Percentage of land area by degree of urbanization 2023
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
Burundi - #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
Cook Islands - #228
Greenland
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 2023 offers a compelling lens through which we can observe the intricate balance between urban and rural landscapes globally. This metric reveals how urban development is reshaping national territories, influencing economic growth, and impacting sustainable planning. As the world faces increased urbanization pressures, understanding these dynamics becomes crucial for policymakers and planners alike.
Urbanization Trends of 2023
In 2023, the global landscape of urbanization exhibits stark disparities across different nations. Monaco and the Holy See lead the list with 100% of their land urbanized, reflecting their unique statuses as city-states with virtually no rural hinterland. These figures starkly contrast with countries like the Solomon Islands and Saudi Arabia, where the percentage of land urbanized is less than 0.5%. This divergence highlights the varying stages of urban development and differing geographic and socio-economic conditions worldwide.
Economic Growth and Urbanization
The correlation between economic growth and urbanization is evident, albeit complex. Countries with high urbanization percentages tend to experience heightened economic activity due to concentrated infrastructure, workforce, and resources. Bangladesh, with its urbanized land at 67.052%, exemplifies this pattern as it continues to experience rapid economic growth driven by urban-centered industries such as textiles. Conversely, nations with minimal urbanization often face challenges in transitioning from agriculture-based economies, illustrating the need for tailored policies that support both urban and rural development.
Regional Urbanization Patterns
Analyzing regional urbanization patterns reveals significant continental differences. European nations like Gibraltar and Malta showcase high urbanization levels, benefiting from historical urban planning and advanced infrastructure. In contrast, many African and Pacific nations, such as Rwanda and Vanuatu, maintain a predominantly rural character, with urbanization percentages below 60% and 1%, respectively. These patterns are influenced by historical development trajectories, current economic policies, and population distribution, underscoring the diverse approaches to urban planning required across continents.
Sustainability and Urban-Rural Balance
Achieving a balance between urban and rural areas is vital for sustainable development, ensuring that urban growth does not come at the expense of rural livelihoods and ecosystems. The data from 2023 reflects an average urban land area of just 11.45%, suggesting that while urbanization is a significant trend, rural areas still dominate globally. Countries like Burundi, which has seen a notable increase in urbanization (+1.33%), are indicative of regions where urban expansion is being managed alongside efforts to preserve agricultural land and biodiversity. This balance is crucial for maintaining food security and ecological health.
Recent Changes and Future Outlook
The year-over-year changes in urbanization percentages offer insights into ongoing trends and future projections. Gibraltar's 2.00% increase, coupled with China's Macao SAR increasing by 1.67%, suggests an acceleration in urban expansion in specific locales, driven by economic incentives and population pressures. Conversely, declines in areas such as Saint Martin (French part) indicate the potential for retraction or stabilization of urban spaces, possibly due to environmental constraints or policy shifts. Looking forward, the global community must consider these dynamics to develop resilient urban strategies that address both current challenges and future needs.
As we navigate 2023, the percentage of land area by degree of urbanization serves as a crucial barometer of our progress towards sustainable urban development. Understanding the nuances behind these statistics allows for more informed decision-making, ultimately contributing to a more balanced and equitable global landscape.
Insights by country
Faroe Islands
The Faroe Islands rank 201 out of 237 countries regarding the percentage of land area by degree of urbanization, with an urbanization percentage of just 0.467% in 2023. This statistic reflects the predominantly rural nature of the islands, where the majority of the population resides in small towns and villages rather than urban centers.
Factors contributing to this low level of urbanization include the islands' geographical isolation, rugged terrain, and a small population, which is approximately 53,000. Additionally, traditional industries such as fishing and sheep farming dominate the economy, reinforcing a rural lifestyle and limiting the development of large urban areas.
Interestingly, this low urbanization rate is characteristic of many island nations, where geographic and demographic factors often lead to a higher concentration of population in small, dispersed settlements rather than significant urban centers.
Malawi
Malawi ranks 42nd out of 237 countries in terms of land area by degree of urbanization, with an urbanized land area percentage of 17.677% as of 2023. This relatively low percentage indicates that a significant portion of Malawi's land remains rural, with urban centers primarily concentrated in cities such as Lilongwe and Blantyre.
The degree of urbanization in Malawi is influenced by factors such as economic opportunities, rural-urban migration, and the country’s developmental policies. Many Malawians continue to depend on agriculture, which dominates the rural landscape, leading to slower urban expansion compared to more industrialized nations.
Interestingly, Malawi's urbanization rate reflects broader trends in Sub-Saharan Africa, where rapid population growth often outpaces urban infrastructure development. As of 2023, only about 16% of the population lives in urban areas, highlighting ongoing challenges in urban planning and resource allocation.
Saint Vincent and the Grenadines
Saint Vincent and the Grenadines ranks 52nd out of 237 countries in terms of urbanization, with 13.192% of its land area classified as urban in 2023. This relatively low percentage reflects the country's geographic and demographic characteristics, where the majority of the population resides in rural areas and small towns, rather than in densely populated urban centers.
Several factors contribute to this degree of urbanization, including the country's small land area of approximately 389 square kilometers and its reliance on agriculture and tourism, which are predominantly rural activities. Additionally, the topography of Saint Vincent, characterized by mountainous terrain, has historically limited the expansion of urban development.
In comparison to other Caribbean nations, Saint Vincent and the Grenadines shows a trend consistent with regional urbanization patterns, where many countries still maintain a significant rural population. This situation may also influence future urban planning and economic development strategies as the government navigates the balance between preserving rural landscapes and fostering urban growth.
