Percentage of land area by degree of urbanization 2015
Explore the percentage of land area by degree of urbanization, highlighting how urban development shapes countries' landscapes and influences economic growth. Understanding this statistic reveals the balance between urban and rural spaces, essential for sustainable planning.
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Complete Data Rankings
↑Top 10 Countries
- #1
Holy See - #2
Monaco - #3
Gibraltar - #4
Bermuda - #5
Bangladesh - #6
Nauru - #7
Sint Maarten (Dutch part) - #8
Rwanda - #9
Saint Martin (French part) - #10
China, Macao SAR
Analysis: These countries represent the highest values in this dataset, showcasing significant scale and impact on global statistics.
↓Bottom 10 Countries
- #237
Wallis and Futuna Islands - #236
Tokelau - #235
Saint Pierre and Miquelon - #234
Anguilla - #233
Saint Helena - #232
Niue - #231
Montserrat - #230
Falkland Islands (Malvinas) - #229
Greenland - #228
Mongolia
Context: These countries or territories have the lowest values, often due to geographic size, administrative status, or specific characteristics.
Analysis & Context
The "Percentage of land area by degree of urbanization" in 2015 offers a compelling lens into the transformation of global landscapes. This statistic measures the extent of urban development across the globe, highlighting the delicate balance between urban and rural areas. Understanding this distribution is vital for sustainable planning and economic growth as nations navigate the challenges and opportunities of urban expansion.
Urban Expansion in a Global Context
In 2015, urbanization continued to redefine demographics, economies, and geographies worldwide. With 200 countries providing data, the variation in urban land across the globe was significant. The average urban land area was 10.72%, but this figure masks the stark contrasts between countries. While the Holy See and Monaco reported complete urbanization, other nations like South Sudan and Saudi Arabia registered minimal urban land, at just over 0.42% and 0.43%, respectively. These disparities reflect differences in economic development, population density, and governmental policies towards urban planning.
Economic Implications of Urbanization
Urban areas are often hubs of economic activity, innovation, and opportunity. The data from 2015 suggests that countries with higher urban land percentages, such as Bangladesh at 63.94%, often experience accelerated economic growth and development. Urban centers attract investments in infrastructure, technology, and services, creating jobs and fostering entrepreneurship. However, this rapid urbanization must be managed carefully to prevent issues such as overcrowding, pollution, and resource depletion, which can negate economic benefits.
Regional Patterns and Contrasts
Geographical factors significantly influence urban land distribution. For instance, densely populated regions like Gibraltar, with an urban land area of 80%, prioritize maximizing limited space for urban use. Conversely, vast countries with low population densities, such as Algeria (0.546%), often have extensive rural territories. Additionally, continents exhibit varied urbanization trends; Europe and parts of Asia frequently display higher urban land percentages due to historical urban developments, while many African and South American countries maintain larger rural expanses.
Sustainable Urban Development
As urbanization progresses, sustainable development becomes a critical goal for policymakers. The 2015 data underscores the need for strategic planning to harmonize urban growth with environmental conservation. Urban areas like Macao SAR, with 47.62% urban land, illustrate the challenges of maintaining ecological balance amidst dense urbanization. Countries are increasingly adopting green building technologies, improving public transportation, and promoting rural development to ensure that urbanization supports a high quality of life without degrading natural ecosystems.
Future Projections and Policy Changes
Looking beyond 2015, the trajectory of urban land expansion will significantly impact global economic and environmental landscapes. International efforts, including sustainable development goals and climate agreements, emphasize the need for smart urban planning. Countries with low urbanization levels in 2015, such as Paraguay (0.436%) and Zambia (0.439%), may face increased pressures to urbanize as populations grow and economies develop. Effective policies will be crucial in managing these transitions, emphasizing equitable development, resource efficiency, and resilience to climate change.
In conclusion, the "Percentage of land area by degree of urbanization" in 2015 reveals essential insights into how nations manage their landscapes amid growing demands for urban spaces. This metric not only informs current urban planning strategies but also guides future policies to ensure balanced and sustainable development across the globe.
