Urban Population Annual Growth Rate 2019

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•

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Complete Data Rankings

Rank
Actions
1
Burundi flag
Burundi
9.341 %
2
Rwanda flag
Rwanda
8.705 %
3
British Virgin Islands flag
British Virgin Islands
6.355 %
4
Solomon Islands flag
Solomon Islands
6.311 %
5
Cambodia flag
Cambodia
6.295 %
6
Uganda flag
Uganda
5.971 %
7
Saint Lucia flag
Saint Lucia
5.969 %
8
Mali flag
Mali
5.345 %
9
Somalia flag
Somalia
5.023 %
10
Chad flag
Chad
4.984 %
11
Yemen flag
Yemen
4.981 %
12
Ethiopia flag
Ethiopia
4.903 %
13
Senegal flag
Senegal
4.83 %
14
Kiribati flag
Kiribati
4.716 %
15
Mauritania flag
Mauritania
4.625 %
16
Angola flag
Angola
4.581 %
17
Tanzania flag
Tanzania
4.549 %
18
Niger flag
Niger
4.372 %
19
South Sudan flag
South Sudan
4.345 %
20
Malta flag
Malta
4.272 %
21
Mozambique flag
Mozambique
4.227 %
22
Benin flag
Benin
4.219 %
23
Turks and Caicos Islands flag
Turks and Caicos Islands
4.075 %
24
Congo, Democratic Republic of the flag
Congo, Democratic Republic of the
4.06 %
25
Namibia flag
Namibia
4.012 %
26
Maldives flag
Maldives
3.941 %
27
Lesotho flag
Lesotho
3.892 %
28
Madagascar flag
Madagascar
3.885 %
29
Zambia flag
Zambia
3.835 %
30
Papua New Guinea flag
Papua New Guinea
3.815 %
31
Zimbabwe flag
Zimbabwe
3.729 %
32
Equatorial Guinea flag
Equatorial Guinea
3.669 %
33
Nigeria flag
Nigeria
3.57 %
34
Syrian Arab Republic flag
Syrian Arab Republic
3.566 %
35
Afghanistan flag
Afghanistan
3.561 %
36
Côte d'Ivoire flag
Côte d'Ivoire
3.558 %
37
Sierra Leone flag
Sierra Leone
3.501 %
38
Laos flag
Laos
3.501 %
39
Malawi flag
Malawi
3.373 %
40
Cameroon flag
Cameroon
3.367 %
41
Guinea-Bissau flag
Guinea-Bissau
3.325 %
42
Guinea flag
Guinea
3.319 %
43
Gambia flag
Gambia
3.299 %
44
Sudan flag
Sudan
3.199 %
45
Togo flag
Togo
3.194 %
46
Paraguay flag
Paraguay
2.999 %
47
Liberia flag
Liberia
2.991 %
48
Gabon flag
Gabon
2.974 %
49
Vietnam flag
Vietnam
2.96 %
50
Comoros flag
Comoros
2.942 %
51
Ghana flag
Ghana
2.92 %
52
Kazakhstan flag
Kazakhstan
2.891 %
53
State of Palestine flag
State of Palestine
2.837 %
54
Kuwait flag
Kuwait
2.711 %
55
Honduras flag
Honduras
2.691 %
56
Pakistan flag
Pakistan
2.67 %
57
Burkina Faso flag
Burkina Faso
2.666 %
58
Algeria flag
Algeria
2.64 %
59
Thailand flag
Thailand
2.634 %
60
Luxembourg flag
Luxembourg
2.595 %
61
Switzerland flag
Switzerland
2.571 %
62
Central African Republic flag
Central African Republic
2.543 %
63
Congo flag
Congo
2.523 %
64
Haiti flag
Haiti
2.517 %
65
Azerbaijan flag
Azerbaijan
2.489 %
66
Iceland flag
Iceland
2.332 %
67
Jordan flag
Jordan
2.328 %
68
China flag
China
2.303 %
69
Qatar flag
Qatar
2.264 %
70
Iraq flag
Iraq
2.263 %
71
Bhutan flag
Bhutan
2.234 %
72
Turkmenistan flag
