Urban Population Annual Growth Rate 2017

Urban population annual growth rate measures the year-over-year percentage increase in a country's urban population.

216 data points••Global Coverage•Urban population growth (annual %) - World Bank Open Data•

Interactive Map

Loading interactive map...

Complete Data Rankings

Rank
Actions
1
Somalia flag
Somalia
9.017 %
2
Cambodia flag
Cambodia
8.901 %
3
Burundi flag
Burundi
8.593 %
4
Rwanda flag
Rwanda
8.069 %
5
Solomon Islands flag
Solomon Islands
6.978 %
6
Uganda flag
Uganda
6.249 %
7
Mali flag
Mali
5.497 %
8
Mauritania flag
Mauritania
5.375 %
9
Bahrain flag
Bahrain
5.293 %
10
Tanzania flag
Tanzania
5.031 %
11
Saint Lucia flag
Saint Lucia
4.939 %
12
Ethiopia flag
Ethiopia
4.876 %
13
Yemen flag
Yemen
4.839 %
14
Chad flag
Chad
4.807 %
15
Angola flag
Angola
4.755 %
16
Senegal flag
Senegal
4.737 %
17
Congo, Democratic Republic of the flag
Congo, Democratic Republic of the
4.572 %
18
Turks and Caicos Islands flag
Turks and Caicos Islands
4.378 %
19
Benin flag
Benin
4.34 %
20
Maldives flag
Maldives
4.273 %
21
Niger flag
Niger
4.252 %
22
Namibia flag
Namibia
4.108 %
23
Lesotho flag
Lesotho
4.079 %
24
Oman flag
Oman
4.003 %
25
Zambia flag
Zambia
3.973 %
26
Equatorial Guinea flag
Equatorial Guinea
3.961 %
27
Nigeria flag
Nigeria
3.85 %
28
Kiribati flag
Kiribati
3.802 %
29
Côte d'Ivoire flag
Côte d'Ivoire
3.755 %
30
Sudan flag
Sudan
3.754 %
31
Mozambique flag
Mozambique
3.744 %
32
Kuwait flag
Kuwait
3.695 %
33
Papua New Guinea flag
Papua New Guinea
3.58 %
34
Laos flag
Laos
3.574 %
35
Sierra Leone flag
Sierra Leone
3.546 %
36
Gambia flag
Gambia
3.534 %
37
Afghanistan flag
Afghanistan
3.521 %
38
Cameroon flag
Cameroon
3.456 %
39
Burkina Faso flag
Burkina Faso
3.453 %
40
Madagascar flag
Madagascar
3.44 %
41
Guinea-Bissau flag
Guinea-Bissau
3.44 %
42
United Arab Emirates flag
United Arab Emirates
3.383 %
43
Guinea flag
Guinea
3.326 %
44
Zimbabwe flag
Zimbabwe
3.25 %
45
Thailand flag
Thailand
3.206 %
46
Comoros flag
Comoros
3.186 %
47
Gabon flag
Gabon
3.173 %
48
Ghana flag
Ghana
3.173 %
49
Kosovo flag
Kosovo
3.127 %
50
Malawi flag
Malawi
3.109 %
51
Luxembourg flag
Luxembourg
3.042 %
52
Slovenia flag
Slovenia
3 %
53
Liberia flag
Liberia
2.966 %
54
China flag
China
2.957 %
55
Algeria flag
Algeria
2.859 %
56
Malta flag
Malta
2.829 %
57
Paraguay flag
Paraguay
2.814 %
58
Kazakhstan flag
Kazakhstan
2.803 %
59
Vietnam flag
Vietnam
2.8 %
60
Qatar flag
Qatar
2.782 %
61
Togo flag
Togo
2.772 %
62
Honduras flag
Honduras
2.759 %
63
Central African Republic flag
Central African Republic
2.749 %
64
Haiti flag
Haiti
2.646 %
65
Philippines flag
Philippines
2.608 %
66
Jordan flag
Jordan
2.597 %
67
Congo flag
Congo
2.593 %
68
Switzerland flag
Switzerland
2.537 %
69
Bhutan flag
Bhutan
2.432 %
70
Peru flag
Peru
2.419 %
71
Iceland flag
Iceland
