Urban Population Annual Growth Rate 2015
Urban population annual growth rate measures the year-over-year percentage increase in a country's urban population.
Interactive Map
Complete Data Rankings
Rank | Actions | ||
|---|---|---|---|
1 | Jordan | 10.299 % | |
2 | Cambodia | 9.235 % | |
3 | Equatorial Guinea | 8.836 % | |
4 | Qatar | 8.619 % | |
5 | Burundi | 8.495 % | |
6 | Solomon Islands | 7.03 % | |
7 | Somalia | 6.948 % | |
8 | Rwanda | 6.278 % | |
9 | Uganda | 6.262 % | |
10 | British Virgin Islands | 5.924 % | |
11 | United Arab Emirates | 5.603 % | |
12 | Turkey | 5.566 % | |
13 | Lesotho | 5.518 % | |
14 | Mali | 5.404 % | |
15 | Saudi Arabia | 5.397 % | |
16 | Mauritania | 5.353 % | |
17 | Slovenia | 5.194 % | |
18 | Tanzania | 5.079 % | |
19 | Oman | 4.994 % | |
20 | Ethiopia | 4.895 % | |
21 | Angola | 4.861 % | |
22 | Yemen | 4.677 % | |
23 | Turks and Caicos Islands | 4.641 % | |
24 | Senegal | 4.534 % | |
25 | Kuwait | 4.499 % | |
26 | Maldives | 4.453 % | |
27 | Benin | 4.385 % | |
28 | Chad | 4.382 % | |
29 | Afghanistan | 4.246 % | |
30 | Congo, Democratic Republic of the | 4.243 % | |
31 | Namibia | 4.178 % | |
32 | Bahrain | 4.154 % | |
33 | Zambia | 4.059 % | |
34 | Niger | 4.056 % | |
35 | Sudan | 4.017 % | |
36 | Nigeria | 3.999 % | |
37 | Burkina Faso | 3.903 % | |
38 | Côte d'Ivoire | 3.807 % | |
39 | Gambia | 3.806 % | |
40 | Cameroon | 3.796 % | |
41 | Mozambique | 3.651 % | |
42 | Gabon | 3.64 % | |
43 | Saint Lucia | 3.632 % | |
44 | Guinea-Bissau | 3.595 % | |
45 | Madagascar | 3.516 % | |
46 | Sierra Leone | 3.403 % | |
47 | China | 3.375 % | |
48 | China, Macao SAR | 3.353 % | |
49 | Ghana | 3.35 % | |
50 | Papua New Guinea | 3.324 % | |
51 | Philippines | 3.285 % | |
52 | Comoros | 3.247 % | |
53 | Malawi | 3.182 % | |
54 | Guinea | 3.16 % | |
55 | Liberia | 3.1 % | |
56 | Iraq | 3.091 % | |
57 | Togo | 3.006 % | |
58 | Luxembourg | 2.946 % | |
59 | Algeria | 2.91 % | |
60 | Laos | 2.857 % | |
61 | Honduras | 2.839 % | |
62 | Haiti | 2.782 % | |
63 | Congo | 2.619 % | |
64 | Seychelles | 2.594 % | |
65 | Vietnam | 2.586 % | |
66 | Bhutan | 2.568 % | |
67 | Zimbabwe | 2.534 % | |
68 | State of Palestine | 2.496 % | |
69 | Kazakhstan | 2.492 % | |
70 | Paraguay | 2.477 % | |
71 | Malta | 2.475 % | |
72 | Cayman Islands | 2.434 % | |
73 | Indonesia | 2.394 % | |
74 | Kiribati | 2.394 % | |
75 | Guatemala | 2.387 % | |
76 | Malaysia | 2.36 % | |
77 | Turkmenistan | 2.317 % | |
78 | Switzerland | 2.288 % | |
79 | Vanuatu | 2.258 % | |
80 | Tajikistan | 2.239 % | |
81 | Lebanon | 2.191 % | |
82 | India | 2.176 % | |
83 | Sint Maarten (Dutch part) | 2.155 % | |
84 | Azerbaijan | 2.148 % | |
85 | Mongolia | 2.137 % | |
86 | South Africa | 2.128 % | |
87 | Kyrgyzstan | 2.12 % | |
88 | Pakistan | 2.079 % | |
89 | Iran | 2.078 % | |
90 | Bangladesh | 2.069 % | |
91 | Bolivia | 2.042 % | |
92 | Kenya | 2.04 % | |
93 | Peru | 2.004 % | |
94 | Israel | 1.969 % | |
95 | Sao Tome and Principe | 1.969 % | |
96 | Nauru | 1.954 % | |
97 | Egypt | 1.919 % | |
98 | Botswana | 1.909 % | |
99 | Djibouti | 1.904 % | |
100 | Sri Lanka | 1.887 % | |
101 | Panama | 1.846 % | |
102 | Thailand | 1.83 % | |
103 | Timor-Leste | 1.804 % | |
104 | Costa Rica | 1.776 % | |
105 | Norway | 1.769 % | |
106 | Morocco | 1.731 % | |
107 | Monaco | 1.726 % | |
108 | Nicaragua | 1.692 % | |
109 | Cabo Verde | 1.665 % | |
110 | New Zealand | 1.619 % | |
111 | Australia | 1.619 % | |
112 | Eswatini | 1.605 % | |
113 | Faroe Islands | 1.583 % | |
