Percentage of land area by degree of urbanization 2019
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
Sint Maarten (Dutch part) - #7
Nauru - #8
Rwanda - #9
Jersey - #10
Malta
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
Western Sahara
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 2019 offers a comprehensive view of how urban development shapes countries' landscapes and impacts economic growth. This metric is crucial for understanding the balance between urban and rural spaces, providing insights essential for sustainable planning. In 2019, the data reveals significant variations across the globe, with countries exhibiting a wide range of urbanization levels, from highly urbanized microstates to vast nations with expansive rural territories.
Global Disparities in Urbanization
The range in urban land area percentages in 2019 highlights stark contrasts in how countries develop and manage their urban spaces. At the top of the spectrum, the Holy See and Monaco both report 100% urbanization, reflecting their status as microstates with limited land and high population densities. In contrast, Saudi Arabia and Argentina demonstrate the lowest urbanization levels, with only 0.445% and 0.448% of their land areas urbanized, respectively. These figures illustrate the significant global disparities in urban land distribution, influenced by geographic, economic, and policy-related factors.
Economic and Policy Influences on Urban Development
Economic growth and governmental policies play pivotal roles in shaping urban development. Countries with higher urban land percentages often experience concentrated economic activities, contributing to greater economic outputs per capita. For example, Gibraltar (84%) and Bermuda (69.252%) show high urbanization levels, correlating with their focus on services and tourism. Conversely, nations like Zambia (0.487%) and Paraguay (0.458%) remain predominantly rural, often due to a focus on agriculture and less urban-centric policies. These variances underscore how economic priorities and policy decisions impact urbanization rates.
Regional Trends and Variations
Examining regional trends reveals intriguing patterns in urbanization. In Asia, Bangladesh (66.054%) stands out as one of the most urbanized countries, driven by its rapidly growing cities and economic reforms. In contrast, vast territories in Africa and Latin America, such as Sudan (0.504%) and Chile (0.569%), maintain low urban land percentages, highlighting the challenges of urban expansion in large, diverse landscapes. These differences reflect not only geographical constraints but also regional development priorities and population distribution strategies.
Year-over-Year Changes in Urban Land Areas
The year 2019 saw notable changes in urban land areas across several countries. On average, the global urban land percentage increased by 0.09, a growth of 0.9%. Burundi and Barbados experienced the most significant increases, with Burundi seeing a rise of 2.12% and Barbados 1.95%, indicating intensified urban development efforts. Conversely, China, Macao SAR, and Saint Martin (French part) recorded decreases of 1.43% and 1.23% respectively, possibly due to administrative reclassifications or shifts in urban planning priorities. These dynamics reflect the ongoing evolution of global urban landscapes in response to demographic pressures and strategic planning.
The Role of Sustainable Urban Planning
As urban areas continue to expand, sustainable urban planning becomes increasingly important. High urbanization levels necessitate careful management to ensure livable environments and maintain ecological balance. Countries like Rwanda (54.414%) and Malta (47.524%) demonstrate proactive approaches in balancing urban growth with sustainability, emphasizing green spaces and efficient infrastructure. The global emphasis on sustainable development goals underscores the need for strategies that accommodate urban growth without compromising environmental and social welfare.
In conclusion, the 2019 data on the percentage of land area by degree of urbanization illustrates complex interplays between economic, geographic, and policy factors. Understanding these trends is vital for policymakers and urban planners as they navigate the challenges and opportunities of urban growth in the 21st century. With urban areas poised to play an ever-increasing role in global development, striking a balance between expansion and sustainability will be key to future success.
Insights by country
Comoros
In 2019, Comoros ranked 49th out of 237 countries in terms of the percentage of land area by degree of urbanization, with an urbanization level of 14.264%. This relatively low percentage indicates that a significant portion of the country's land remains rural and undeveloped.
The limited urbanization in Comoros can be attributed to various factors, including its geographical characteristics, economic structure, and historical development. The country is composed of several islands, which can hinder urban expansion and lead to a reliance on agricultural practices in rural areas.
Additionally, Comoros faces challenges such as economic underdevelopment, which restricts infrastructure investment and urban planning. As a result, urban areas may lack the necessary facilities and services to attract larger populations, further contributing to the low degree of urbanization.
Maldives
The Maldives ranks 108th out of 237 countries in terms of land area by degree of urbanization, with an urbanization percentage of 3.287% as of 2019. This statistic highlights the relatively low level of urban development in the archipelagic nation, which comprises over 1,000 islands, of which only a small fraction are inhabited and developed.
The limited urbanization can be attributed to various factors, including the geographical dispersion of the islands, which complicates infrastructure development and urban planning. Additionally, the Maldives has a strong reliance on tourism, which is primarily concentrated in a few resort areas, further limiting urban expansion across the entire country.
Interestingly, despite the low percentage of urbanized land, the Maldives has been experiencing gradual shifts towards urbanization, driven by economic growth and the migration of residents from outer islands to the capital, Malé. This ongoing trend poses challenges in terms of sustainability and resource management as urban areas become increasingly populated.
Algeria
In 2019, Algeria ranked 191st out of 237 countries regarding the percentage of land area by degree of urbanization, with a value of 0.584%. This low percentage indicates that only a small portion of the country's land is classified as urbanized, reflecting the vast expanses of rural and semi-arid areas that characterize much of Algeria's geography.
The limited urbanization is influenced by several factors, including Algeria's extensive desert regions, particularly the Sahara, which occupies more than 80% of the country. Additionally, historical patterns of settlement and economic reliance on agriculture and natural resources may contribute to slower urban growth compared to global averages.