2.335 %
72
Turkmenistan flag
Turkmenistan
2.308 %
73
Malaysia flag
Malaysia
2.273 %
74
Cayman Islands flag
Cayman Islands
2.249 %
75
Indonesia flag
Indonesia
2.207 %
76
Iraq flag
Iraq
2.205 %
77
Azerbaijan flag
Azerbaijan
2.186 %
78
Pakistan flag
Pakistan
2.173 %
79
San Marino flag
San Marino
2.164 %
80
Andorra flag
Andorra
2.163 %
81
Iran flag
Iran
2.142 %
82
India flag
India
2.122 %
83
Tajikistan flag
Tajikistan
2.08 %
84
Guatemala flag
Guatemala
2.077 %
85
Sri Lanka flag
Sri Lanka
2.067 %
86
State of Palestine flag
State of Palestine
2.036 %
87
Bolivia flag
Bolivia
1.953 %
88
Kyrgyzstan flag
Kyrgyzstan
1.952 %
89
Bangladesh flag
Bangladesh
1.937 %
90
Sint Maarten (Dutch part) flag
Sint Maarten (Dutch part)
1.934 %
91
Vanuatu flag
Vanuatu
1.925 %
92
Eswatini flag
Eswatini
1.925 %
93
Israel flag
Israel
1.918 %
94
Djibouti flag
Djibouti
1.88 %
95
Mongolia flag
Mongolia
1.85 %
96
Egypt flag
Egypt
1.828 %
97
Kenya flag
Kenya
1.82 %
98
Panama flag
Panama
1.806 %
99
Botswana flag
Botswana
1.801 %
100
Sao Tome and Principe flag
Sao Tome and Principe
1.79 %
101
Chile flag
Chile
1.777 %
102
Australia flag
Australia
1.775 %
103
Cabo Verde flag
Cabo Verde
1.763 %
104
Uzbekistan flag
Uzbekistan
1.737 %
105
Gibraltar flag
Gibraltar
1.729 %
106
Seychelles flag
Seychelles
1.72 %
107
Belize flag
Belize
1.716 %
108
Morocco flag
Morocco
1.708 %
109
Nicaragua flag
Nicaragua
1.65 %
110
Ireland flag
Ireland
1.637 %
111
Sweden flag
Sweden
1.62 %
112
Costa Rica flag
Costa Rica
1.619 %
113
Libya flag
Libya
1.596 %
114
Timor-Leste flag
Timor-Leste
1.593 %
115
Ecuador flag
Ecuador
1.574 %
116
Nauru flag
Nauru
1.548 %
117
Colombia flag
Colombia
1.479 %
118
Faroe Islands flag
Faroe Islands
1.472 %
119
New Zealand flag
New Zealand
1.471 %
120
Tunisia flag
Tunisia
1.382 %
121
Canada flag
Canada
1.318 %
122
Mexico flag
Mexico
1.296 %
123
Cyprus flag
Cyprus
1.271 %
124
Turkey flag
Turkey
1.217 %
125
Netherlands flag
Netherlands
1.187 %
126
El Salvador flag
El Salvador
1.176 %
127
Brunei Darussalam flag
Brunei Darussalam
1.165 %
128
Norway flag
Norway
1.162 %
129
Myanmar flag
Myanmar
1.081 %
130
Monaco flag
Monaco
1.073 %
131
Brazil flag
Brazil
1.018 %
132
Denmark flag
Denmark
1.003 %
133
Argentina flag
Argentina
0.982 %
134
Fiji flag
Fiji
0.979 %
135
Austria flag
Austria
0.965 %
136
Suriname flag
Suriname
0.951 %
137
Dominican Republic flag
Dominican Republic
0.92 %
138
Liechtenstein flag
Liechtenstein
0.893 %
139
North Korea flag
North Korea
0.873 %
140
Jamaica flag
Jamaica
0.865 %
141
United Kingdom flag
United Kingdom
0.797 %
142
China, Hong Kong SAR flag
China, Hong Kong SAR
0.769 %
143
South Africa flag
South Africa
0.742 %
144
Finland flag
Finland
0.709 %
145
Guyana flag
Guyana
0.662 %
146
Belgium flag
Belgium
0.642 %
147
Nepal flag
Nepal
0.639 %
148
Eritrea flag
Eritrea
0.584 %