Insights by country
Somalia
In 2015, Somalia ranked 216 out of 237 countries regarding the percentage of land area by degree of urbanization, with a mere 0.194% of its land classified as urban. This low percentage reflects the country's predominantly rural landscape, where the majority of the population resides in rural areas, engaged in agriculture and pastoralism.
The limited urbanization in Somalia can be attributed to several factors, including prolonged periods of conflict, political instability, and economic challenges, which have hindered infrastructure development and urban planning. Additionally, the lack of access to basic services such as healthcare, education, and employment in urban areas has contributed to the slow rate of urbanization.
Interestingly, the global trend towards urbanization has seen many countries experience significant growth in urban areas, contrasting sharply with Somalia's situation. As of 2015, global urbanization rates were rising, with more than half of the world’s population living in urban settings, highlighting the unique challenges faced by Somalia in this regard.
Cook Islands
In 2015, the Cook Islands ranked 99th out of 237 countries in terms of the percentage of land area by degree of urbanization, with a value of 3.596%. This low percentage reflects the predominantly rural nature of the islands, where urban development is limited by geographical and economic factors.
The Cook Islands consist of 15 islands, most of which are small and have limited infrastructure. The low degree of urbanization can be attributed to the country's small population and the emphasis on preserving the natural environment and traditional lifestyles. Additionally, economic activities are heavily reliant on tourism and agriculture, which often take place in less urbanized areas.
Interestingly, the Cook Islands is known for its stunning natural landscapes and cultural heritage, which attract visitors despite the limited urban areas. This focus on conservation and tourism has implications for urban planning and sustainable development as the country navigates the challenges of balancing growth with environmental preservation.
Cameroon
In 2015, Cameroon ranked 169th out of 237 countries regarding the percentage of land area by degree of urbanization, with only 0.991% of its land classified as urban. This relatively low percentage reflects the country's ongoing challenges in urban development and infrastructure, as well as a significant portion of the population residing in rural areas.
The limited urbanization can be attributed to several factors, including economic constraints, inadequate infrastructure, and a reliance on agriculture as the primary livelihood for many citizens. Additionally, rapid population growth and migration trends often lead to an increased demand for urban services that outpace the development of urban areas.
Interestingly, despite the low degree of urbanization, Cameroon is home to several vibrant cities, including Douala and Yaoundé, which are significant economic and cultural centers. However, the overall urbanization rate remains a critical area for development as the country strives to improve living conditions and economic opportunities for its residents.
Afghanistan
In 2015, Afghanistan ranked 145th out of 237 countries in terms of land area by degree of urbanization, with only 1.795% of its total land area classified as urban. This low percentage reflects the country's predominantly rural landscape, where a significant majority of the population resides in rural areas, relying on agriculture and traditional livelihoods.
Several factors contribute to Afghanistan's limited urbanization, including ongoing conflict, economic instability, and a lack of infrastructure development. The prolonged instability since the late 20th century has hindered urban growth, as many citizens have been displaced or have chosen to remain in rural regions for safety and stability.
Additionally, urbanization trends in Afghanistan are influenced by cultural factors, where communities often prioritize maintaining traditional ways of life. As a result, while urban areas such as Kabul have seen growth, the overall national percentage remains low compared to global standards.
Central African Republic
The Central African Republic ranks 224th out of 237 countries in terms of the percentage of land area by degree of urbanization. In 2015, the country recorded a mere 0.123% of its land area classified as urban, indicating an extremely low level of urban development compared to global standards.
This low percentage reflects several underlying factors, including a predominantly agrarian economy and ongoing political instability that has hindered urban development and infrastructure investment. The majority of the population resides in rural areas, relying on subsistence farming and traditional livelihoods, which significantly limits urbanization.
Additionally, the Central African Republic has faced significant challenges such as civil conflict, economic hardship, and lack of access to basic services, all of which contribute to the slow pace of urbanization. Interestingly, countries with similar urbanization challenges often experience parallel issues of poverty and limited access to education and healthcare.
State of Palestine
The State of Palestine ranks 29th out of 237 countries in terms of the percentage of land area by degree of urbanization as of 2015, with an urbanized land area comprising 20.939% of its total territory. This statistic reflects the extent to which urbanization has influenced land use in the region, highlighting the concentration of populations in urban areas.
