Percentage of land area by degree of urbanization 2025
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
Sint Maarten (Dutch part) - #6
Bangladesh - #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 crucial metric for understanding how urban development influences global landscapes in 2025. This measure highlights the delicate balance between urban and rural spaces, shedding light on economic growth, environmental sustainability, and regional development. As global populations increasingly concentrate in urban areas, this statistic provides valuable insights into planning for future infrastructure, resource allocation, and sustainability initiatives.
Global Urbanization Trends in 2025
The landscape of urbanization varies dramatically across the globe, with some countries exhibiting nearly complete urbanization while others remain predominantly rural. In 2025, Monaco and the Holy See stand out with a full 100% of their land area classified as urbanized, showcasing their compact, city-state nature. Conversely, countries like the Faroe Islands and Saudi Arabia have barely over 0.5% of their land urbanized, reflecting vast expanses of undeveloped territory. The average urbanization across 200 countries is a modest 11.64%, indicating a significant portion of the world remains rural. Understanding these trends is essential for policymakers and urban planners focused on sustainable development and infrastructure investment.
The Economic Impact of Urbanization
Urbanization heavily influences economic development, as urban areas are typically hubs of economic activity and innovation. In 2025, countries like Bangladesh and Rwanda, with urbanization rates of over 50%, demonstrate significant economic growth potential through urban-centric policies and investments. Urban areas attract businesses, create jobs, and stimulate GDP growth by fostering a concentrated environment for trade and industry. However, the disparity in urbanization levels underscores the uneven distribution of economic opportunities globally, requiring targeted efforts to bridge these gaps.
Regional Disparities and Development Patterns
Analyzing regional disparities in urbanization provides insights into varying development patterns. For example, Africa and Asia's small island nations, such as Nauru (61.765%) and Sint Maarten (67.797%), exhibit high degrees of urbanization due to limited land area, resulting in densely populated urban centers. In contrast, larger nations like Sudan (0.612%) and Zambia (0.61%) have vast rural expanses, emphasizing the need for rural development strategies to improve living standards and economic opportunities outside urban areas. These regional differences highlight the importance of tailoring urban planning and policy-making to specific national contexts and geographical constraints.
Socio-environmental Implications
The socio-environmental implications of urbanization are profound and varied. Higher urbanization rates can lead to increased environmental pressures, such as pollution and resource depletion, particularly in areas with inadequate infrastructure to support growing populations. Conversely, well-planned urbanization can enhance sustainability by optimizing resource use and minimizing environmental footprints through smart city initiatives. Countries with significant urban growth, such as Burundi and Uganda, are witnessing rapid urban expansion, necessitating sustainable urban planning to mitigate negative environmental impacts and improve residents' quality of life.
Year-over-Year Changes in Urbanization
The year 2025 has seen notable shifts in urbanization metrics across various countries. Gibraltar, for instance, experienced a 2.2% increase in its urbanized land area, reflecting ongoing infrastructure and housing development. Conversely, some regions like Saint Martin (French part) saw a decline of 4.1%, highlighting potential challenges in sustaining urban growth or shifts in population dynamics. These year-over-year changes underscore the dynamic nature of urbanization and its susceptibility to economic, social, and environmental influences.
In conclusion, the percentage of land area by degree of urbanization in 2025 offers a profound understanding of how countries are transforming their landscapes amidst growing urban pressures. By examining these patterns, policymakers can better strategize to achieve balanced growth, promote sustainable urban environments, and ensure equitable economic opportunities for future generations. The data highlights the need for nuanced approaches tailored to each region's unique challenges and opportunities, fostering a global society that harmonizes urban development with environmental stewardship and social progress.
Insights by country
Kuwait
Kuwait ranks 89th out of 237 countries in terms of the percentage of land area by degree of urbanization, with a figure of 5.136% for the year 2025. This statistic reflects the extent to which land in Kuwait is developed for urban use, indicating a relatively low level of urbanization compared to many other nations.