149
United States flag
United States
0.574 %
150
Germany flag
Germany
0.558 %
151
Georgia flag
Georgia
0.534 %
152
Estonia flag
Estonia
0.512 %
153
Bahamas flag
Bahamas
0.506 %
154
Micronesia (Fed. States of) flag
Micronesia (Fed. States of)
0.422 %
155
Grenada flag
Grenada
0.398 %
156
Spain flag
Spain
0.375 %
157
France flag
France
0.35 %
158
French Polynesia flag
French Polynesia
0.35 %
159
Uruguay flag
Uruguay
0.344 %
160
Curaçao flag
Curaçao
0.333 %
161
Russia flag
Russia
0.312 %
162
Saudi Arabia flag
Saudi Arabia
0.281 %
163
Antigua and Barbuda flag
Antigua and Barbuda
0.254 %
164
Montenegro flag
Montenegro
0.238 %
165
Tuvalu flag
Tuvalu
0.23 %
166
Barbados flag
Barbados
0.218 %
167
Trinidad and Tobago flag
Trinidad and Tobago
0.205 %
168
North Macedonia flag
North Macedonia
0.204 %
169
Isle of Man flag
Isle of Man
0.204 %
170
Bermuda flag
Bermuda
0.203 %
171
Czech Republic flag
Czech Republic
0.18 %
172
South Korea flag
South Korea
0.177 %
173
Greenland flag
Greenland
0.167 %
174
New Caledonia flag
New Caledonia
0.16 %
175
Belarus flag
Belarus
0.118 %
176
Samoa flag
Samoa
0.092 %
177
Singapore flag
Singapore
0.089 %
178
Saint Kitts and Nevis flag
Saint Kitts and Nevis
0.068 %
179
Greece flag
Greece
0.03 %
180
Japan flag
Japan
0.023 %
181
Slovakia flag
Slovakia
-0.082 %
182
Cuba flag
Cuba
-0.095 %
183
Serbia flag
Serbia
-0.142 %
184
Poland flag
Poland
-0.144 %
185
United States Virgin Islands flag
United States Virgin Islands
-0.174 %
186
Mauritius flag
Mauritius
-0.183 %
187
Armenia flag
Armenia
-0.247 %
188
Portugal flag
Portugal
-0.251 %
189
Palau flag
Palau
-0.267 %
190
Italy flag
Italy
-0.301 %
191
Bosnia and Herzegovina flag
Bosnia and Herzegovina
-0.317 %
192
Ukraine flag
Ukraine
-0.32 %
193
Aruba flag
Aruba
-0.36 %
194
Hungary flag
Hungary
-0.366 %
195
Saint Vincent and the Grenadines flag
Saint Vincent and the Grenadines
-0.376 %
196
Guam flag
Guam
-0.453 %
197
Venezuela flag
Venezuela
-0.612 %
198
China, Macao SAR flag
China, Macao SAR
-0.63 %
199
Syrian Arab Republic flag
Syrian Arab Republic
-0.66 %
200
Albania flag
Albania
-0.815 %
201
Latvia flag
Latvia
-0.827 %
202
Tonga flag
Tonga
-0.839 %
203
Saint Martin (French part) flag
Saint Martin (French part)
-0.913 %
204
Romania flag
Romania
-0.93 %
205
Bulgaria flag
Bulgaria
-1.03 %
206
Dominica flag
Dominica
-1.055 %
207
Republic of Moldova flag
Republic of Moldova
-1.134 %
208
Croatia flag
Croatia
-1.299 %
209
Lithuania flag
Lithuania
-1.344 %
210
Northern Mariana Islands flag
Northern Mariana Islands
-1.535 %
211
American Samoa flag
American Samoa
-1.741 %
212
Puerto Rico flag
Puerto Rico
-1.985 %
213
Marshall Islands flag
Marshall Islands
-2.012 %
214
British Virgin Islands flag
British Virgin Islands
-2.128 %
215
Lebanon flag
Lebanon
-2.368 %
216
South Sudan flag
South Sudan
-4 %