Turkmenistan
2.221 %
73
Kosovo flag
Kosovo
2.22 %
74
Peru flag
Peru
2.219 %
75
Philippines flag
Philippines
2.164 %
76
Guatemala flag
Guatemala
2.154 %
77
Eswatini flag
Eswatini
2.122 %
78
Indonesia flag
Indonesia
2.095 %
79
Cayman Islands flag
Cayman Islands
2.08 %
80
Kyrgyzstan flag
Kyrgyzstan
2.069 %
81
Guyana flag
Guyana
2.041 %
82
Netherlands flag
Netherlands
2.032 %
83
Colombia flag
Colombia
2.018 %
84
Turkey flag
Turkey
1.991 %
85
India flag
India
1.978 %
86
China, Macao SAR flag
China, Macao SAR
1.969 %
87
Tajikistan flag
Tajikistan
1.967 %
88
Malaysia flag
Malaysia
1.964 %
89
Ireland flag
Ireland
1.888 %
90
Israel flag
Israel
1.876 %
91
Djibouti flag
Djibouti
1.874 %
92
Bolivia flag
Bolivia
1.867 %
93
Cabo Verde flag
Cabo Verde
1.864 %
94
Bangladesh flag
Bangladesh
1.842 %
95
Uzbekistan flag
Uzbekistan
1.831 %
96
Gibraltar flag
Gibraltar
1.82 %
97
Egypt flag
Egypt
1.81 %
98
Chile flag
Chile
1.787 %
99
Mongolia flag
Mongolia
1.777 %
100
Andorra flag
Andorra
1.766 %
101
Ecuador flag
Ecuador
1.72 %
102
South Africa flag
South Africa
1.706 %
103
Sao Tome and Principe flag
Sao Tome and Principe
1.705 %
104
Canada flag
Canada
1.69 %
105
Sint Maarten (Dutch part) flag
Sint Maarten (Dutch part)
1.681 %
106
Botswana flag
Botswana
1.678 %
107
Panama flag
Panama
1.656 %
108
Iran flag
Iran
1.612 %
109
Nicaragua flag
Nicaragua
1.592 %
110
Australia flag
Australia
1.564 %
111
Faroe Islands flag
Faroe Islands
1.515 %
112
Seychelles flag
Seychelles
1.496 %
113
Sri Lanka flag
Sri Lanka
1.49 %
114
Libya flag
Libya
1.482 %
115
Timor-Leste flag
Timor-Leste
1.481 %
116
Costa Rica flag
Costa Rica
1.475 %
117
Morocco flag
Morocco
1.473 %
118
Nepal flag
Nepal
1.452 %
119
New Zealand flag
New Zealand
1.416 %
120
Mexico flag
Mexico
1.371 %
121
Tunisia flag
Tunisia
1.323 %
122
Kenya flag
Kenya
1.31 %
123
Sweden flag
Sweden
1.282 %
124
United Arab Emirates flag
United Arab Emirates
1.254 %
125
Liechtenstein flag
Liechtenstein
1.179 %
126
Slovenia flag
Slovenia
1.168 %
127
Eritrea flag
Eritrea
1.163 %
128
Cyprus flag
Cyprus
1.16 %
129
Singapore flag
Singapore
1.144 %
130
Brunei Darussalam flag
Brunei Darussalam
1.073 %
131
Suriname flag
Suriname
0.989 %
132
Myanmar flag
Myanmar
0.984 %
133
Norway flag
Norway
0.977 %
134
Nauru flag
Nauru
0.954 %
135
El Salvador flag
El Salvador
0.952 %
136
Brazil flag
Brazil
0.927 %
137
Belize flag
Belize
0.866 %
138
North Korea flag
North Korea
0.846 %
139
Jamaica flag
Jamaica
0.818 %
140
Spain flag
Spain
0.813 %
141
Argentina flag
Argentina
0.808 %
142
Estonia flag
Estonia
0.801 %
143
United Kingdom flag
United Kingdom
0.784 %
144
Belgium flag
Belgium
0.779 %
145
Austria flag
Austria
0.757 %
146
China, Hong Kong SAR flag
China, Hong Kong SAR
0.739 %
147
Dominican Republic flag
Dominican Republic
