Urban Population Annual Growth Rate 2016
Urban population annual growth rate measures the year-over-year percentage increase in a country's urban population.
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Complete Data Rankings
Rank | Actions | ||
|---|---|---|---|
1 | Cambodia | 9.168 % | |
2 | Somalia | 8.484 % | |
3 | Burundi | 7.988 % | |
4 | Rwanda | 7.334 % | |
5 | Solomon Islands | 7.024 % | |
6 | Uganda | 6.154 % | |
7 | Qatar | 5.548 % | |
8 | Jordan | 5.471 % | |
9 | Mali | 5.461 % | |
10 | Mauritania | 5.389 % | |
11 | Oman | 5.385 % | |
12 | Lesotho | 5.293 % | |
13 | Tanzania | 5.159 % | |
14 | United Arab Emirates | 5.145 % | |
15 | Ethiopia | 4.868 % | |
16 | Turks and Caicos Islands | 4.863 % | |
17 | Angola | 4.803 % | |
18 | Yemen | 4.725 % | |
19 | Senegal | 4.651 % | |
20 | Chad | 4.493 % | |
21 | Congo, Democratic Republic of the | 4.469 % | |
22 | Maldives | 4.455 % | |
23 | Benin | 4.37 % | |
24 | Kuwait | 4.326 % | |
25 | Saint Lucia | 4.32 % | |
26 | Niger | 4.202 % | |
27 | Namibia | 4.148 % | |
28 | Equatorial Guinea | 4.101 % | |
29 | Zambia | 4.016 % | |
30 | Saudi Arabia | 3.953 % | |
31 | Nigeria | 3.912 % | |
32 | Côte d'Ivoire | 3.827 % | |
33 | Bahrain | 3.823 % | |
34 | Burkina Faso | 3.703 % | |
35 | Mozambique | 3.689 % | |
36 | Gambia | 3.668 % | |
37 | Laos | 3.663 % | |
38 | Cameroon | 3.628 % | |
39 | Guinea-Bissau | 3.525 % | |
40 | Sierra Leone | 3.483 % | |
41 | Madagascar | 3.47 % | |
42 | Papua New Guinea | 3.455 % | |
43 | Gabon | 3.385 % | |
44 | Guinea | 3.342 % | |
45 | Afghanistan | 3.325 % | |
46 | Sudan | 3.323 % | |
47 | Ghana | 3.286 % | |
48 | Comoros | 3.221 % | |
49 | China | 3.173 % | |
50 | Malawi | 3.141 % | |
51 | Liberia | 3.073 % | |
52 | Kiribati | 3.004 % | |
53 | Zimbabwe | 2.922 % | |
54 | Algeria | 2.896 % | |
55 | Togo | 2.896 % | |
56 | Philippines | 2.81 % | |
57 | Honduras | 2.8 % | |
58 | Central African Republic | 2.797 % | |
59 | Luxembourg | 2.754 % | |
60 | Haiti | 2.714 % | |
61 | Vietnam | 2.69 % | |
62 | Paraguay | 2.671 % | |
63 | Kazakhstan | 2.662 % | |
64 | Congo | 2.605 % | |
65 | Bhutan | 2.532 % | |
66 | Switzerland | 2.495 % | |
67 | Thailand | 2.408 % | |
68 | State of Palestine | 2.386 % | |
69 | Iraq | 2.38 % | |
70 | Turkey | 2.355 % | |
71 | Malaysia | 2.338 % | |
72 | Cayman Islands | 2.338 % | |
73 | Malta | 2.332 % | |
74 | Turkmenistan | 2.321 % | |
75 | Indonesia | 2.272 % | |
76 | Guatemala | 2.253 % | |
77 | Vanuatu | 2.236 % | |
78 | Peru | 2.223 % | |
79 | Azerbaijan | 2.201 % | |
80 | India | 2.163 % | |
81 | Iran | 2.145 % | |
82 | Tajikistan | 2.129 % | |
83 | Sri Lanka | 2.079 % | |
84 | Kyrgyzstan | 2.075 % | |
85 | Sint Maarten (Dutch part) | 2.055 % | |
86 | Bangladesh | 2.023 % | |
87 | Pakistan | 2.018 % | |
88 | Bolivia | 1.998 % | |
89 | Mongolia | 1.995 % | |
90 | Israel | 1.944 % | |
91 | Kenya | 1.944 % | |
92 | Djibouti | 1.886 % | |
93 | Sao Tome and Principe | 1.876 % | |
94 | Botswana | 1.854 % | |
95 | Egypt | 1.836 % | |
96 | Panama | 1.833 % | |
97 | Nauru | 1.773 % | |
98 | Seychelles | 1.77 % | |
99 | Belize | 1.741 % | |
100 | Morocco | 1.727 % | |
101 | Australia | 1.722 % | |
102 | Uzbekistan | 1.721 % | |
103 | Timor-Leste | 1.708 % | |
104 | Cabo Verde | 1.707 % | |
105 | Costa Rica | 1.705 % | |
106 | New Zealand | 1.704 % | |
107 | Eswatini | 1.703 % | |
108 | Sweden | 1.699 % | |
109 | Nicaragua | 1.672 % | |
110 | Faroe Islands | 1.612 % | |