114 | Belize | 1.525 % | |
115 | Ecuador | 1.488 % | |
116 | Sweden | 1.473 % | |
117 | El Salvador | 1.463 % | |
118 | Libya | 1.388 % | |
119 | Mexico | 1.35 % | |
120 | Cyprus | 1.339 % | |
121 | Curaçao | 1.335 % | |
122 | Austria | 1.332 % | |
123 | Tunisia | 1.318 % | |
124 | Uzbekistan | 1.279 % | |
125 | Chile | 1.195 % | |
126 | Singapore | 1.186 % | |
127 | Iceland | 1.157 % | |
128 | Brunei Darussalam | 1.157 % | |
129 | Gibraltar | 1.151 % | |
130 | Argentina | 1.151 % | |
131 | Nepal | 1.143 % | |
132 | Myanmar | 1.139 % | |
133 | Ireland | 1.111 % | |
134 | Fiji | 1.101 % | |
135 | Brazil | 1.096 % | |
136 | Venezuela | 1.094 % | |
137 | Dominican Republic | 1.074 % | |
138 | Central African Republic | 1.037 % | |
139 | Suriname | 1.018 % | |
140 | Germany | 1.017 % | |
141 | United Kingdom | 0.953 % | |
142 | Colombia | 0.94 % | |
143 | Netherlands | 0.934 % | |
144 | Jamaica | 0.92 % | |
145 | France | 0.882 % | |
146 | North Korea | 0.863 % | |
147 | Tuvalu | 0.855 % | |
148 | Belgium | 0.854 % | |
149 | China, Hong Kong SAR | 0.851 % | |
150 | Canada | 0.804 % | |
151 | Liechtenstein | 0.797 % | |
152 | Georgia | 0.781 % | |
153 | Finland | 0.776 % | |
154 | Denmark | 0.755 % | |
155 | New Caledonia | 0.754 % | |
156 | San Marino | 0.738 % | |
157 | United States | 0.732 % | |
158 | Bahamas | 0.72 % | |
159 | Aruba | 0.691 % | |
160 | French Polynesia | 0.623 % | |
161 | Guyana | 0.612 % | |
162 | Dominica | 0.593 % | |
163 | Grenada | 0.56 % | |
164 | Belarus | 0.507 % | |
165 | Kosovo | 0.468 % | |
166 | Samoa | 0.462 % | |
167 | Uruguay | 0.442 % | |
168 | South Korea | 0.415 % | |
169 | Russia | 0.412 % | |
170 | Estonia | 0.377 % | |
171 | Antigua and Barbuda | 0.363 % | |
172 | Micronesia (Fed. States of) | 0.33 % | |
173 | Trinidad and Tobago | 0.322 % | |
174 | Montenegro | 0.292 % | |
175 | South Sudan | 0.269 % | |
176 | Barbados | 0.237 % | |
177 | Eritrea | 0.198 % | |
178 | North Macedonia | 0.185 % | |
179 | Czech Republic | 0.111 % | |
180 | Greenland | 0.108 % | |
181 | Spain | 0.076 % | |
182 | Saint Kitts and Nevis | 0.068 % | |
183 | Japan | 0.002 % | |
184 | Cuba | -0.061 % | |
185 | Serbia | -0.077 % | |
186 | United States Virgin Islands | -0.093 % | |
187 | Bermuda | -0.102 % | |
188 | Hungary | -0.107 % | |
189 | Italy | -0.109 % | |
190 | Palau | -0.119 % | |
191 | Slovakia | -0.151 % | |
192 | Mauritius | -0.164 % | |
193 | Armenia | -0.184 % | |
194 | Saint Martin (French part) | -0.217 % | |
195 | Poland | -0.228 % | |
196 | Ukraine | -0.259 % | |
197 | Saint Vincent and the Grenadines | -0.264 % | |
198 | Isle of Man | -0.325 % | |
199 | Guam | -0.351 % | |
200 | Bosnia and Herzegovina | -0.377 % | |
201 | Greece | -0.392 % | |
202 | Portugal | -0.417 % | |
203 | Republic of Moldova | -0.602 % | |
204 | Romania | -0.692 % | |
205 | Albania | -0.769 % | |
206 | Latvia | -0.778 % | |
207 | Lithuania | -0.78 % | |
208 | Tonga | -0.912 % | |
209 | Croatia | -0.974 % | |
210 | Northern Mariana Islands | -1.2 % | |
211 | Bulgaria | -1.246 % | |
212 | Puerto Rico | -1.382 % | |
213 | Marshall Islands | -1.501 % | |
214 | American Samoa | -1.538 % | |
215 | Andorra | -2.172 % | |
216 | Syrian Arab Republic | -4.604 % |
- #1
Jordan
- #2
Cambodia
- #3
Equatorial Guinea
- #4
Qatar
- #5
Burundi
- #6
Solomon Islands
- #7
Somalia
- #8
Rwanda
- #9
Uganda
- #10
British Virgin Islands
Analysis: These countries represent the highest values in this dataset, showcasing significant scale and impact on global statistics.