0.737 %
148
Greenland flag
Greenland
0.701 %
149
Finland flag
Finland
0.663 %
150
Oman flag
Oman
0.628 %
151
Fiji flag
Fiji
0.596 %
152
Denmark flag
Denmark
0.476 %
153
Bermuda flag
Bermuda
0.431 %
154
Germany flag
Germany
0.426 %
155
Grenada flag
Grenada
0.423 %
156
Puerto Rico flag
Puerto Rico
0.421 %
157
San Marino flag
San Marino
0.408 %
158
Micronesia (Fed. States of) flag
Micronesia (Fed. States of)
0.402 %
159
Georgia flag
Georgia
0.387 %
160
Trinidad and Tobago flag
Trinidad and Tobago
0.357 %
161
France flag
France
0.355 %
162
Bahamas flag
Bahamas
0.328 %
163
United States flag
United States
0.328 %
164
Czech Republic flag
Czech Republic
0.308 %
165
South Korea flag
South Korea
0.234 %
166
Isle of Man flag
Isle of Man
0.208 %
167
Barbados flag
Barbados
0.2 %
168
Antigua and Barbuda flag
Antigua and Barbuda
0.2 %
169
Montenegro flag
Montenegro
0.178 %
170
New Caledonia flag
New Caledonia
0.17 %
171
Russia flag
Russia
0.143 %
172
Uruguay flag
Uruguay
0.135 %
173
Dominica flag
Dominica
0.132 %
174
Belarus flag
Belarus
0.111 %
175
North Macedonia flag
North Macedonia
0.1 %
176
Greece flag
Greece
0.074 %
177
Saint Kitts and Nevis flag
Saint Kitts and Nevis
0.047 %
178
Armenia flag
Armenia
0.019 %
179
Portugal flag
Portugal
0.01 %
180
Japan flag
Japan
-0.055 %
181
Slovakia flag
Slovakia
-0.092 %
182
Monaco flag
Monaco
-0.118 %
183
Aruba flag
Aruba
-0.128 %
184
Lithuania flag
Lithuania
-0.14 %
185
Cuba flag
Cuba
-0.142 %
186
Hungary flag
Hungary
-0.146 %
187
Poland flag
Poland
-0.176 %
188
Serbia flag
Serbia
-0.199 %
189
Italy flag
Italy
-0.212 %
190
Mauritius flag
Mauritius
-0.213 %
191
Bosnia and Herzegovina flag
Bosnia and Herzegovina
-0.23 %
192
Saudi Arabia flag
Saudi Arabia
-0.238 %
193
French Polynesia flag
French Polynesia
-0.29 %
194
United States Virgin Islands flag
United States Virgin Islands
-0.291 %
195
Palau flag
Palau
-0.431 %
196
Saint Vincent and the Grenadines flag
Saint Vincent and the Grenadines
-0.453 %
197
Tuvalu flag
Tuvalu
-0.477 %
198
Republic of Moldova flag
Republic of Moldova
-0.499 %
199
Ukraine flag
Ukraine
-0.504 %
200
Guam flag
Guam
-0.537 %
201
Samoa flag
Samoa
-0.614 %
202
Croatia flag
Croatia
-0.618 %
203
Latvia flag
Latvia
-0.621 %
204
Albania flag
Albania
-0.859 %
205
Vanuatu flag
Vanuatu
-0.895 %
206
Romania flag
Romania
-1.001 %
207
Curaçao flag
Curaçao
-1.184 %
208
Bulgaria flag
Bulgaria
-1.254 %
209
Bahrain flag
Bahrain
-1.295 %
210
Tonga flag
Tonga
-1.56 %
211
Northern Mariana Islands flag
Northern Mariana Islands
-1.872 %
212
American Samoa flag
American Samoa
-1.891 %
213
Marshall Islands flag
Marshall Islands
-2.402 %
214
Venezuela flag
Venezuela
-2.919 %
215
Lebanon flag
Lebanon
-2.966 %
216
Saint Martin (French part) flag
Saint Martin (French part)
-4.967 %