111 | Kosovo | 1.533 % | |
112 | Libya | 1.524 % | |
113 | Ecuador | 1.509 % | |
114 | China, Macao SAR | 1.482 % | |
115 | Iceland | 1.446 % | |
116 | Norway | 1.424 % | |
117 | Ireland | 1.418 % | |
118 | Monaco | 1.402 % | |
119 | Chile | 1.398 % | |
120 | Gibraltar | 1.391 % | |
121 | Tunisia | 1.37 % | |
122 | France | 1.337 % | |
123 | Austria | 1.324 % | |
124 | Cyprus | 1.318 % | |
125 | Singapore | 1.297 % | |
126 | Mexico | 1.293 % | |
127 | El Salvador | 1.277 % | |
128 | Canada | 1.2 % | |
129 | Brunei Darussalam | 1.171 % | |
130 | Myanmar | 1.116 % | |
131 | Curaçao | 1.075 % | |
132 | Argentina | 1.071 % | |
133 | Fiji | 1.066 % | |
134 | Brazil | 1.059 % | |
135 | South Africa | 1.044 % | |
136 | Colombia | 1.042 % | |
137 | United Kingdom | 1.037 % | |
138 | Dominican Republic | 0.994 % | |
139 | Nepal | 0.993 % | |
140 | Suriname | 0.987 % | |
141 | Germany | 0.977 % | |
142 | Jamaica | 0.895 % | |
143 | North Korea | 0.876 % | |
144 | Netherlands | 0.866 % | |
145 | Belgium | 0.772 % | |
146 | Liechtenstein | 0.772 % | |
147 | Denmark | 0.751 % | |
148 | Finland | 0.722 % | |
149 | United States | 0.695 % | |
150 | Venezuela | 0.667 % | |
151 | Tuvalu | 0.648 % | |
152 | Guyana | 0.64 % | |
153 | China, Hong Kong SAR | 0.619 % | |
154 | San Marino | 0.618 % | |
155 | Georgia | 0.613 % | |
156 | Bahamas | 0.605 % | |
157 | French Polynesia | 0.531 % | |
158 | Grenada | 0.504 % | |
159 | Eritrea | 0.43 % | |
160 | Uruguay | 0.416 % | |
161 | Aruba | 0.407 % | |
162 | Russia | 0.386 % | |
163 | Estonia | 0.385 % | |
164 | Belarus | 0.374 % | |
165 | Micronesia (Fed. States of) | 0.37 % | |
166 | Greenland | 0.337 % | |
167 | Antigua and Barbuda | 0.322 % | |
168 | Trinidad and Tobago | 0.315 % | |
169 | South Korea | 0.294 % | |
170 | Samoa | 0.286 % | |
171 | Montenegro | 0.254 % | |
172 | Barbados | 0.228 % | |
173 | Spain | 0.224 % | |
174 | North Macedonia | 0.207 % | |
175 | New Caledonia | 0.183 % | |
176 | Czech Republic | 0.106 % | |
177 | Saint Kitts and Nevis | 0.068 % | |
178 | Japan | 0.059 % | |
179 | Slovenia | 0.047 % | |
180 | Andorra | -0.008 % | |
181 | Bermuda | -0.024 % | |
182 | Cuba | -0.03 % | |
183 | Slovakia | -0.113 % | |
184 | Serbia | -0.115 % | |
185 | Isle of Man | -0.122 % | |
186 | United States Virgin Islands | -0.126 % | |
187 | Greece | -0.167 % | |
188 | Palau | -0.196 % | |
189 | Poland | -0.202 % | |
190 | Italy | -0.209 % | |
191 | Mauritius | -0.217 % | |
192 | Armenia | -0.255 % | |
193 | Ukraine | -0.293 % | |
194 | Saint Vincent and the Grenadines | -0.301 % | |
195 | Portugal | -0.321 % | |
196 | Bosnia and Herzegovina | -0.353 % | |
197 | Hungary | -0.405 % | |
198 | Guam | -0.408 % | |
199 | British Virgin Islands | -0.423 % | |
200 | Saint Martin (French part) | -0.52 % | |
201 | Dominica | -0.601 % | |
202 | Albania | -0.792 % | |
203 | Croatia | -0.82 % | |
204 | Romania | -0.861 % | |
205 | Latvia | -0.864 % | |
206 | Tonga | -1.039 % | |
207 | Republic of Moldova | -1.057 % | |
208 | South Sudan | -1.117 % | |
209 | Bulgaria | -1.2 % | |
210 | Lithuania | -1.225 % | |
211 | Northern Mariana Islands | -1.368 % | |
212 | Puerto Rico | -1.534 % | |
213 | American Samoa | -1.658 % | |
214 | Marshall Islands | -1.756 % | |
215 | Syrian Arab Republic | -1.989 % | |
216 | Lebanon | -2.097 % |
Analysis: These countries represent the highest values in this dataset, showcasing significant scale and impact on global statistics.
