Percentage of land area by degree of urbanization 2024
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" is a critical metric in understanding the relationship between urban development and the geographic landscape of countries worldwide. This statistic not only highlights the extent of urban areas but also underscores the balance between urban and rural spaces. In 2024, this balance is increasingly significant, as it impacts economic growth, sustainability, and urban planning on a global scale.
Urbanization Trends in 2024
The 2024 data reveals fascinating insights into how countries are urbanizing differently. With 200 countries providing data, the average percentage of land classified as urban is 11.55%, indicating a modest but impactful level of urbanization across the globe. Interestingly, the median value stands at 4.00%, suggesting that while some countries are heavily urbanized, many remain predominantly rural. Leading the charge, Monaco and the Holy See are fully urbanized at 100%, reflecting their small geographic sizes and dense populations. Conversely, countries like Paraguay and Saudi Arabia, with values as low as 0.50% and 0.49%, respectively, remain largely rural, highlighting the diverse approaches to land utilization.
Economic Implications of Urbanization
The degree of urbanization is deeply intertwined with economic dynamics. Countries with higher urbanization rates, such as Bangladesh (67.21%) and Rwanda (58.65%), are harnessing urban development to spur economic growth through increased industrialization and improved infrastructure. This trend is often associated with higher GDP growth rates, as urban centers typically become hubs for economic activities, innovation, and employment. On the flip side, countries with minimal urban land, like Zambia and South Sudan, are more reliant on agriculture and may face challenges in economic diversification and industrial development, underlining the need for balanced urban-rural strategies to foster sustainable economic growth.
Sustainability and Urban Planning
Urbanization presents both opportunities and challenges for sustainability and urban planning. Countries such as Nauru (61.77%) and Malta (50.05%) demonstrate high urbanization rates that necessitate careful planning to manage environmental impacts and resource demands. As urban areas expand, issues like air pollution, waste management, and energy consumption intensify, prompting the need for sustainable urban strategies. Effective urban planning can facilitate green spaces, efficient public transportation systems, and energy-efficient infrastructures, ensuring that urban growth does not come at the expense of environmental sustainability.
Regional Contrasts and Comparisons
The data from 2024 also highlights stark regional contrasts in urbanization. In highly urbanized regions like Europe and parts of Asia, urban land constitutes a significant portion of the total land area, driven by historical and economic factors. For example, Gibraltar has seen a notable increase of 2.00% in its urbanized land over the past year. In contrast, regions in Africa and the Pacific, such as the Solomon Islands and Eritrea, maintain lower urbanization percentages, reflecting different developmental stages and geographical constraints. These contrasts emphasize the varied pathways countries take in balancing urban and rural development, influenced by cultural, historical, and economic contexts.
Future Projections and Policy Considerations
Looking ahead, the trajectory of urbanization will be shaped by policy decisions and global trends. Countries experiencing rapid urban growth, like Burundi and Uganda, which saw increases of 1.33% and 0.94% respectively, must implement policies that accommodate this growth while mitigating associated challenges such as housing shortages and infrastructure demands. Similarly, nations with declining urbanization percentages, such as Saint Martin (French part), which decreased by 1.48%, need to reassess their urban policies to ensure balanced development. The interplay of technology, policy, and international cooperation will be pivotal in guiding future urbanization trends towards sustainable and equitable outcomes.
Overall, the percentage of land area by degree of urbanization in 2024 provides an essential lens through which we can understand the ongoing transformation of global landscapes. By analyzing these patterns, policymakers, urban planners, and economic strategists can better navigate the complexities of urban growth and ensure that development paths align with both economic objectives and sustainability goals.
Insights by country
Angola
Angola ranks 204th out of 237 countries in terms of urbanization, with a mere 0.438% of its land area classified as urban. This statistic highlights the country's significant rural character, where most of the population resides in non-urban areas, primarily engaged in agriculture and subsistence farming.
The low degree of urbanization in Angola can be attributed to several factors, including a history of prolonged civil conflict, which has hampered economic development and infrastructure growth. Furthermore, the lack of urban planning and investment in public services has contributed to the slow pace of urbanization.
Despite these challenges, Angola has experienced periods of economic growth, largely due to its oil reserves. However, the benefits have not uniformly translated into urban development, leaving much of the population in rural areas with limited access to essential services and opportunities for economic advancement.
Guatemala
In 2024, Guatemala ranks 72nd out of 237 countries in terms of the percentage of land area by degree of urbanization, with an urbanized land area of 7.055%. This relatively low figure indicates that a significant majority of the country's land remains rural and undeveloped.
The limited urbanization can be attributed to various factors, including the country's historical reliance on agriculture, socio-economic conditions, and migration patterns. Many Guatemalans reside in rural areas, where agriculture remains the primary economic activity, leading to slower urban growth compared to more industrialized nations.
Additionally, Guatemala faces challenges such as high levels of poverty and limited infrastructure development, which further hinder urban expansion. Interestingly, urbanization rates in Central America as a whole show significant variation, with some neighboring countries experiencing higher urbanization levels, reflecting different developmental trajectories.
Sao Tome and Principe
Sao Tome and Principe ranks 68th out of 237 countries in terms of the percentage of land area by degree of urbanization, with a notable figure of 7.377% for the year 2024. This statistic indicates that a small portion of the country's total land area is classified as urban, suggesting that the majority of the land remains rural or undeveloped.
The low percentage of urbanization in Sao Tome and Principe can be attributed to its geographical characteristics and economic structure, which is heavily reliant on agriculture and fishing. The country, consisting of two main islands and several smaller ones, has limited infrastructure development, which further restricts urban expansion. As a result, urban areas are predominantly concentrated in the capital city, São Tomé.