↑Top 10 Countries

  1. #1Burundi flagBurundi
  2. #2Rwanda flagRwanda
  3. #3British Virgin Islands flagBritish Virgin Islands
  4. #4Solomon Islands flagSolomon Islands
  5. #5Cambodia flagCambodia
  6. #6Uganda flagUganda
  7. #7Saint Lucia flagSaint Lucia
  8. #8Mali flagMali
  9. #9Somalia flagSomalia
  10. #10Chad flagChad

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

↓Bottom 10 Countries

  1. #216Saint Martin (French part) flagSaint Martin (French part)
  2. #215Lebanon flagLebanon
  3. #214Venezuela flagVenezuela
  4. #213Marshall Islands flagMarshall Islands
  5. #212American Samoa flagAmerican Samoa
  6. #211Northern Mariana Islands flagNorthern Mariana Islands
  7. #210Tonga flagTonga
  8. #209Bahrain flagBahrain
  9. #208Bulgaria flagBulgaria
  10. #207Curaçao flagCuraçao

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

Analysis & Context

In 2019, Burundi led the world with the highest Urban Population Annual Growth Rate of 9.34%, while the global range extended from -0.54% to 9.34%. During the same year, the global average growth rate was 1.95%, offering a benchmark for understanding urbanization trends worldwide.

Factors Driving High Urban Population Growth Rates

The rapid urban population growth in countries like Burundi and Rwanda, which recorded rates of 9.34% and 8.70% respectively, can often be attributed to a combination of factors including economic development, demographic changes, and rural-to-urban migration. In Burundi, population pressures and a youthful demographic profile contribute significantly to urban expansion. Similarly, Rwanda's government policies encouraging urban development, alongside its economic recovery, have bolstered urban growth.

In the case of the Solomon Islands and Cambodia, with growth rates at 6.31% and 6.29%, the expansion of urban areas is often driven by infrastructure development and investment in urban centers to sustain economic growth. Additionally, these countries experience substantial rural-to-urban migration as people seek better employment opportunities and living standards in cities.

Understanding Negative Urban Growth Rates

On the other end of the spectrum, countries such as Guam and Ukraine faced negative urban growth rates of -0.54% and -0.50%, respectively. These declines can be linked to economic stagnation, emigration, and declining birth rates. For instance, Ukraine has experienced significant emigration due to economic difficulties and political instability, which contributes to the reduction in urban population.

In regions like the United States Virgin Islands and French Polynesia, negative growth rates of -0.29% and -0.29% can be attributed to limited economic opportunities prompting out-migration, as well as the challenges of sustaining large urban populations on small islands.

Impact of Year-Over-Year Changes

The year-over-year changes in urban growth rates reveal significant shifts. South Sudan experienced the most substantial increase, with a rise of 4.26% (5184.1%), attributed to post-conflict recovery and urban development initiatives. Meanwhile, the Syrian Arab Republic saw a 2.39% increase (203.0%), reflecting urban rebuilding efforts amid ongoing conflict resolution.

Conversely, Thailand witnessed the largest decrease in urban growth rate, dropping by 7.99% (-75.2%). This decline can be linked to a slowing economy and reduced rural-to-urban migration. Similarly, Somalia and Cambodia experienced decreases of -3.72% and -2.19%, respectively, due to political instability and economic challenges impacting urban development.

The Significance of Urban Growth Patterns

Understanding the Urban Population Annual Growth Rate provides valuable insights into global urbanization trends and their implications. Countries with high growth rates often face challenges such as ensuring sustainable urban planning, providing adequate infrastructure, and maintaining social services. Conversely, countries with negative growth rates might need to address issues related to economic stagnation and emigration.

For policymakers, these statistics highlight the need for targeted strategies to manage urban growth effectively. In rapidly urbanizing nations like Uganda and Mali, with growth rates of 5.97% and 5.35%, investments in infrastructure and services are crucial to support burgeoning urban populations. Meanwhile, countries experiencing negative growth, such as Bosnia and Herzegovina and Saudi Arabia, need to focus on economic revitalization and retaining their urban populations.

Frequently Asked Questions About Urban Population Annual Growth Rate in 2019

Which country had the highest urban population annual growth rate in 2019?

Burundi had the highest urban population annual growth rate in 2019, with an increase of 9.34%.

Which country had the lowest urban population annual growth rate in 2019?

Saint Martin (French part) had the lowest urban population annual growth rate in 2019, with a decrease of 4.97%.

What was the average urban population annual growth rate across all countries in 2019?

The average urban population annual growth rate across all countries in 2019 was 1.68%.

What was the median urban population annual growth rate in 2019?

The median urban population annual growth rate in 2019 was 1.6%.

Which countries were in the top 10 for urban population annual growth rate in 2019?

The top 10 countries for urban population annual growth rate in 2019 were Burundi, Rwanda, British Virgin Islands, Solomon Islands, Cambodia, Uganda, Saint Lucia, Mali, Somalia, and Chad.