The limited percentage of urbanized land can be attributed to Kuwait's geographical landscape, which is characterized by vast deserts and a relatively small population. Additionally, urbanization in Kuwait is concentrated primarily in its capital, Kuwait City, where most economic and administrative activities are located. Factors such as economic diversification efforts and urban planning policies could influence future urbanization rates.
Interestingly, Kuwait's urbanization rate is lower than that of many neighboring Gulf Cooperation Council (GCC) countries, which have experienced rapid urban development. This can be linked to Kuwait's unique political and economic context, including its historical reliance on oil exports and recent initiatives aimed at sustainable urban growth.
Uruguay
In 2025, Uruguay ranks 189th out of 237 countries regarding the percentage of land area by degree of urbanization, with an urbanization rate of 0.642%. This indicates that a relatively small portion of the country's land is designated as urban, reflecting Uruguay's predominantly rural landscape.
The low urbanization percentage can be attributed to several factors, including the country's geographic characteristics, agricultural focus, and historical settlement patterns. Uruguay's economy has a strong reliance on agriculture and livestock, which necessitates large areas of land for farming and grazing, thus limiting the expansion of urban areas.
In comparison, many neighboring countries in South America experience higher urbanization rates, highlighting Uruguay's unique demographic and land use trends. Additionally, approximately 95% of the population resides in urban areas, primarily in the capital city, Montevideo, indicating that while land area is less urbanized, the population is highly concentrated in urban centers.
Tokelau
In 2025, Tokelau ranks 236th out of 237 countries in terms of percentage of land area by degree of urbanization, with a reported value of 0%. This statistic reflects the unique characteristics of Tokelau, which is a territory comprising three small atolls in the Pacific Ocean and is known for its very limited land area and population.
The absence of urbanization can be attributed to several factors, including the territory's small size, isolation, and predominantly rural lifestyle. With a population that is primarily engaged in subsistence farming and fishing, there are minimal developments that could classify any area as urban. Additionally, Tokelau's governance structure and cultural practices emphasize community living and sustainability over urban development.
Interestingly, Tokelau has implemented innovative practices in renewable energy, aiming for a sustainable future despite its lack of urban areas. This commitment to sustainability can be seen in its efforts to utilize solar energy, further highlighting the territory's focus on preserving its natural environment rather than pursuing urbanization.
Serbia
In 2025, Serbia ranks 123rd out of 237 countries in terms of land area by degree of urbanization, with a reported urbanized land area of 2.743%. This statistic indicates a relatively low proportion of land designated for urban use compared to many other nations, reflecting a predominance of rural and undeveloped regions within the country.
Several factors contribute to this urbanization rate, including historical patterns of settlement, economic conditions, and infrastructure development. Serbia's urban centers, such as Belgrade and Novi Sad, are growing, but much of the countryside remains less developed and sparsely populated. Additionally, ongoing economic challenges and migration trends can influence urban growth and land use.
Moreover, Serbia's urbanization is part of a larger regional trend in the Balkans, where many countries are experiencing shifts in population from rural to urban areas. As urbanization continues, it is likely that Serbia will see changes in land use dynamics, potentially increasing the percentage of urbanized land in the future.
Cameroon
In 2025, Cameroon ranks 160th out of 237 countries in terms of the percentage of land area by degree of urbanization, with a value of 1.453%. This statistic reflects the portion of the country’s land that is classified as urban, highlighting the limited extent of urban development relative to its total land area.
The low percentage of urbanized land can be attributed to several factors, including a predominantly agrarian economy, historical patterns of settlement, and ongoing rural-to-urban migration that has not yet significantly transformed the landscape. Additionally, infrastructure challenges and limited access to resources may hinder urban expansion and development.
It is noteworthy that this figure indicates a gradual urbanization process, which is common in many developing nations. As urbanization typically correlates with economic growth, Cameroon may experience shifts in this statistic in the coming years as development initiatives and population dynamics evolve.
