Urban Population Annual Growth Rate 2020
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 |  Burundi | 8.824 % | |
2 |  Rwanda | 8.698 % | |
3 |  Saint Lucia | 6.352 % | |
4 |  Uganda | 5.827 % | |
5 |  Qatar | 5.769 % | |
6 |  Kiribati | 5.452 % | |
7 |  Mali | 5.348 % | |
8 |  Yemen | 5.127 % | |
9 |  Chad | 5.064 % | |
10 |  Somalia | 5.036 % | |
11 |  Saudi Arabia | 5.033 % | |
12 |  Solomon Islands | 4.96 % | |
13 |  Senegal | 4.835 % | |
14 |  Mauritania | 4.556 % | |
15 |  Tanzania | 4.503 % | |
16 |  Ethiopia | 4.471 % | |
17 |  Niger | 4.453 % | |
18 |  Angola | 4.451 % | |
19 |  Mozambique | 4.411 % | |
20 |  Benin | 4.157 % | |
21 |  Congo, Democratic Republic of the | 4.099 % | |
22 |  Namibia | 4.04 % | |
23 |  South Sudan | 4.028 % | |
24 |  Zimbabwe | 3.916 % | |
25 |  Madagascar | 3.87 % | |
26 |  Papua New Guinea | 3.855 % | |
27 |  Lesotho | 3.814 % | |
28 |  Maldives | 3.775 % | |
29 |  Zambia | 3.762 % | |
30 |  Vietnam | 3.625 % | |
31 |  Afghanistan | 3.624 % | |
32 |  Malawi | 3.609 % | |
33 |  Guinea | 3.521 % | |
34 |  Sierra Leone | 3.498 % | |
35 |  British Virgin Islands | 3.489 % | |
36 |  Nigeria | 3.486 % | |
37 |  Côte d'Ivoire | 3.469 % | |
38 |  Laos | 3.455 % | |
39 |  Burkina Faso | 3.347 % | |
40 |  Cameroon | 3.292 % | |
41 |  Gambia | 3.279 % | |
42 |  Guinea-Bissau | 3.263 % | |
43 |  Togo | 3.22 % | |
44 |  Equatorial Guinea | 3.115 % | |
45 |  Paraguay | 3.079 % | |
46 |  Liberia | 3.077 % | |
47 |  Turks and Caicos Islands | 3.061 % | |
48 |  Comoros | 3.013 % | |
49 |  Sudan | 2.939 % | |
50 |  Kazakhstan | 2.927 % | |
51 |  Central African Republic | 2.892 % | |
52 |  Gabon | 2.883 % | |
53 |  Pakistan | 2.873 % | |
54 |  Ghana | 2.872 % | |
55 |  Kosovo | 2.82 % | |
56 |  Syrian Arab Republic | 2.802 % | |
57 |  State of Palestine | 2.79 % | |
58 |  Switzerland | 2.646 % | |
59 |  Honduras | 2.62 % | |
60 |  Malta | 2.536 % | |
61 |  Tajikistan | 2.514 % | |
62 |  Algeria | 2.498 % | |
63 |  Congo | 2.487 % | |
64 |  Thailand | 2.481 % | |
65 |  Haiti | 2.433 % | |
66 |  Eswatini | 2.387 % | |
67 |  Luxembourg | 2.309 % | |
68 |  Bhutan | 2.235 % | |
69 |  Iraq | 2.219 % | |
70 |  Uzbekistan | 2.214 % | |
71 |  Mongolia | 2.191 % | |
72 |  Faroe Islands | 2.189 % | |
73 |  Turkmenistan | 2.134 % | |
74 |  Guatemala | 2.134 % | |
75 |  Jordan | 2.129 % | |
76 |  Nepal | 2.104 % | |
77 |  Cambodia | 2.099 % | |
78 |  Sao Tome and Principe | 2.069 % | |
79 |  New Zealand | 2.044 % | |
80 |  Kenya | 2.016 % | |
81 |  Cayman Islands | 1.995 % | |
82 |  China, Macao SAR | 1.974 % | |
83 |  India | 1.9 % | |
84 |  Gibraltar | 1.895 % | |
85 |  Philippines | 1.873 % | |
86 |  Kyrgyzstan | 1.867 % | |
87 |  Djibouti | 1.86 % | |
88 |  Cabo Verde | 1.854 % | |
89 |  Indonesia | 1.815 % | |
90 |  Iceland | 1.793 % | |
91 |  Bangladesh | 1.786 % | |
92 |  Israel | 1.724 % | |
93 |  Egypt | 1.712 % | |
94 |  Peru | 1.701 % | |
95 |  Bolivia | 1.679 % | |
96 |  Colombia | 1.667 % | |
97 |  South Africa | 1.661 % | |
98 |  Botswana | 1.623 % | |
99 |  Malaysia | 1.618 % | |
100 |  Ireland | 1.576 % | |
101 |  Sint Maarten (Dutch part) | 1.531 % | |
102 |  Nicaragua | 1.531 % | |
103 |  China | 1.527 % | |
104 |  Seychelles | 1.506 % | |
105 |  Morocco | 1.43 % | |
106 |  Panama | 1.424 % | |
107 |  Sri Lanka | 1.386 % | |
108 |  Timor-Leste | 1.385 % | |
109 |  Libya | 1.355 % | |
110 |  Canada | 1.347 % | |
111 |  Costa Rica | 1.311 % | |
112 |  Iran | 1.292 % | |