- #216
Syrian Arab Republic
- #215
Andorra
- #214
American Samoa
- #213
Marshall Islands
- #212
Puerto Rico
- #211
Bulgaria
- #210
Northern Mariana Islands
- #209
Croatia
- #208
Tonga
- #207
Lithuania
Context: These countries or territories have the lowest values, often due to geographic size, administrative status, or specific characteristics.
Analysis & Context
In 2015, Jordan led the world with the highest Urban Population Annual Growth Rate at 10.30%, while the global range spanned from -0.38% to 10.30%. The global average urban population growth rate stood at 2.24%, providing a benchmark for assessing urbanization trends across different regions.
Economic Drivers of Urban Growth
The urban population growth rates often reflect underlying economic conditions and opportunities within countries. In Jordan, a growth rate of 10.30% is indicative of the country's rapid urbanization, driven by an influx of migrants and refugees, particularly from neighboring conflict zones, which have spurred urban expansion. Similarly, Qatar experienced a significant urban growth rate of 8.62%, fueled by substantial investments in infrastructure and the energy sector, attracting both domestic and international migrants to urban areas.
Conversely, countries with negative growth rates, such as Bosnia and Herzegovina at -0.38%, often face economic stagnation or decline, leading to urban outmigration. Economic challenges, such as high unemployment and limited job opportunities, can result in urban depopulation as residents seek better prospects elsewhere.
Geopolitical and Social Influences
Geopolitical factors significantly impact urban population dynamics. For instance, Somalia and Burundi, with growth rates of 6.95% and 8.49% respectively, are experiencing urbanization as people move to cities seeking safety from rural conflicts and instability. Urban centers often provide relative safety and access to resources, driving population shifts even in less economically developed regions.
In contrast, Ukraine saw a slight urban population decline of -0.26%, partly attributable to geopolitical tensions and economic disruptions. Such conditions can discourage urban growth, as uncertainty and conflict lead to population displacements and hinder economic development.
Year-over-Year Trends and Movements
Analyzing year-over-year changes reveals dynamic shifts in urban growth rates. Slovenia saw the most significant increase, with a rise of 3.24% (166.0%), suggesting effective urban policies or economic rejuvenation efforts. Similarly, Saudi Arabia experienced a notable increase of 2.73% (102.7%), likely linked to strategic urban development initiatives and economic diversification efforts.
On the other hand, Lebanon experienced a drastic decrease of -8.03% (-78.6%), reflecting the impact of regional instability and economic challenges, which have led to a slowdown in urban growth. Qatar also saw a decrease of -3.03% (-26.0%), possibly due to fluctuations in migrant labor demand and economic adjustments.
Implications of Urbanization Patterns
The varied rates of urban population growth have significant implications for planning and policy. Rapid urban growth, as seen in Jordan and Cambodia with 9.23%, requires substantial investment in infrastructure, housing, and services to accommodate the increasing urban populace. Failure to address these needs can lead to urban sprawl, congestion, and inadequate living conditions.
Conversely, regions experiencing urban population decline, such as Guam and Isle of Man with rates of -0.35% and -0.33% respectively, face challenges in maintaining economic vitality and service provision. These areas may need to implement policies that attract and retain residents to ensure sustainable urban development.
Understanding these urbanization patterns is crucial for policymakers as they navigate the complexities of growth and decline, aiming to create balanced, sustainable urban environments.
Frequently Asked Questions About Urban Population Annual Growth Rate in 2015
Which country had the highest urban population annual growth rate in 2015?
Jordan had the highest urban population annual growth rate in 2015, with a rate of 10.3%.
Which country had the lowest urban population annual growth rate in 2015?
The Syrian Arab Republic had the lowest urban population annual growth rate in 2015, at -4.6%.
