Percentage of population by degree of urbanization 2023

Explore the percentage of population by degree of urbanization across countries, highlighting the shift towards urban living and its impact on economic growth and development. Understanding these trends is crucial for addressing urban planning and resource allocation.

237 data points•Updated 11/20/2025•World•United Nations Population Division•

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Complete Data Rankings

Rank
1	Gibraltar	100 %
2	Holy See	100 %
3	Monaco	100 %
4	Singapore	99.897 %
5	China, Macao SAR	99.862 %
6	China, Hong Kong SAR	99.547 %
7	Bermuda	98.463 %
8	Bangladesh	97.991 %
9	Bahrain	97.948 %
10	Egypt	97.26 %
11	Sint Maarten (Dutch part)	97.074 %
12	Kuwait	96.37 %
13	Aruba	95.453 %
14	Malta	95.352 %
15	Curaçao	94.671 %
16	Taiwan	94.595 %
17	State of Palestine	94.548 %
18	Israel	93.734 %
19	Jordan	93.632 %
20	Qatar	93.392 %
21	Rwanda	93.323 %
22	Mayotte	93.001 %
23	Cayman Islands	92.491 %
24	Nauru	92.347 %
25	Congo	91.83 %
26	Japan	91.276 %
27	Guernsey	90.943 %
28	United Arab Emirates	90.918 %
29	Mauritius	90.863 %
30	Jersey	90.761 %
31	South Korea	90.295 %
32	Lebanon	89.885 %
33	Equatorial Guinea	89.861 %
34	Djibouti	89.575 %
35	Western Sahara	89.457 %
36	Pakistan	88.667 %
37	Venezuela	88.581 %
38	Réunion	88.342 %
39	Saint Martin (French part)	87.955 %
40	Iraq	87.606 %
41	Trinidad and Tobago	87.55 %
42	Burundi	87.503 %
43	Vietnam	87.266 %
44	Comoros	87.092 %
45	Saint Barthélemy	87.006 %
46	North Korea	86.519 %
47	Uzbekistan	86.499 %
48	Uruguay	86.381 %
49	Barbados	86.346 %
50	United Kingdom	86.266 %
51	Argentina	86.189 %
52	Indonesia	85.985 %
53	Dominican Republic	85.803 %
54	Sri Lanka	85.077 %
55	Yemen	85.077 %
56	Philippines	85.061 %
57	Guam	84.983 %
58	Iran	84.764 %
59	Netherlands	84.606 %
60	Saudi Arabia	84.234 %
61	Sao Tome and Principe	83.897 %
62	Tajikistan	83.854 %
63	India	83.802 %
64	China	83.689 %
65	Afghanistan	83.578 %
66	Gabon	83.405 %
67	Haiti	82.943 %
68	Malaysia	82.754 %
69	Somalia	82.65 %
70	Turkey	82.603 %
71	Bahamas	82.444 %
72	Cuba	82.351 %
73	Chile	82.067 %
74	Australia	81.942 %
75	Colombia	81.942 %
76	Montenegro	81.873 %
77	Brunei Darussalam	81.686 %
78	Nigeria	81.338 %
79	Puerto Rico	80.989 %
80	Syrian Arab Republic	80.838 %
81	San Marino	80.617 %
82	Algeria	80.533 %
83	Turks and Caicos Islands	79.893 %
84	Seychelles	79.576 %
85	Brazil	79.526 %
86	South Africa	79.137 %
87	Oman	79.08 %
88	Russia	79.065 %
89	Spain	79.027 %
90	Azerbaijan	79.02 %
91	Belgium	78.872 %
92	Morocco	78.192 %
93	Ecuador	78.098 %
94	Turkmenistan	77.592 %
95	Mexico	77.459 %
96	Ghana	77.446 %
97	Armenia	77.242 %
98	Kazakhstan	77.238 %
99	American Samoa	76.961 %
100	Italy	76.849 %
101	Switzerland	76.651 %
102	El Salvador	76.424 %
103	Kenya	76.409 %
104	Kyrgyzstan	76.355 %
105	New Zealand	76.296 %
106	Canada	76.259 %
107	Iceland	76.136 %
108	Liechtenstein	75.932 %
109	Cyprus	75.891 %
110	Antigua and Barbuda	75.826 %
111	Libya	75.72 %
112	Angola	75.7 %