113 |  Turkey | 1.273 % | |
114 |  Liechtenstein | 1.27 % | |
115 |  Tunisia | 1.241 % | |
116 |  Andorra | 1.237 % | |
117 |  Mexico | 1.231 % | |
118 |  Eritrea | 1.225 % | |
119 |  Ecuador | 1.205 % | |
120 |  Australia | 1.198 % | |
121 |  Cyprus | 1.129 % | |
122 |  Chile | 1.087 % | |
123 |  El Salvador | 1.081 % | |
124 |  Brunei Darussalam | 1.038 % | |
125 |  Suriname | 1.032 % | |
126 |  Jamaica | 0.993 % | |
127 |  Sweden | 0.989 % | |
128 |  Myanmar | 0.981 % | |
129 |  Azerbaijan | 0.964 % | |
130 |  Netherlands | 0.942 % | |
131 |  Brazil | 0.846 % | |
132 |  Fiji | 0.844 % | |
133 |  Norway | 0.842 % | |
134 |  North Korea | 0.828 % | |
135 |  Austria | 0.742 % | |
136 |  Georgia | 0.695 % | |
137 |  Belize | 0.68 % | |
138 |  Dominican Republic | 0.667 % | |
139 |  Belgium | 0.661 % | |
140 |  Micronesia (Fed. States of) | 0.647 % | |
141 |  Estonia | 0.632 % | |
142 |  Finland | 0.612 % | |
143 |  Spain | 0.586 % | |
144 |  Argentina | 0.579 % | |
145 |  Greenland | 0.552 % | |
146 |  Slovenia | 0.547 % | |
147 |  Grenada | 0.505 % | |
148 |  Nauru | 0.482 % | |
149 |  United Kingdom | 0.446 % | |
150 |  Bermuda | 0.428 % | |
151 |  New Caledonia | 0.375 % | |
152 |  France | 0.354 % | |
153 |  Denmark | 0.325 % | |
154 |  San Marino | 0.309 % | |
155 |  Germany | 0.284 % | |
156 |  Republic of Moldova | 0.277 % | |
157 |  Antigua and Barbuda | 0.248 % | |
158 |  United States | 0.242 % | |
159 |  Lithuania | 0.241 % | |
160 |  Armenia | 0.227 % | |
161 |  Guam | 0.217 % | |
162 |  Trinidad and Tobago | 0.207 % | |
163 |  Barbados | 0.204 % | |
164 |  Czech Republic | 0.158 % | |
165 |  Isle of Man | 0.151 % | |
166 |  Dominica | 0.117 % | |
167 |  Uruguay | 0.106 % | |
168 |  Bahamas | 0.103 % | |
169 |  Montenegro | 0.097 % | |
170 |  Portugal | 0.088 % | |
171 |  French Polynesia | 0.038 % | |
172 |  Saint Kitts and Nevis | 0.014 % | |
173 |  Guyana | 0.008 % | |
174 |  Belarus | 0.007 % | |
175 |  South Korea | -0.003 % | |
176 |  Russia | -0.048 % | |
177 |  Greece | -0.064 % | |
178 |  Slovakia | -0.136 % | |
179 |  Monaco | -0.155 % | |
180 |  Cuba | -0.191 % | |
181 |  North Macedonia | -0.208 % | |
182 |  Japan | -0.224 % | |
183 |  Mauritius | -0.228 % | |
184 |  United Arab Emirates | -0.28 % | |
185 |  Palau | -0.284 % | |
186 |  Singapore | -0.312 % | |
187 |  United States Virgin Islands | -0.344 % | |
188 |  Saint Vincent and the Grenadines | -0.344 % | |
189 |  China, Hong Kong SAR | -0.359 % | |
190 |  Bosnia and Herzegovina | -0.372 % | |
191 |  Serbia | -0.382 % | |
192 |  Italy | -0.467 % | |
193 |  Hungary | -0.486 % | |
194 |  Croatia | -0.496 % | |
195 |  Ukraine | -0.574 % | |
196 |  Puerto Rico | -0.577 % | |
197 |  Latvia | -0.621 % | |
198 |  Tuvalu | -0.635 % | |
199 |  Bahrain | -0.782 % | |
200 |  Albania | -0.881 % | |
201 |  Kuwait | -0.951 % | |
202 |  Oman | -0.958 % | |
203 |  Samoa | -0.965 % | |
204 |  Aruba | -1.026 % | |
205 |  Romania | -1.084 % | |
206 |  Northern Mariana Islands | -1.175 % | |
207 |  Curaçao | -1.24 % | |
208 |  Poland | -1.34 % | |
209 |  Lebanon | -1.346 % | |
210 |  American Samoa | -1.415 % | |
211 |  Bulgaria | -1.536 % | |
212 |  Venezuela | -1.681 % | |
213 |  Tonga | -2.016 % | |
214 |  Vanuatu | -2.395 % | |
215 |  Marshall Islands | -2.555 % | |
216 |  Saint Martin (French part) | -7.516 % |
Analysis: These countries represent the highest values in this dataset, showcasing significant scale and impact on global statistics.