What was the range of urban population annual growth rates in 2019?

The range of urban population annual growth rates in 2019 spanned from -4.97% in Saint Martin (French part) to 9.34% in Burundi.

Insights by country

1

Barbados

In 2019, Barbados recorded an Urban Population Annual Growth Rate of 0.199946627442374 %, ranking #167 out of 216 countries. This growth rate is relatively low compared to many Caribbean nations, indicating a more stable urbanization trend. Contributing factors include the country's mature urban infrastructure and a relatively small population, which limits rapid urban expansion.

2

Niger

Niger ranked #18 globally with an Urban Population Annual Growth Rate of 4.372270386451 % in 2019. This growth rate is significantly higher than many of its neighbors, reflecting a trend seen in several West African nations experiencing rapid urbanization. The primary drivers of this growth include a youthful population and increasing migration to urban areas in search of economic opportunities and better living conditions.

3

Congo, Democratic Republic of the

Congo, Democratic Republic of the achieved a global rank of #24 with an Urban Population Annual Growth Rate of 4.05989799278496 % in 2019. This rate is notably higher than the global average, reflecting rapid urbanization trends in the region. Key drivers include significant rural-to-urban migration fueled by economic opportunities in cities and ongoing infrastructure development that enhances urban living conditions.

4

Liechtenstein

In 2019, Liechtenstein ranked #125 globally with an Urban Population Annual Growth Rate of 1.17858507112061 %. This growth rate is relatively modest compared to neighboring countries like Switzerland, which has a higher urbanization rate. Factors contributing to Liechtenstein's urban growth include its stable economy, which attracts residents, and its strategic location between Switzerland and Austria, enhancing its appeal as a residential area.

5

Bangladesh

In 2019, Bangladesh had an Urban Population Annual Growth Rate of 1.84176302855583 %, ranking #94 out of 216 countries. This growth rate is slightly below the global average, indicating a moderate pace of urbanization compared to rapidly urbanizing nations. Key drivers of this growth include significant rural-to-urban migration fueled by economic opportunities in cities and ongoing infrastructural development aimed at supporting urban populations.

6

Nicaragua

Nicaragua's Urban Population Annual Growth Rate in 2019 was 1.5919991986924 %, ranking #109 out of 216 countries. This growth rate is below the global average, reflecting challenges in urban infrastructure and economic development compared to regional neighbors like Costa Rica, which has a more robust urbanization process. Key drivers of this growth include rural-to-urban migration as people seek better employment opportunities, alongside ongoing urbanization policies aimed at improving living conditions in cities.

7

Saint Kitts and Nevis

In 2019, Saint Kitts and Nevis had an Urban Population Annual Growth Rate of 0.0474721110268122 %, ranking #177 out of 216 countries. This growth rate is notably lower than many Caribbean neighbors, reflecting the region's diverse urbanization trends. Contributing factors include the country's small land area and population, which limit urban expansion, alongside economic reliance on tourism that influences migration patterns.

8

Brazil

In 2019, Brazil ranked #136 globally with an Urban Population Annual Growth Rate of 0.926629993198714%. This growth rate is lower than the regional average for South America, indicating a slower urbanization pace compared to some neighboring countries like Colombia, which has seen more rapid urban expansion. Key drivers of Brazil's urban growth include ongoing migration from rural areas to cities in search of better economic opportunities, as well as significant urban infrastructure development in major metropolitan areas.

9

Comoros

In 2019, Comoros achieved a global rank of #50 with an Urban Population Annual Growth Rate of 2.94182509163203%. This growth rate is notable compared to many of its regional neighbors, reflecting a trend towards urbanization in developing nations. Key drivers for this increase include a youthful population and the migration of individuals seeking better economic opportunities in urban areas, as well as ongoing improvements in infrastructure and services in cities.

10

United States Virgin Islands

The United States Virgin Islands ranked #194 globally with an Urban Population Annual Growth Rate of -0.291410494186058 % in 2019. This figure is notably lower than the global average, indicating a decline in urban population growth compared to many other regions.

Factors contributing to this decline include economic challenges and the impact of natural disasters, which have affected migration patterns and urban development. Additionally, the territory's limited land area restricts the potential for urban expansion, further influencing its demographic trends.

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.

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