Interestingly, this situation reflects a broader trend in many small island nations, where urbanization is often slow due to geographic constraints and economic limitations. In comparison, other countries with similar geographic profiles may experience varying levels of urbanization, influenced by factors such as tourism, foreign investment, and governmental policies aimed at urban development.
Afghanistan
In 2024, Afghanistan ranks 136th out of 237 countries in terms of the percentage of land area by degree of urbanization, with a mere 2.23% of its land classified as urban. This low percentage reflects the country's predominantly rural landscape, where agriculture remains a critical component of the economy and lifestyle.
The limited urbanization in Afghanistan can be attributed to several factors, including ongoing conflict, economic instability, and a lack of infrastructure development. These challenges have hindered the growth of urban areas, leading to a population that remains largely dispersed across rural settings.
Moreover, Afghanistan's history of conflict has significantly impacted urban development, with many urban centers facing destruction and displacement, further contributing to the low urbanization rate. In contrast, neighboring countries have experienced more rapid urban growth, highlighting the regional disparities in urbanization processes.
Equatorial Guinea
In 2024, Equatorial Guinea ranks 174th out of 237 countries in terms of urbanization, with only 1.01% of its land area classified as urban. This low percentage reflects the country's predominantly rural landscape, where agriculture and natural resources play a significant role in the economy.
The minimal degree of urbanization can be attributed to various factors, including the country's small population and the concentration of urban development in a few areas, particularly the capital, Malabo. Limited infrastructure investment and economic diversification have hindered urban expansion, leading to a slower transition from rural to urban living.
Additionally, Equatorial Guinea is characterized by a relatively high level of poverty and underemployment, which further restricts urban migration and development. As a comparison, many neighboring countries in Central Africa are experiencing higher rates of urbanization, driven by economic opportunities and better living conditions.
Australia
In 2024, Australia ranks 219th out of 237 countries in terms of land area by degree of urbanization, with only 0.175% of its total land area classified as urban. This statistic reflects Australia’s unique geographical and demographic characteristics, where vast expanses of land remain sparsely populated and primarily rural or undeveloped.
The low percentage of urbanized land area can be attributed to several factors, including Australia's extensive desert regions, large agricultural zones, and a population concentrated in coastal cities such as Sydney, Melbourne, and Brisbane. The majority of the country's land is dedicated to natural landscapes and ecosystems, which limits urban development opportunities.
Interestingly, while urban areas are limited in land area, they are home to a significant portion of the population, with around 90% of Australians living in urban regions. This contrast highlights the urban-rural divide and the challenges associated with managing urbanization in a country with a large landmass but a relatively small population density.
Chad
Chad ranks 211 out of 237 countries in terms of the percentage of land area by degree of urbanization, with only 0.265% of its land classified as urban. This statistic highlights Chad's predominantly rural landscape, where the majority of the population resides in rural areas and engages in agricultural activities.
The low degree of urbanization can be attributed to several factors, including limited infrastructure development, ongoing conflicts, and economic challenges that hinder urban growth. Additionally, the majority of Chadians live in subsistence farming communities, which further contributes to the low urban land coverage.
Chad's urbanization rate is significantly lower than many other countries, reflecting broader trends in the region where urban migration is constrained by economic and social factors. For context, many neighboring countries have higher urbanization rates, indicating a regional disparity in urban development and economic opportunities.
Bulgaria
Bulgaria ranks 154th out of 237 countries in terms of the percentage of land area by degree of urbanization, with a value of 1.67%. This statistic reflects the limited extent of urbanized land compared to its total land area, indicating a relatively low level of urban development in the country.
The low percentage of urbanized land in Bulgaria can be attributed to various factors, including its historical reliance on agriculture, the presence of vast rural areas, and a slower pace of urbanization compared to other European nations. Additionally, Bulgaria has undergone significant demographic changes, including urban migration trends, which can influence land use and urban development.
Interestingly, this statistic places Bulgaria among countries with significant rural landscapes, which contrasts with more urbanized nations in Europe. The urbanization trend is often linked to economic development, infrastructure growth, and the availability of services, which are areas where Bulgaria continues to evolve.
China
In 2024, China ranks 75th out of 237 countries regarding the percentage of land area classified by degree of urbanization, with an estimated 6.779% of its land area being urbanized. This statistic highlights the relatively low level of urbanization of land compared to other countries, reflecting the vast expanses of rural and undeveloped areas that still exist within the country.
The degree of urbanization in China is influenced by several factors, including its historical development patterns, population distribution, and ongoing economic policies aimed at urban expansion. While major cities like Beijing and Shanghai have experienced rapid urban growth, many inland and rural regions remain largely agricultural and underdeveloped, contributing to the overall low percentage of urbanized land.
Interestingly, China's urban population is among the largest in the world, with over 60% of its total population living in urban areas as of 2023. This disparity between population and land area urbanization highlights the complexities of urban planning and infrastructure development in one of the world's most populous nations.
Panama
In 2024, Panama ranks 158th out of 237 countries regarding the percentage of land area by degree of urbanization, with a value of 1.565%. This statistic reflects the relatively small proportion of Panama's land that is classified as urban, indicating a significant amount of rural land in comparison to urbanized areas.
The low degree of urbanization can be attributed to various factors, including geographic diversity, where much of the land is mountainous or covered by rainforest, limiting the expansion of urban areas. Additionally, economic activities in Panama are often concentrated in specific urban centers, such as Panama City, while vast regions remain devoted to agriculture and natural habitats.
Interestingly, Panama has experienced steady urban growth in the last few decades, yet the overall percentage of urban land remains low compared to other countries. This statistic is essential for understanding the challenges and opportunities related to urban planning, infrastructure development, and rural land management within 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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