- #216Saint Martin (French part)
- #215Marshall Islands
- #214Vanuatu
- #213Tonga
- #212Venezuela
- #211Bulgaria
- #210American Samoa
- #209Lebanon
- #208Poland
- #207Curaçao
Context: These countries or territories have the lowest values, often due to geographic size, administrative status, or specific characteristics.
Analysis & Context
In 2020, Burundi recorded the highest Urban Population Annual Growth Rate with a staggering 8.82%, while the global range spanned from -0.88% to 8.82%. The average growth rate was 1.82%, providing a benchmark for urbanization trends worldwide.
Factors Driving High Urban Population Growth Rates
The countries with the highest urban population growth rates in 2020, such as Burundi (8.82%), Rwanda (8.70%), and Saint Lucia (6.35%), typically experience a combination of economic, demographic, and policy-driven factors. In many African nations, rapid urbanization is propelled by the migration of rural populations to cities in search of better economic opportunities and improved living standards. For example, in Burundi and Rwanda, urban centers are expanding rapidly due to investments in infrastructure and services, which attract a younger, economically active demographic.
In contrast, smaller island nations like Saint Lucia often see urban growth due to concentrated development in limited geographic areas. Here, urbanization is often driven by tourism and related services, which necessitate more urban infrastructure and housing.
Challenges of Negative Urban Growth
On the other end of the spectrum, countries like Albania (-0.88%), Bahrain (-0.78%), and Tuvalu (-0.63%) are experiencing negative urban growth rates. Such declines can be attributed to a variety of challenges, including economic stagnation, emigration, and in some cases, policy decisions that discourage urban expansion. For instance, Albania has faced significant emigration, leading to a shrinking urban workforce and population. Similarly, Bahrain has seen a reduction in its expatriate workforce, which significantly impacts urban population figures.
Year-over-Year Trends and Significant Changes
Analyzing the year-over-year trends reveals significant shifts in urban population dynamics. Saudi Arabia experienced the largest increase in urban growth rate, jumping by 5.27%, a change of -2215.5% relative to the previous year. This surge can be linked to policy reforms aimed at diversifying the economy and increasing urban development through initiatives like Vision 2030.
Conversely, Cambodia saw the largest decrease, with a drop of -4.20%, reflecting a -66.6% change. This decline could be associated with economic disruptions and policy shifts affecting urban migration patterns. Similarly, British Virgin Islands and Guyana experienced significant reductions in urban growth rates, with changes of -2.87% and -2.03%, respectively, indicating potential economic or environmental challenges influencing urban settlement patterns.
Implications for Global Urbanization Trends
The data from 2020 highlights a world of contrasts in urbanization. Countries with rapid urban growth face challenges related to infrastructure, housing, and service provision, while those with negative growth must address issues of economic vitality and population retention. For nations like Uganda (5.83%) and Qatar (5.77%), maintaining sustainable urban growth is crucial to harness the benefits of urbanization while mitigating potential downsides such as overcrowding and pollution.
Ultimately, understanding the drivers behind these growth rates is essential for policymakers and planners aiming to balance urban development with environmental sustainability and quality of life improvements. As countries navigate these challenges, the insights from 2020's data provide a critical foundation for future urban planning and development strategies.
Frequently Asked Questions About Urban Population Annual Growth Rate in 2020
Which country had the highest urban population annual growth rate in 2020?
Burundi had the highest urban population annual growth rate in 2020, with a rate of 8.82%.