Interestingly, urbanization rates in Algeria are a reflection of broader trends in North Africa, where many countries face similar challenges related to urban planning, infrastructure development, and migration. As urbanization increases globally, Algeria's relatively low percentage may prompt discussions on sustainable development and the need for urban planning initiatives to accommodate future population growth.
American Samoa
In 2019, American Samoa ranked 42nd out of 237 countries in terms of land area by degree of urbanization, with approximately 18.075% of its land classified as urban. This statistic reflects the limited extent of urban development in the territory, indicating that a significant portion of the land remains rural and undeveloped.
The relatively low percentage of urbanized land can be attributed to American Samoa's geographical characteristics, including its mountainous terrain and small land area, which restrict urban expansion. Additionally, the population density is relatively low, which results in a more dispersed settlement pattern across the islands.
Interestingly, American Samoa's urbanization rate contrasts with many other Pacific island nations, where urban areas may occupy a larger percentage of land. This statistic highlights the unique demographic and geographic challenges faced by the territory in terms of infrastructure development and urban planning.
British Virgin Islands
The British Virgin Islands ranked 68th out of 237 countries in terms of the percentage of land area by degree of urbanization, with a reported value of 6.957% in 2019. This statistic indicates that only a small fraction of the islands' land area is classified as urban, reflecting the predominantly rural and natural landscape of the territory.
This low degree of urbanization can be attributed to the British Virgin Islands' geographical features, including its mountainous terrain and numerous small islands, which limit the potential for large-scale urban development. Furthermore, the focus on tourism and preservation of natural habitats has influenced urban planning and land use policies, prioritizing environmental conservation over extensive urban expansion.
Additionally, the British Virgin Islands' economy relies heavily on tourism and financial services, which may contribute to a lesser emphasis on urbanization compared to other regions. As a point of interest, many Caribbean nations experience similar trends, with varying degrees of urbanization influenced by geography, economic activities, and population densities.
Myanmar
In 2019, Myanmar ranked 138th out of 237 countries regarding the percentage of land area by degree of urbanization, with a figure of 1.993%. This low percentage indicates that only a small fraction of the country's total land area is classified as urban, reflecting a primarily rural landscape.
The urbanization rate in Myanmar is influenced by various factors, including economic conditions, historical context, and governmental policies. A significant portion of the population resides in rural areas, relying on agriculture as their main source of livelihood. Additionally, prolonged periods of political instability and economic challenges have hindered urban development and infrastructure investment.
Interestingly, the urbanization trends in Myanmar contrast with many Southeast Asian nations that have experienced rapid urban growth. As of 2019, Myanmar's urban areas are still developing, highlighting potential opportunities for future urban expansion and economic growth.
Equatorial Guinea
Equatorial Guinea ranks 171st out of 237 countries in terms of land area by degree of urbanization as of 2019. The percentage of land area classified as urban is only 0.947%, indicating a predominantly rural landscape with limited urban development.
This low degree of urbanization reflects several factors, including the country's relatively small population and heavy reliance on oil exports, which has resulted in uneven economic development. Furthermore, urban infrastructure has not kept pace with population growth, leading to limited urban expansion.
In contrast, many neighboring countries in Central Africa are experiencing higher rates of urbanization, driven by economic opportunities and migration. The slow urbanization rate in Equatorial Guinea may also be influenced by governance issues and the concentration of economic activity in a few urban centers like Malabo and Bata.
Bhutan
In 2019, Bhutan was ranked 205 out of 237 countries in terms of the percentage of land area by degree of urbanization, with only 0.34% of its land classified as urban. This low figure reflects Bhutan's predominantly rural character, where the majority of the population resides in rural areas and is engaged in agriculture and traditional livelihoods.
Several factors contribute to this statistic, including the country's mountainous terrain, which limits the expansion of urban areas, and the government's focus on preserving its cultural heritage and environment. Additionally, Bhutan's unique development philosophy, known as Gross National Happiness, prioritizes sustainable living over rapid urbanization.
As a result, Bhutan has maintained a rich cultural and natural landscape, with urban centers like Thimphu and Phuentsholing remaining small relative to the country’s total land area. This approach contrasts sharply with global urbanization trends, where many countries experience significant migration to cities.
Benin
In 2019, Benin ranked 109th out of 237 countries regarding the percentage of land area classified by degree of urbanization, with an urbanized land area accounting for 3.281% of its total land area. This relatively low percentage reflects Benin's status as a predominantly rural country, where agriculture remains a significant part of the economy and lifestyle.
The limited degree of urbanization in Benin can be attributed to several factors, including economic reliance on agriculture, population distribution, and infrastructure challenges. Many citizens live in rural areas where traditional farming and subsistence activities are prevalent, leading to slower urban migration compared to countries with more industrialized economies.
Additionally, it is noteworthy that urbanization trends in Benin are gradually changing, influenced by factors such as population growth and the development of urban centers, which may lead to increased urban land area in the future. As of 2019, the urbanization rate was expected to rise, reflecting broader trends across West Africa where urban areas are becoming more significant economic hubs.
Antigua and Barbuda
In 2019, Antigua and Barbuda ranked 51 out of 237 countries in terms of the percentage of land area by degree of urbanization, with an urbanization rate of 13.658%. This statistic indicates that a relatively small portion of the country's land is classified as urban, highlighting the predominance of rural areas and natural landscapes.
The low level of urbanization in Antigua and Barbuda can be attributed to its geographical characteristics, where a significant part of the land is dedicated to agriculture and preservation of natural habitats. Additionally, the country is comprised of several small islands, which facilitates a dispersed population rather than concentrated urban centers.
Interestingly, the urbanization rate in Antigua and Barbuda reflects broader trends seen in many Caribbean nations, where economic activities are often centered around tourism and agriculture rather than industrialized urban centers. This unique demographic and geographic profile contributes to the country's cultural and ecological diversity.
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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