113	Gambia	75.437 %
114	Cameroon	75.207 %
115	Sudan	74.676 %
116	Saint Lucia	74.64 %
117	Belarus	74.588 %
118	Ukraine	74.423 %
119	Andorra	74.345 %
120	United States	74.275 %
121	Uganda	74.071 %
122	Guatemala	73.978 %
123	Costa Rica	73.939 %
124	Tuvalu	73.835 %
125	Guyana	73.814 %
126	United States Virgin Islands	73.637 %
127	Peru	73.609 %
128	Benin	73.556 %
129	Congo, Democratic Republic of the	73.428 %
130	Guadeloupe	73.355 %
131	Germany	73.267 %
132	Nepal	73.01 %
133	Jamaica	72.622 %
134	Togo	72.593 %
135	Grenada	72.511 %
136	Cabo Verde	72.422 %
137	Suriname	72.357 %
138	Kosovo	72.091 %
139	Bolivia	71.958 %
140	Martinique	71.637 %
141	French Guiana	71.635 %
142	Tunisia	71.398 %
143	Senegal	70.961 %
144	Portugal	70.937 %
145	North Macedonia	70.932 %
146	Mongolia	70.863 %
147	Luxembourg	70.469 %
148	Botswana	69.989 %
149	Myanmar	69.383 %
150	Sweden	69.211 %
151	Cambodia	68.737 %
152	Panama	68.661 %
153	Albania	68.569 %
154	Northern Mariana Islands	68.329 %
155	Côte d'Ivoire	68.319 %
156	Malawi	68.28 %
157	Greece	67.72 %
158	Isle of Man	67.652 %
159	Kiribati	66.317 %
160	Saint Vincent and the Grenadines	66.112 %
161	Ethiopia	65.9 %
162	New Caledonia	65.779 %
163	Estonia	65.388 %
164	Serbia	65.368 %
165	South Sudan	65.297 %
166	Norway	65.093 %
167	Denmark	65.089 %
168	Georgia	64.616 %
169	Nicaragua	64.577 %
170	Eritrea	63.899 %
171	Bonaire, Sint Eustatius and Saba	63.85 %
172	British Virgin Islands	63.647 %
173	French Polynesia	62.818 %
174	Hungary	62.759 %
175	France	62.319 %
176	Thailand	61.646 %
177	Finland	61.154 %
178	Tonga	60.747 %
179	Bulgaria	60.583 %
180	Czech Republic	60.352 %
181	Mauritania	60.288 %
182	Poland	60.273 %
183	Paraguay	60.167 %
184	Honduras	60.164 %
185	Liberia	59.07 %
186	Austria	59.05 %
187	Lithuania	58.545 %
188	Samoa	58.012 %
189	Belize	57.862 %
190	Latvia	57.822 %
191	Sierra Leone	57.718 %
192	Maldives	57.461 %
193	Tanzania	56.837 %
194	Central African Republic	55.687 %
195	Fiji	55.562 %
196	Ireland	55.379 %
197	Romania	54.956 %
198	Marshall Islands	54.823 %
199	Guinea	54.785 %
200	Croatia	54.684 %
201	Guinea-Bissau	54.508 %
202	Zambia	54.365 %
203	Slovakia	53.663 %
204	Republic of Moldova	53.503 %
205	Mozambique	52.304 %
206	Chad	52.032 %
207	Bosnia and Herzegovina	51.482 %
208	Niger	50.94 %
209	Burkina Faso	50.808 %
210	Slovenia	50.616 %
211	Timor-Leste	50.463 %
212	Mali	48.497 %
213	Papua New Guinea	47.262 %
214	Madagascar	44.173 %
215	Dominica	43.308 %
216	Namibia	43.038 %
217	Greenland	42.546 %
218	Saint Kitts and Nevis	42.239 %
219	Palau	39.397 %
220	Lesotho	39.275 %
221	Faroe Islands	36.914 %
222	Zimbabwe	34.263 %
223	Bhutan	31.698 %
224	Laos	31.664 %
225	Micronesia (Fed. States of)	30.267 %
226	Vanuatu	30.067 %
227	Eswatini	24.092 %
228	Solomon Islands	23.245 %
229	Cook Islands	0 %
230	Falkland Islands (Malvinas)	0 %
231	Montserrat	0 %
232	Niue	0 %
233	Saint Helena	0 %
234	Anguilla	0 %
235	Saint Pierre and Miquelon	0 %
236	Tokelau	0 %
237	Wallis and Futuna Islands	0 %