Niue
In 2023, Niue ranks 232 out of 237 countries in terms of the percentage of land area by degree of urbanization, with a notable value of 0%. This statistic indicates that the entire land area of Niue is classified as rural, reflecting its small size and population.
Niue is a small island country in the South Pacific Ocean, with a total land area of approximately 261 square kilometers and a population of around 1,600 residents. The lack of urbanization can be attributed to its geographical and demographic characteristics, as well as its reliance on subsistence agriculture and fishing, which limits the development of urban infrastructure.
Furthermore, Niue's low ranking in urbanization highlights the challenges faced by small island nations, including limited economic opportunities and the impact of climate change. The country is also known for its rich natural landscapes and biodiversity, which are preserved in their largely undeveloped state, further contributing to its 0% urbanization statistic.
Norway
In 2023, Norway ranks 186th out of 237 countries in terms of land area by degree of urbanization, with only 0.668% of its land classified as urban. This low percentage reflects Norway's vast geographical landscape, which is characterized by mountains, forests, and fjords, resulting in a relatively small footprint of urbanization compared to its total land area.
The limited urbanization in Norway can be attributed to several factors, including a strong emphasis on preserving natural landscapes and the low population density, which is approximately 15 inhabitants per square kilometer. Additionally, urban centers in Norway, such as Oslo and Bergen, are relatively small compared to other major cities worldwide, further contributing to the overall low percentage of urban land.
Interestingly, Norway's urbanization pattern has implications for sustainable development and environmental conservation, as the country prioritizes maintaining its natural resources and promoting green living. This approach aligns with Norway's commitment to environmental sustainability, evidenced by its leading role in promoting renewable energy and reducing carbon emissions.
Qatar
In 2023, Qatar ranks 72nd out of 237 countries in terms of the percentage of land area by degree of urbanization, with an urbanization rate of 6.901%. This relatively low percentage indicates that a significant portion of the country's land remains undeveloped or not urbanized.
The urbanization statistic for Qatar reflects its unique geographical and demographic characteristics, where urban development is concentrated in major cities like Doha, while vast areas are still dedicated to desert and undeveloped land. Factors contributing to this statistic include the country’s small population size, high economic reliance on oil and gas, and the ongoing emphasis on developing urban areas while maintaining large natural landscapes.
Interestingly, despite its low percentage of urbanized land area, Qatar has invested heavily in infrastructure and urban development, leading to a rapidly growing urban population. This juxtaposition highlights the balance between urban expansion and environmental conservation efforts within the country.
Saint Lucia
Saint Lucia ranks 41st out of 237 countries in terms of the percentage of land area by degree of urbanization, with 17.705% of its land classified as urban. This statistic reflects the relatively low level of urbanization on the island, which is characterized by a mix of urban and rural areas, with a significant portion of its population residing in rural communities.
The degree of urbanization in Saint Lucia can be attributed to several factors, including its geographical size, economic activities primarily based in tourism and agriculture, and a preference for maintaining natural landscapes. The urban areas, mainly concentrated in the capital city, Castries, and surrounding towns, are significant for economic development, yet the rural regions continue to play a vital role in the island's cultural and agricultural identity.
Interestingly, the global trend towards urbanization is shifting, with many countries experiencing increased urban sprawl. In contrast, Saint Lucia's urbanization rate reveals an emphasis on preserving its natural environment and cultural heritage, which is crucial for maintaining its appeal as a tourist destination.
New Zealand
New Zealand ranks 177th out of 237 countries regarding the percentage of land area by degree of urbanization. In 2023, the percentage of land area classified as urban is 0.903%, indicating a relatively low level of urban land compared to other nations.
This statistic reflects New Zealand's unique geographical and demographic characteristics, including its vast natural landscapes and a population that largely resides in rural areas. Factors contributing to this low urbanization rate include the country's emphasis on preserving its natural environment, extensive agricultural land, and a population density that is one of the lowest in the world.
Additionally, while New Zealand's urban centers, such as Auckland and Wellington, are rapidly growing, they still occupy a small fraction of the country's total land area. This contrasts with other developed nations, where urbanization rates are significantly higher, often exceeding 50% of total land area.
Nauru
Nauru ranks 7th out of 237 countries in terms of the percentage of land area by degree of urbanization, with a significant 61.765% of its land classified as urbanized in 2023. This high percentage reflects the concentration of population and infrastructure in a relatively small land area, which is characteristic of many Pacific island nations.
The urbanization in Nauru can be attributed to factors such as limited land availability, economic activities centered around phosphate mining, and the development of services primarily in the urban center of Yaren. As a result, most of the population resides in urban areas, leading to the high percentage of urbanized land.
In addition to its urbanization statistics, Nauru faces unique challenges related to climate change and environmental sustainability, which may affect future urban development. The country's small size and geographic isolation also mean that urban growth can have significant impacts on its ecosystems and community structures.
Paraguay
In 2023, Paraguay ranks 198 out of 237 countries in terms of the percentage of land area by degree of urbanization, with only 0.489% of its land classified as urban. This low percentage indicates that a significant portion of Paraguay remains rural, with many areas still engaged in agriculture and traditional livelihoods.
The limited urbanization in Paraguay can be attributed to various factors, including a relatively low population density and a strong reliance on agrarian economies. The country has historically experienced slower urban growth compared to its regional neighbors, with cities like Asunción serving as economic hubs while vast areas remain undeveloped.
Additionally, Paraguay faces challenges such as inadequate infrastructure and investment in urban areas, which can hinder the growth of urban populations. As a result, the urbanization rate is expected to increase gradually, but the current statistic highlights the enduring rural character of much of the nation.
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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