↑Top 10 Countries

  1. #1Somalia flagSomalia
  2. #2Cambodia flagCambodia
  3. #3Burundi flagBurundi
  4. #4Rwanda flagRwanda
  5. #5Solomon Islands flagSolomon Islands
  6. #6Uganda flagUganda
  7. #7Mali flagMali
  8. #8Mauritania flagMauritania
  9. #9Bahrain flagBahrain
  10. #10Tanzania flagTanzania

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

↓Bottom 10 Countries

  1. #216South Sudan flagSouth Sudan
  2. #215Lebanon flagLebanon
  3. #214British Virgin Islands flagBritish Virgin Islands
  4. #213Marshall Islands flagMarshall Islands
  5. #212Puerto Rico flagPuerto Rico
  6. #211American Samoa flagAmerican Samoa
  7. #210Northern Mariana Islands flagNorthern Mariana Islands
  8. #209Lithuania flagLithuania
  9. #208Croatia flagCroatia
  10. #207Republic of Moldova flagRepublic of Moldova

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

Analysis & Context

In 2017, Somalia led the world with the highest Urban Population Annual Growth Rate at 9.02%, while the global range spanned from a low of -0.81% to this peak. The global average growth rate for urban populations stood at 2.00% during this year, highlighting varying trends across different regions and economies.

Drivers of Urban Population Growth

The urban population growth in 2017 was driven by a combination of economic expansion, rural-to-urban migration, and demographic trends. In countries like Somalia and Cambodia, with growth rates of 9.02% and 8.90% respectively, the surge can be attributed to rapid urbanization efforts and population movements from rural to urban areas in search of better economic opportunities. Burundi and Rwanda, with growth rates of 8.59% and 8.07%, also reflect similar patterns where urban centers offer more robust economic prospects and improved living conditions compared to rural areas.

In contrast, smaller island nations like the Solomon Islands, which experienced a growth rate of 6.98%, often see urban growth driven by limited land availability and concentrated economic activities in urban centers. Such demographic shifts underscore the importance of urban planning and infrastructure development to accommodate growing urban populations.

Challenges of Negative Urban Growth

While some countries experienced high urban growth, others faced challenges with negative growth rates. Albania, with a rate of -0.81%, and the Syrian Arab Republic at -0.66%, illustrate situations where urban populations declined. Such decreases are often linked to economic downturns, political instability, or conflict, leading to out-migration and a shrinking urban workforce. In the case of China, Macao SAR and Venezuela, with rates of -0.63% and -0.61% respectively, economic challenges and political factors have contributed to the decline in urban populations.

This trend poses significant challenges for urban planning and economic sustainability, as a shrinking population can lead to a reduced labor force, less economic activity, and underutilization of urban infrastructure.

Significant Year-Over-Year Changes

Analyzing year-over-year changes reveals significant shifts in urban growth dynamics. Slovenia saw the most substantial increase, with a rise of 2.95%, representing a 6253.3% increase compared to the previous year. This dramatic rise can be attributed to economic improvements and policy changes that encouraged urban migration. Other notable increases include Andorra and Kosovo, with growths of 2.17% and 1.59% respectively, reflecting improved economic conditions and urban development policies.

Conversely, significant decreases were noted in countries like Saudi Arabia and Jordan, where urban growth rates fell by 3.67% and 2.87% respectively. Such declines often result from economic slowdowns, changes in migration patterns, or adjustments in government policies impacting urban areas. These year-over-year changes highlight the fluid nature of urban population dynamics and the impact of both internal and external factors on urban growth.

Implications for Urban Planning and Policy

The diverse patterns of urban population growth in 2017 underscore the need for tailored urban planning and policy responses. Countries experiencing rapid urban growth, such as Somalia and Uganda with its 6.25% growth rate, must focus on developing infrastructure, housing, and services to accommodate expanding populations. Effective policy-making must prioritize sustainable development, economic opportunities, and environmental considerations to enhance urban living conditions.

For countries facing negative growth, like Albania and Ukraine with a rate of -0.32%, strategies should aim at revitalizing urban areas, attracting investment, and creating economic incentives to retain and attract populations. Understanding these dynamics is crucial for governments and urban planners to address the challenges and leverage opportunities presented by changing urban populations.

Frequently Asked Questions About Urban Population Annual Growth Rate in 2017

Which country had the highest urban population growth rate in 2017?

Somalia had the highest urban population growth rate in 2017, with a rate of 9.02%.

What was the lowest urban population growth rate recorded in 2017?

The lowest urban population growth rate in 2017 was in South Sudan, with a rate of -4%.

What was the average urban population growth rate across all countries in 2017?

The average urban population growth rate across all countries in 2017 was 1.74%.

Which countries were in the top 3 for urban population growth rate in 2017?

The top 3 countries for urban population growth rate in 2017 were Somalia with 9.02%, Cambodia with 8.9%, and Burundi with 8.59%.

What was the median urban population growth rate among countries in 2017?

The median urban population growth rate among countries in 2017 was 1.68%.