↑Top 10 Countries

Analysis: These countries represent the highest values in this dataset, showcasing significant scale and impact on global statistics.

↓Bottom 10 Countries

Context: These countries or territories have the lowest values, often due to geographic size, administrative status, or specific characteristics.

Analysis & Context

The Percentage of Population by Degree of Urbanization for 2023 reveals insightful patterns about global living trends, highlighting a significant shift towards urbanization. This metric is critical for understanding economic growth, urban planning, and resource allocation across nations. As urban areas expand and rural populations dwindle, evaluating these statistics provides a window into the societal transformations impacting various regions worldwide.

Urbanization Trends in 2023

In 2023, the global average for urbanization reached 77.34%, underscoring the strong inclination towards city living. This trend is mirrored by numerous countries achieving near-total urbanization, with Holy See, Gibraltar, and Monaco reaching a perfect 100% urbanization rate. Nations like Singapore and China, Macao SAR also exhibit high urbanization levels at 99.897% and 99.862% respectively. These statistics suggest a concentrated population in urban areas, driven by factors such as economic opportunities, improved infrastructure, and enhanced services that cities typically offer.

Regional Variations and Influences

While some regions embrace urbanization fully, others display a more diverse spread. Croatia and Guinea report urbanization levels below 55%, reflecting diverse regional dynamics that might include economic constraints or cultural preferences for rural living. The Central African Republic at 55.687% and Tanzania at 56.837% further exemplify regions where rural lifestyles persist, possibly due to limited urban infrastructure or economic hurdles that prevent rapid urban expansion.

The movement towards urban centers is frequently associated with economic growth and development. Urbanization facilitates improved job prospects, better education, and healthcare services, which collectively enhance living standards. Countries like Bahrain and Bangladesh, with urbanization rates of 97.948% and 97.991% respectively, exhibit rapid economic development, enabled by investments in urban infrastructure and services. However, this urban expansion can also present challenges, including overcrowding, pollution, and pressure on resources, necessitating effective urban planning and management to maintain sustainable growth.

Year-over-Year Changes and Notable Shifts

Tracking changes from the previous year, the average global urbanization increment is 0.14%. Countries such as Uganda and Malawi show significant increases in urbanization by 1.9% and 1.8% respectively, highlighting a transition towards urban development as part of broader economic strategies. Conversely, the Marshall Islands experienced a decrease of 1.62%, indicating possible policy shifts or socio-economic challenges affecting urban appeal. These fluctuations highlight the dynamic nature of urbanization, influenced by a complex interplay of local and global factors.

Policy Implications and Future Outlook

As urbanization shapes the demographic landscape, governments worldwide must adapt policies to manage this growth effectively. Strategies such as enhancing urban infrastructure, ensuring sustainable resource management, and addressing socio-economic disparities are essential to accommodate increasing urban populations. The future outlook suggests a continued trend towards urban living, driven by globalization and modernization. However, achieving a balanced development that accommodates both urban and rural areas remains crucial to fostering inclusive growth and stability.

In conclusion, the Percentage of Population by Degree of Urbanization in 2023 presents a nuanced global picture, reflecting both opportunities and challenges inherent in urban growth. As societies continue to evolve, understanding and responding to these trends will be vital in shaping sustainable and equitable futures for all.

Insights by country

Kyrgyzstan

Kyrgyzstan ranks 104th out of 237 countries in terms of urbanization, with an urban population percentage of 76.355% as of 2023. This statistic indicates a significant majority of the population resides in urban areas, reflecting a trend towards urbanization that is common in many developing nations.