What was the average urban population annual growth rate across all countries in 2015?
The average urban population annual growth rate across all countries in 2015 was 1.98%.
What was the median urban population annual growth rate in 2015?
The median urban population annual growth rate in 2015 was 1.68%.
Which countries were in the top 3 for urban population annual growth rate in 2015?
The top 3 countries for urban population annual growth rate in 2015 were Jordan (10.3%), Cambodia (9.23%), and Equatorial Guinea (8.84%).
How many countries were included in the dataset for urban population annual growth rate in 2015?
The dataset for urban population annual growth rate in 2015 included 216 countries.
Insights by country
Cambodia
In 2015, Cambodia achieved a remarkable rank of #2 globally for its Urban Population Annual Growth Rate, which was 9.2346421781822 %. This rapid urbanization rate is significantly higher than the global average, indicating a strong trend towards urban living. Key drivers include the country's economic growth, particularly in sectors like tourism and manufacturing, alongside a youthful population migrating to cities for better opportunities.
El Salvador
In 2015, El Salvador had an Urban Population Annual Growth Rate of 1.46332930091099 %, ranking #117 out of 216 countries. This growth rate is relatively modest compared to other Central American nations, reflecting regional trends of urbanization. Economic factors, such as limited job opportunities in rural areas and ongoing migration to cities for better living standards, significantly drive urban population growth in El Salvador.
South Korea
In 2015, South Korea had an Urban Population Annual Growth Rate of 0.414564878860474 %, ranking #168 out of 216 countries. This growth rate is notably lower than the global average, reflecting a trend of urban saturation in developed nations. Contributing factors include rapid urbanization in previous decades, a high level of economic development, and significant investments in infrastructure that have stabilized urban populations.
Botswana
Botswana's Urban Population Annual Growth Rate was 1.90850647582917 % in 2015, ranking it #98 out of 216 countries. This growth rate is higher than that of several neighboring countries, indicating a trend towards urbanization in the region.
The key drivers behind this statistic include economic growth fueled by diamond mining and a young, rapidly urbanizing population seeking better employment opportunities in cities. Additionally, government policies have focused on infrastructure development, further facilitating urban migration.
Lithuania
In 2015, Lithuania had an Urban Population Annual Growth Rate of -0.779798413753511 %, ranking #207 out of 216 countries. This decline contrasts sharply with many European nations, where urbanization typically increases. Contributing factors include emigration trends and a declining birth rate, which have led to a stagnation in urban population growth despite ongoing urban development projects.
Afghanistan
In 2015, Afghanistan's Urban Population Annual Growth Rate was 4.24580956643691 %, ranking #29 out of 216 countries. This rate is significantly higher than the global average, reflecting rapid urbanization trends in the region. Key drivers include ongoing conflict leading to rural-to-urban migration and a young population seeking better economic opportunities in cities.
Solomon Islands
In 2015, the Solomon Islands achieved a remarkable rank of #6 globally for its Urban Population Annual Growth Rate, which stood at 7.03037616272345 %. This growth rate is significantly higher than many neighboring Pacific nations, reflecting a trend towards urbanization that is not as pronounced in the region. Key drivers include a youthful demographic and economic opportunities in urban centers, which are attracting residents from rural areas seeking better livelihoods.
Ecuador
In 2015, Ecuador's Urban Population Annual Growth Rate was 1.48803809763377 %, ranking #115 out of 216 countries. This growth rate is slightly below the global average, indicating a moderate pace of urbanization compared to faster-growing urban centers worldwide. Contributing factors include Ecuador's diverse geography, which influences migration patterns, and ongoing economic development that attracts rural populations to urban areas in search of better opportunities.
Fiji
In 2015, Fiji had an Urban Population Annual Growth Rate of 1.10098664904739 %, ranking #134 out of 216 countries. This growth rate is modest compared to regional neighbors, reflecting ongoing urbanization trends across the Pacific. Key drivers for this growth include increasing economic opportunities in urban areas and a shift in population from rural to urban settings, influenced by factors such as tourism and infrastructure development.
India
In 2015, India recorded an Urban Population Annual Growth Rate of 2.17617533145353 %, ranking #82 out of 216 countries. This growth rate is indicative of a broader trend in South Asia, where urbanization is rapidly increasing, though it remains below the rates of some neighboring countries like Bangladesh. Key drivers for India's urban population growth include significant rural-to-urban migration spurred by economic opportunities, as well as ongoing infrastructural developments in major cities.
Data Source
Urban population growth (annual %) - World Bank Open Data
The World Bank Open Data provides comprehensive datasets on various aspects of global development, including urban population growth rates. The "Urban population growth (annual %)" indicator offers country-level statistics reflecting the annual percentage change in the urban population, based on the total population.
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