- #216
Lebanon
- #215
Syrian Arab Republic
- #214
Marshall Islands
- #213
American Samoa
- #212
Puerto Rico
- #211
Northern Mariana Islands
- #210
Lithuania
- #209
Bulgaria
- #208
South Sudan
- #207
Republic of Moldova
Context: These countries or territories have the lowest values, often due to geographic size, administrative status, or specific characteristics.
Analysis & Context
In 2016, Cambodia had the highest Urban Population Annual Growth Rate at 9.17%, while the global range spanned from a minimum of -0.52% to a maximum of 9.17%. The global context for this year shows an average growth rate of 2.07%, with a median value of 1.73%.
Drivers of Urban Population Growth
The dynamics behind urban population growth rates are influenced by diverse factors including economic development, migration trends, and governmental policies. In countries like Cambodia (9.17%) and Somalia (8.48%), rapid urbanization is often driven by economic opportunities in urban centers that attract rural populations. Burundi (7.99%) and Rwanda (7.33%) also exhibit high growth rates, which can be attributed to their post-conflict rebuilding efforts that focus on urban infrastructure and services.
In contrast, countries with slower or negative growth, such as Saint Martin (French part) (-0.52%) and the British Virgin Islands (-0.42%), may experience population decline due to factors like natural disasters or limited economic opportunities that push residents to emigrate. Additionally, Hungary (-0.40%) and Portugal (-0.32%) face demographic challenges including low birth rates and high emigration rates, contributing to slower urban growth.
Urbanization and Economic Impacts
Economic conditions significantly influence urban growth rates. In Qatar (5.55%) and Jordan (5.47%), rapid urbanization is linked to economic expansion driven by sectors such as construction and services, attracting both domestic and international migrants. Similarly, Uganda (6.15%) and Mali (5.46%) are experiencing urban growth as a result of economic policies that focus on urban development and job creation.
Conversely, countries like Ukraine (-0.29%) and Armenia (-0.26%) struggle with economic stagnation and geopolitical tensions, which deter urban growth and even lead to urban population decline as citizens seek opportunities abroad.
Year-over-Year Changes and Significant Movements
Analyzing year-over-year changes reveals significant fluctuations in urban growth rates. The Central African Republic saw the largest increase of 1.76%, a staggering 169.8% rise from its previous rate, likely reflecting recovery from civil unrest and increased urban investment. Somalia also experienced a notable rise of 1.54% (22.1%), indicating ongoing urbanization despite challenges like political instability.
On the other hand, the British Virgin Islands faced the most significant decrease, plummeting by -6.35% (-107.1%), possibly due to natural disasters or economic downturns. Slovenia and Jordan also saw substantial declines of -5.15% (-99.1%) and -4.83% (-46.9%), respectively, highlighting the volatility that can affect urban growth rates.
Policy and Urban Planning Implications
The disparities in urban growth rates underscore the critical role of policy and urban planning. Countries like Rwanda (7.33%) have leveraged urban planning to enhance infrastructure and service delivery, contributing to their high growth rates. Meanwhile, Mauritania (5.39%) benefits from policies aimed at decentralizing economic activities to reduce pressure on urban areas while encouraging balanced growth.
In contrast, countries with declining urban populations, such as Mauritius (-0.22%), must address challenges like aging populations and emigration. Effective urban policies that focus on economic revitalization and sustainable development are essential to reverse such trends and stimulate urban growth.
Frequently Asked Questions About Urban Population Annual Growth Rate in 2016
Which country had the highest urban population annual growth rate in 2016?
Cambodia had the highest urban population annual growth rate in 2016, with a rate of 9.17%.
Which country had the lowest urban population annual growth rate in 2016?