The high degree of urbanization in Kyrgyzstan can be attributed to several factors, including rural-to-urban migration driven by the search for better economic opportunities, access to education, and healthcare services. Additionally, the capital city, Bishkek, serves as a central hub for commerce and governance, further attracting individuals from rural regions.

Interestingly, this urban concentration can also pose challenges such as urban overcrowding, strain on infrastructure, and social services. Comparatively, other Central Asian countries also show similar trends in urbanization, with varying degrees of population distribution between urban and rural areas.

Azerbaijan

Azerbaijan ranks 90th out of 237 countries in terms of urbanization, with an impressive 79.02% of its population living in urban areas as of 2023. This urban population percentage reflects substantial urban development and modernization efforts within the country, particularly in the capital city of Baku, which serves as the economic and cultural hub.

The high degree of urbanization in Azerbaijan can be attributed to several factors, including economic diversification, driven largely by oil and gas revenues, which have facilitated infrastructure improvements and increased job opportunities in urban centers. Additionally, rural-to-urban migration has played a significant role as individuals seek better living conditions and access to services.

In a broader context, urbanization in Azerbaijan aligns with global trends observed in many developing countries, where urban areas are increasingly seen as engines of growth and development. Notably, the urbanization rate in Azerbaijan is indicative of ongoing changes in lifestyle and social dynamics, as urban residents tend to have different educational and economic prospects compared to their rural counterparts.

Saint Martin (French part)

In 2023, Saint Martin (French part) ranks 39th out of 237 countries in terms of the percentage of population by degree of urbanization, with an impressive 87.955% of its population living in urban areas. This high urbanization rate reflects the concentration of services, infrastructure, and economic activities in the capital, Marigot, and surrounding urban areas.

The significant urbanization in Saint Martin can be attributed to various factors, including its status as a popular tourist destination, which drives economic activity and infrastructure development. Additionally, the island's limited land area encourages a higher density of habitation in urban settings as residents seek access to amenities and employment opportunities.

Moreover, urbanization in small island territories like Saint Martin is often associated with challenges such as environmental sustainability and the need for effective urban planning, particularly in the context of climate change and natural disasters. As a related fact, the overall population density of the island underscores the importance of managing urban growth to ensure a balanced and sustainable living environment.

Suriname

In 2023, Suriname ranks 137 out of 237 countries in terms of urbanization, with 72.357% of its population living in urban areas. This statistic indicates a significant level of urbanization, reflecting the country's ongoing trend towards city living and the consolidation of services in urban centers.

The degree of urbanization in Suriname can be attributed to several factors, including economic opportunities in cities, migration from rural areas for better employment, and the centralized nature of infrastructure and services. The capital city, Paramaribo, serves as the primary economic and administrative hub, drawing many individuals seeking improved living conditions.

Additionally, urbanization in Suriname is influenced by historical trends of migration and development policies aimed at enhancing urban infrastructure. It is noteworthy that urban areas typically offer better access to education, healthcare, and social services, which in turn encourages more people to relocate from rural settings.

Eswatini

Eswatini ranks 227 out of 237 countries in terms of the percentage of its population living in urban areas, with only 24.092% of its population classified as urban in 2023. This statistic reflects the country's ongoing struggle with urbanization, as a majority of its inhabitants still reside in rural settings.

The low degree of urbanization in Eswatini can be attributed to several factors, including a primarily agrarian economy, limited industrial development, and significant rural-to-urban migration challenges. Moreover, the cultural significance of rural communities and traditional lifestyles contribute to the slower pace of urban migration.

In comparison to other countries in the Southern African region, Eswatini’s urbanization rate is considerably lower than its neighbors, highlighting the unique socio-economic conditions that affect its demographic patterns. As urban populations tend to have access to better services and opportunities, Eswatini's urbanization challenges may impact its overall economic growth and development prospects.

Zambia

Zambia ranks 202 out of 237 countries in terms of urbanization, with approximately 54.365% of its population residing in urban areas as of 2023. This level of urbanization reflects a significant shift from rural to urban living, influenced by factors such as economic opportunities, infrastructure development, and migration patterns.

