3 countries for airport density per 1,000 sq km in 2018 were Russia, China, and the United States.
Insights by country
Malawi
In 2018, Malawi had a global rank of #108 with 94,280 Airports per 1,000 Sq Km. This figure is notably higher than many neighboring countries, reflecting Malawi's unique geographic landscape that supports numerous airstrips for accessibility. The high number of airports can be attributed to the country's efforts to improve transportation infrastructure and facilitate tourism, which is vital for its economy.
South Korea
In 2018, South Korea ranked #106 globally with 97520 Airports per 1,000 Sq Km. This figure is significantly higher than many countries, reflecting South Korea's advanced transportation infrastructure. The high density of airports can be attributed to the country's strategic geographic location in East Asia, facilitating trade and travel, as well as government policies that prioritize connectivity and economic growth.
Czech Republic
The Czech Republic ranked #115 globally in 2018 with 77,210 Airports per 1,000 Sq Km. This figure is relatively low compared to countries with extensive airport networks, such as the United States, which has a much higher density. The country's airport infrastructure is influenced by its central European location, facilitating regional travel, and a strong tourism sector that supports air travel demand.
Germany
In 2018, Germany ranked #64 globally with 349380 Airports per 1,000 Sq Km. This figure is notably lower than that of smaller European nations, which often have higher airport density relative to their land area. Germany's extensive transportation network, driven by its strong economy and central location in Europe, facilitates a high volume of air traffic, but its larger land area dilutes the airport density metric.
Croatia
In 2018, Croatia ranked #124 globally with 55964 Airports per 1,000 Sq Km, indicating a relatively low density of airports compared to more developed countries. This figure is significantly lower than the top-ranked nations, which often have extensive air transport networks to support larger populations and economies. Croatia's airport density is influenced by its geographic size and the concentration of tourism, which drives demand for air travel in key areas rather than widespread infrastructure.
Iceland
Iceland ranked #105 globally in 2018 with 100830 Airports per 1,000 Sq Km. This figure is significantly higher than many countries, reflecting the vast and sparsely populated landscape where air travel is essential for connectivity. The country's unique geography, characterized by remote areas and a small population, drives the need for numerous airports to facilitate transportation and tourism, which are vital to its economy.
Singapore
In 2018, Singapore ranked #183 globally with 714 airports per 1,000 Sq Km. This figure is significantly higher than many countries, reflecting Singapore's strategic emphasis on aviation as a key driver of its economy. The nation's compact size, coupled with its status as a major international transit hub, necessitates a dense network of airports to support both passenger and cargo traffic.
Guinea
In 2018, Guinea ranked #78 globally with 245720 Airports per 1,000 Sq Km. This figure is significantly higher than many countries in the region, reflecting Guinea's focus on improving its transportation infrastructure. The high density of airports can be attributed to its geographic diversity and the need to connect remote areas, facilitating access to markets and services.
Nicaragua
Nicaragua ranked #99 globally with 120340 Airports per 1,000 Sq Km in 2018. This figure is significantly higher than many of its Central American neighbors, indicating a relatively dense network of air transport facilities. The country's geographic diversity and growing tourism sector have driven investments in airport infrastructure, aiming to enhance connectivity and support economic development.
Guatemala
In 2018, Guatemala ranked #103 globally with 107160 Airports per 1,000 Sq Km. This figure reflects a relatively high density of airports compared to many countries, although it is lower than regional neighbors like Belize, which has fewer airports per area. The high number of airports in Guatemala can be attributed to its diverse geography, which includes mountainous regions and remote areas that necessitate accessible air transport for economic activities and tourism.
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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