Which country had the lowest urban population annual growth rate in 2020?
Saint Martin (French part) had the lowest urban population annual growth rate in 2020, with a rate of -7.52%.
What was the average urban population annual growth rate in 2020?
The average urban population annual growth rate in 2020 was 1.55%.
What was the median urban population annual growth rate in 2020?
The median urban population annual growth rate in 2020 was 1.37%.
Which countries were in the top 3 for urban population annual growth rate in 2020?
The top 3 countries for urban population annual growth rate in 2020 were Burundi (8.82%), Rwanda (8.7%), and Saint Lucia (6.35%).
How many countries were included in the dataset for urban population annual growth rate in 2020?
The dataset for urban population annual growth rate in 2020 included 216 countries.
Insights by country
Burundi
In 2020, Burundi achieved the highest Urban Population Annual Growth Rate in the world, with a remarkable 8.82413774093098 %, ranking #1 out of 216 countries. This growth rate significantly outpaces many neighboring countries and reflects a trend of rapid urbanization seen across Africa. Key drivers include a youthful population seeking better economic opportunities in urban areas and ongoing rural-to-urban migration spurred by factors such as land scarcity and climate change impacts on agriculture.
American Samoa
In 2020, American Samoa had an Urban Population Annual Growth Rate of -1.41520909097095 %, ranking #210 out of 216 countries. This decline contrasts sharply with many Pacific nations that experience urban growth due to migration. Contributing factors include limited economic opportunities and geographic constraints that hinder urban expansion, as well as a stable population that has seen little in-migration.
Bolivia
In 2020, Bolivia recorded an Urban Population Annual Growth Rate of 1.67862306674807 %, ranking #95 out of 216 countries. This growth rate is below the global average, reflecting the challenges faced by urban areas in developing nations. Key drivers of this urban growth include ongoing rural-to-urban migration as people seek better economic opportunities, alongside urbanization policies aimed at improving infrastructure and services in cities.
Equatorial Guinea
In 2020, Equatorial Guinea achieved a global rank of #44 with an Urban Population Annual Growth Rate of 3.11512649433144 %. This growth rate is notably higher than the global average, reflecting significant urbanization trends in the country.
The rapid urbanization is driven by the country's oil wealth, which has spurred economic opportunities in urban centers, attracting rural populations seeking better livelihoods. Additionally, government policies aimed at infrastructure development have facilitated this urban migration.
North Korea
In 2020, North Korea had an Urban Population Annual Growth Rate of 0.828375411250846 %, ranking #134 out of 216 countries. This growth rate is notably lower than many of its neighbors in East Asia, reflecting broader regional trends towards urbanization. Factors such as stringent state control over migration, limited economic opportunities in urban areas, and ongoing international sanctions contribute to this relatively modest growth.
Gambia
In 2020, Gambia achieved a global rank of #41 with an Urban Population Annual Growth Rate of 3.27894394266836%. This growth rate is significantly higher than the global average, indicating a trend towards urbanization in the country. Key drivers include economic opportunities in urban areas, as well as a youthful population migrating from rural regions in search of better livelihoods.
Albania
In 2020, Albania ranked #200 globally with an Urban Population Annual Growth Rate of -0.881282752690579 %. This decline is stark compared to many neighboring countries, where urban growth rates tend to be positive. Contributing factors include significant emigration, which reduces urban migration, and economic challenges that limit job opportunities in cities, prompting a shift towards rural living. Additionally, Albania's urban infrastructure struggles to keep pace with demands, further influencing this downward trend.
Cyprus
In 2020, Cyprus had an Urban Population Annual Growth Rate of 1.12888696208826 %, ranking #121 out of 216 countries. This growth rate is relatively modest compared to regional neighbors, reflecting the broader trends in urbanization across Europe. Factors contributing to this growth include Cyprus's stable economy and its appeal as a tourist destination, which attracts both residents and expatriates to urban areas.
Bangladesh
In 2020, Bangladesh recorded an Urban Population Annual Growth Rate of 1.78580073795354 %, ranking #91 out of 216 countries. This growth rate is indicative of urbanization trends in South Asia, where rapid urban migration is common, although it is lower than that of neighboring India, which has faced similar challenges. Key drivers of this growth in Bangladesh include increasing economic opportunities in urban areas and significant rural-to-urban migration spurred by climate change and population pressures.
Guatemala
In 2020, Guatemala ranked #74 globally with an Urban Population Annual Growth Rate of 2.13369514486211 %. This growth rate is higher than many of its Central American neighbors, reflecting significant urbanization trends in the region. Key drivers of this growth include rural-to-urban migration spurred by economic opportunities in cities and a youthful population that is increasingly seeking urban lifestyles.
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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