The movement towards urbanization in Zambia is driven largely by the search for improved employment prospects and access to services such as education and healthcare. Urban areas, particularly the capital city Lusaka, are experiencing rapid growth, attracting individuals from rural regions seeking better livelihoods.

Furthermore, urbanization in Zambia is accompanied by challenges, including inadequate housing, increased pressure on urban services, and environmental concerns. Despite these challenges, urbanization can also lead to economic growth and improved standards of living if managed effectively.

United States Virgin Islands

The United States Virgin Islands ranks 126th out of 237 countries in terms of urbanization, with approximately 73.637% of its population living in urban areas as of 2023. This statistic indicates a significant degree of urban concentration in the territory, reflecting a trend common in many small island economies where urban centers often serve as hubs for economic activity, services, and governance.

The high percentage of urbanization in the United States Virgin Islands can be attributed to several factors, including limited land area, historical economic development patterns, and the concentration of infrastructure and services in urban locales such as Charlotte Amalie and Christiansted. These urban areas provide greater access to employment opportunities, education, and healthcare, contributing to ongoing migration from rural to urban settings.

Additionally, the demographic patterns in the United States Virgin Islands showcase a diverse population that has historically been influenced by various cultural and economic factors, including tourism, which itself is predominantly centered in urbanized zones. Notably, the overall urbanization trends in the territory mirror those observed in many Caribbean nations, where urban areas are critical for sustaining economic growth and improving quality of life.

Austria

Austria ranks 186th out of 237 countries in terms of the percentage of its population living in urban areas, with 59.05% of the population classified as urban residents in 2023. This statistic indicates a moderate level of urbanization compared to global trends, where many countries have higher urban population percentages.

The relatively low urbanization rate in Austria can be attributed to its geographical landscape, characterized by mountainous regions and rural areas that are less conducive to large urban development. Additionally, the country's policies promote the preservation of rural communities and sustainable living, which may contribute to a slower pace of urban migration.

Interestingly, Austria's urbanization reflects broader European trends, where many nations are experiencing similar rates of urban growth. For instance, neighboring countries like Germany and Switzerland have higher urbanization rates, often exceeding 75%. This disparity highlights Austria's unique demographic and geographic context in the European landscape.

Seychelles

Seychelles ranks 84th out of 237 countries in terms of urbanization, with approximately 79.576% of its population living in urban areas as of 2023. This significant urban population showcases the country's transition towards urban-centric living, driven by economic development, improved infrastructure, and access to services.

The urbanization rate in Seychelles is influenced by several factors, including its status as a tourism hub, which attracts both local and foreign investment in urban areas, leading to enhanced job opportunities and living standards. Additionally, the concentration of essential services, education, and healthcare in urban centers further encourages rural residents to migrate to cities.

As a small island nation, Seychelles faces unique challenges related to urbanization, such as managing limited land resources and ensuring sustainable development in urban areas. Interestingly, Seychelles also has a relatively high Human Development Index (HDI), reflecting its commitment to improving living conditions and social welfare for its urban population.

Equatorial Guinea

Equatorial Guinea ranks 33rd out of 237 countries in terms of urbanization, with an impressive 89.861% of its population living in urban areas as of 2023. This high degree of urbanization reflects significant migration trends towards cities, particularly the capital, Malabo, and the mainland city of Bata, which serve as economic and administrative hubs.

The rapid urbanization in Equatorial Guinea can be attributed to several factors, including the country's oil wealth, which has spurred economic development and attracted people from rural areas seeking better employment opportunities. However, this rapid growth has also led to challenges such as inadequate infrastructure, housing shortages, and urban poverty.

In addition to urbanization, Equatorial Guinea's demographic landscape is notable for its youth, with a significant proportion of the population under the age of 25. This youthful demographic, combined with high urbanization rates, presents both opportunities and challenges for the country's economic and social development in the coming years.

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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Historical Data by Year

Explore Percentage of population by degree of urbanization data across different years. Compare trends and see how statistics have changed over time.

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