Lebanon had the lowest urban population annual growth rate in 2016, with a rate of -2.1%.
What was the average urban population annual growth rate across all countries in 2016?
The average urban population annual growth rate across all countries in 2016 was 1.82%.
What was the median urban population annual growth rate in 2016?
The median urban population annual growth rate in 2016 was 1.69%.
Which countries were in the top 3 for urban population annual growth rate in 2016?
The top 3 countries for urban population annual growth rate in 2016 were Cambodia with 9.17%, Somalia with 8.48%, and Burundi with 7.99%.
How many countries are included in the dataset for urban population annual growth rate in 2016?
The dataset includes 216 countries for urban population annual growth rate in 2016.
Insights by country
Algeria
In 2016, Algeria ranked #54 globally with an Urban Population Annual Growth Rate of 2.89623687610993 %. This growth rate is notably higher than many neighboring countries, reflecting a trend towards urbanization in the region. Key drivers include rapid urban migration fueled by economic opportunities in cities and a youthful population seeking better living standards.
Dominican Republic
In 2016, the Dominican Republic had an Urban Population Annual Growth Rate of 0.994406855820273 %, ranking #138 out of 216 countries. This growth rate is slightly below the average urban growth rates seen in the Caribbean region, indicating a moderate pace of urbanization compared to its neighbors. Key drivers of this growth include ongoing economic development and rural-to-urban migration as people seek better employment opportunities in cities.
Czech Republic
The Czech Republic ranked #176 globally with an Urban Population Annual Growth Rate of 0.106479713972685 % in 2016. This growth rate is notably lower compared to many neighboring countries, reflecting a broader trend of urbanization across Central Europe. Contributing factors include a stable economy and a relatively high standard of living, which tend to reduce the urgency for rural migration to urban areas. Additionally, the country's strong infrastructure and public services in cities may lead to a more balanced population distribution.
Central African Republic
In 2016, the Central African Republic had an Urban Population Annual Growth Rate of 2.79711059597392 %, ranking #58 out of 216 countries. This growth rate is notable compared to many neighboring countries, reflecting a trend of urbanization across the region. Key drivers include ongoing internal displacement due to conflict, which has led many to seek refuge in urban areas, and a young population that is increasingly migrating to cities for better economic opportunities.
Cabo Verde
Cabo Verde ranked #104 globally with an Urban Population Annual Growth Rate of 1.70726295941253 % in 2016. This growth rate is notable when compared to the global average, reflecting a trend of increasing urbanization in many developing nations.
The primary drivers of this urban growth in Cabo Verde include ongoing economic development, particularly in tourism and services, as well as a young population migrating towards urban centers for better opportunities. Additionally, the country's geographic constraints encourage urban concentration, as its islands limit the availability of land for expansion.
Cayman Islands
In 2016, the Cayman Islands achieved a global rank of #72 with an Urban Population Annual Growth Rate of 2.33773131582921 %. This growth rate is notable when compared to the global average, indicating a trend towards urbanization in the region. Key drivers include the islands' robust tourism sector and financial services industry, which attract both expatriates and locals to urban centers.
Saint Martin (French part)
In 2016, Saint Martin (French part) had an Urban Population Annual Growth Rate of -0.520499136043373 %, ranking #200 out of 216 countries. This negative growth contrasts sharply with many Caribbean nations that typically experience urbanization trends driven by tourism and economic opportunities. Contributing factors to this decline include the island's limited economic diversification and the aftermath of natural disasters, which have impacted both population stability and urban infrastructure.
Niger
Niger's Urban Population Annual Growth Rate in 2016 was 4.20199301063325 %, ranking the country #26 out of 216 countries. This growth rate is significantly higher than the global average, reflecting a trend of rapid urbanization in the region. Key drivers include economic opportunities in urban areas, as well as a young and growing population seeking better living conditions and services.
Liechtenstein
In 2016, Liechtenstein had an Urban Population Annual Growth Rate of 0.77206265860395 %, ranking #146 out of 216 countries. This growth rate is relatively modest compared to its neighbor Switzerland, which has a higher urbanization pace. The slow urban growth in Liechtenstein can be attributed to its small geographic size and stable population, as well as a strong emphasis on maintaining its rural character and quality of life.
Lithuania
In 2016, Lithuania had an Urban Population Annual Growth Rate of -1.22509915810133 %, ranking #210 out of 216 countries. This decline contrasts sharply with many neighboring countries in the Baltic region, which have seen stable urban growth. Contributing factors include a shrinking population due to emigration and low birth rates, as well as economic challenges that have hindered urban development initiatives.
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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