How many countries were included in the dataset for urban population growth rate in 2017?

The dataset for urban population growth rate in 2017 included 216 countries.

Insights by country

1

Eritrea

Eritrea's Urban Population Annual Growth Rate in 2017 was 0.584382543587525 %, ranking it #148 out of 216 countries. This growth rate is relatively low compared to many neighboring countries, highlighting a slower urbanization process in the region.

Key drivers include Eritrea's ongoing economic challenges and a significant portion of the population residing in rural areas, which limits urban migration. Additionally, government policies have historically focused on agricultural development rather than urban expansion.

2

Djibouti

In 2017, Djibouti had an Urban Population Annual Growth Rate of 1.88013395579821 %, ranking #94 out of 216 countries. This growth rate is indicative of urbanization trends in the region, as it is lower than many neighboring countries in the Horn of Africa. The increase is driven by factors such as Djibouti's strategic location as a trade hub and ongoing investments in infrastructure, which attract people to urban centers for better economic opportunities.

3

Finland

In 2017, Finland's Urban Population Annual Growth Rate was 0.708952212929987 %, ranking #144 out of 216 countries. This growth rate is lower than the global average, indicating a relatively stable urbanization trend compared to faster-growing regions. Contributing factors include Finland's high standard of living and effective urban planning policies, which promote sustainable development while managing population density.

4

Uganda

In 2017, Uganda achieved a remarkable Urban Population Annual Growth Rate of 6.24870216914578 %, ranking #6 out of 216 countries. This growth rate is significantly higher than the global average, reflecting Uganda's rapid urbanization compared to many other nations. Key drivers include a youthful population, ongoing rural-to-urban migration, and economic opportunities in urban centers that attract individuals seeking better livelihoods.

5

Guam

In 2017, Guam ranked #196 globally with an Urban Population Annual Growth Rate of -0.453424319188375 %. This decline contrasts sharply with many neighboring Pacific islands experiencing urban growth, highlighting Guam's unique demographic challenges. Factors contributing to this trend include a sluggish economy and outmigration, particularly among younger residents seeking opportunities elsewhere, which affects urban development and population stability.

6

Ethiopia

Ethiopia ranked #12 globally with an Urban Population Annual Growth Rate of 4.87600186096141 % in 2017. This growth rate is significantly higher than the global average, reflecting rapid urbanization trends in the country.

The key drivers behind this statistic include Ethiopia's ongoing economic development and rural-to-urban migration, as people move to cities for better job opportunities and services. Additionally, government policies aimed at improving urban infrastructure have further accelerated this urban growth.

7

Lesotho

In 2017, Lesotho achieved a remarkable Urban Population Annual Growth Rate of 4.07859314428619 %, ranking #23 out of 216 countries. This growth rate is significantly higher than the global average, reflecting urbanization trends seen in many developing nations. Key drivers include ongoing rural-to-urban migration as individuals seek better economic opportunities and improved living conditions in urban centers.

8

Pakistan

In 2017, Pakistan ranked #78 globally with an Urban Population Annual Growth Rate of 2.17293585171018 %. This growth rate is notable, especially when compared to regional neighbors, reflecting significant urbanization trends across South Asia.

The key drivers behind this urban growth include rapid population increase, economic migration towards cities in search of better opportunities, and ongoing infrastructure development in urban areas. Additionally, urban areas in Pakistan are becoming increasingly attractive due to improved access to education and healthcare services.

9

Liberia

In 2017, Liberia ranked #53 globally with an Urban Population Annual Growth Rate of 2.96594628026702 %. This growth rate is notable compared to many neighboring countries in West Africa, where urbanization rates can vary significantly. Key drivers of this urban growth include ongoing economic recovery efforts post-civil conflict, which have led to increased migration to urban areas for better employment opportunities and services.

10

Madagascar

In 2017, Madagascar ranked #40 globally with an Urban Population Annual Growth Rate of 3.43969906075462 %. This rate is notably higher than the global average, reflecting significant urbanization trends in the country. Rapid population growth, coupled with rural-to-urban migration driven by economic opportunities in cities, has fueled this increase. Additionally, Madagascar's unique geographic challenges and limited infrastructure in rural areas push residents towards urban centers for better access to resources and services.

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.

Visit Data Source

Historical Data by Year

Explore Urban Population Annual Growth Rate data across different years. Compare trends and see how statistics have changed over time.

More People and Society Facts