Several factors contribute to this degree of urbanization, including the ongoing political and social challenges faced by the State of Palestine, which have led to significant migration towards urban centers in search of better economic opportunities and living conditions. Additionally, the limited availability of land due to territorial restrictions has pushed populations into denser urban environments.
As a further context, urbanization trends in the State of Palestine are shaped by historical factors such as conflicts, economic constraints, and infrastructural developments, which can impact the quality of life and accessibility to services. Furthermore, the global trend of urbanization is evident, as many countries experience similar shifts toward urban living, often driven by factors such as industrialization and modernization.
Bahrain
Bahrain ranks 18th out of 237 countries in terms of the percentage of land area by degree of urbanization, with 34.378% of its land classified as urban as of the year 2015. This high level of urbanization is reflective of the country's small geographic size and its rapid development following the discovery of oil in the 20th century.
The urbanization of Bahrain can be attributed to factors such as a growing population, economic diversification, and the concentration of infrastructure and services in urban areas. As a small island nation, Bahrain has focused on developing its capital, Manama, into a financial and commercial hub, which further accelerates urban growth.
Additionally, Bahrain's urbanization rate is indicative of broader trends in the Gulf region, where many countries are experiencing similar shifts toward urban living, driven by economic opportunities and lifestyle changes. The rapid urbanization poses challenges, including the need for sustainable city planning and management of resources to accommodate the increasing urban population.
Bolivia
In 2015, Bolivia ranked 211 out of 237 countries in terms of the percentage of land area by degree of urbanization, with a modest figure of 0.216%. This low percentage reflects the country's predominantly rural character, where vast expanses of land remain dedicated to agriculture and natural landscapes.
The limited degree of urbanization can be attributed to several factors, including a large indigenous population residing in rural areas, economic reliance on agriculture, and historical patterns of settlement that favor rural over urban development. Additionally, Bolivia's mountainous terrain poses challenges for infrastructure development, which often hinders urban expansion.
Interestingly, while urbanization rates are low, Bolivia has seen significant growth in urban centers like La Paz and Santa Cruz, which are experiencing increasing migration from rural areas as people seek better economic opportunities. This urbanization trend may lead to future changes in land use and population distribution within the country.
Honduras
In 2015, Honduras ranked 149th out of 237 countries in terms of the percentage of land area by degree of urbanization, with a mere 1.62% of its land classified as urban. This statistic highlights the predominantly rural nature of the country's geography, where much of the population lives in rural areas engaged in agriculture and other subsistence activities.
The low degree of urbanization in Honduras can be attributed to several factors, including historical reliance on agriculture, limited industrial development, and socio-economic challenges that hinder urban migration. Additionally, the lack of infrastructure and services in urban areas has made it difficult for rural inhabitants to transition to city life.
As a related fact, the urban population of Honduras has been gradually increasing, indicating a trend of urbanization that may lead to higher percentages in future years. However, as of 2015, the country faced significant challenges, including poverty and lack of access to education, which continue to impact the urbanization process.
Kosovo
Kosovo ranks 66th out of 237 countries in terms of the percentage of land area by degree of urbanization, with a figure of 7.566% for the year 2015. This statistic indicates that a relatively small portion of Kosovo's land is classified as urban, reflecting the country's demographic and developmental characteristics.
The low percentage of urbanized land in Kosovo can be attributed to several factors, including its historical context, economic development status, and population distribution. Following the Kosovo War in the late 1990s, the country has faced challenges in urban planning and infrastructure development, which have hindered the growth of urban areas.
Moreover, Kosovo's population is still predominantly rural, with many communities relying on agriculture and traditional livelihoods. This rural orientation affects land use and urbanization trends, contributing to the low percentage of urbanized land compared to more industrialized nations.
Data Source
United Nations Population Division
The Population Division of the Department of Economic and Social Affairs conducts demographic research, supports intergovernmental processes at the United Nations in the area of population and development, and assists countries in developing their capacity to produce and analyse population data and information. The Division brings population issues to the attention of the international community by highlighting the central role of demographic trends in all aspects of sustainable development. The Division publishes datasets on the world’s population and analyzes global demographic trends.
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