Finland
In 2025, Finland ranks 181st out of 237 countries regarding the percentage of land area classified by degree of urbanization, with a figure of 0.794%. This statistic reflects the limited extent of urbanized land in Finland, which is characterized by vast forests, lakes, and sparsely populated rural areas.
The low percentage of urbanized land can be attributed to Finland's unique geography and demographic distribution, where a significant portion of the population resides in rural areas, particularly in the northern regions. Additionally, Finland has a strong cultural affinity for nature and environmental conservation, influencing urban planning and development policies.
Interestingly, this statistic underscores Finland's commitment to preserving natural landscapes while accommodating urban growth, a balance that is increasingly important in the face of global urbanization trends. The country continues to prioritize sustainability, which is reflected in its urban design practices that aim to integrate green spaces into urban environments.
North Korea
In 2025, North Korea ranks 95th out of 237 countries in terms of urbanization, with only 4.453% of its land area classified as urban. This low percentage reflects the country's predominantly rural landscape, where agricultural activities remain a significant part of the economy and daily life.
Several factors contribute to North Korea's limited urbanization, including government policies that prioritize agricultural self-sufficiency and a centralized economy that restricts urban development. Additionally, the state controls population movement, which hinders urban migration and the growth of urban centers.
Historically, North Korea has faced challenges such as economic isolation, natural disasters, and infrastructural deficits, which further impede urbanization efforts. As a comparison, many neighboring countries have significantly higher urbanization rates, highlighting the stark contrast in developmental strategies and economic conditions.
Jersey
Jersey ranks 11th out of 237 countries in terms of the percentage of land area classified by degree of urbanization, with 49.724% of its land area being urbanized as of the year 2025. This significant urbanization reflects Jersey's status as a developed jurisdiction with a high population density, particularly in its capital, St. Helier.
The high degree of urbanization in Jersey can be attributed to several factors, including its limited land area of approximately 46.2 square miles, which necessitates the concentration of infrastructure and housing in urban centers. Additionally, the island's economic activities, such as finance, tourism, and agriculture, are predominantly situated in urban areas, further driving urban development.
Interestingly, urbanization trends in Jersey are consistent with those observed in other developed regions, where economic opportunities often lead to increased urban density. This phenomenon is also evident in the broader Channel Islands, where urban areas are crucial for economic sustainability and social connectivity.
Senegal
In 2025, Senegal ranked 146th out of 237 countries regarding the percentage of land area by degree of urbanization, with a value of 1.915%. This statistic indicates that a small fraction of the country's total land area is classified as urban, reflecting a predominantly rural landscape.
The low degree of urbanization can be attributed to several factors, including the historical reliance on agriculture, limited infrastructure development in urban areas, and population distribution patterns that favor rural settlements. Additionally, Senegal's urban centers, such as Dakar, face challenges like overcrowding and insufficient resources, which can hinder further urban expansion.
Despite these challenges, Senegal is gradually experiencing urban growth, with initiatives aimed at improving urban planning and infrastructure. Notably, the country has significant urban development projects in motion that may influence future urbanization trends.
French Guiana
In 2025, French Guiana ranks 223rd out of 237 countries in terms of the percentage of land area by degree of urbanization, with only 0.155% of its land classified as urbanized. This low percentage reflects the region's unique geographical and socio-economic characteristics, where vast expanses of rainforest and rural territories dominate the landscape, limiting urban development.
The limited urbanization in French Guiana can be attributed to several factors, including its status as an overseas department of France, which influences development policies and investments. Additionally, the population is relatively small and dispersed, with urban areas primarily concentrated around the capital, Cayenne, while much of the land remains uninhabited or underdeveloped.
Interestingly, French Guiana's urbanization rate is significantly lower compared to many other countries, highlighting the challenges of infrastructure development in remote and ecologically sensitive areas. This situation is similar to other territories with extensive natural landscapes, where urban expansion is often hindered by environmental considerations and the preservation of biodiversity.
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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