Urban Population Annual Growth Rate 2021
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 | Rwanda | 8.524 % | |
2 | Burundi | 8.476 % | |
3 | Saint Lucia | 6.515 % | |
4 | Uganda | 5.628 % | |
5 | Chad | 5.434 % | |
6 | Mali | 5.391 % | |
7 | Ethiopia | 4.871 % | |
8 | Somalia | 4.836 % | |
9 | Senegal | 4.804 % | |
10 | Solomon Islands | 4.715 % | |
11 | Mozambique | 4.554 % | |
12 | Niger | 4.548 % | |
13 | Mauritania | 4.485 % | |
14 | Tanzania | 4.454 % | |
15 | Angola | 4.354 % | |
16 | Congo, Democratic Republic of the | 4.104 % | |
17 | Benin | 4.098 % | |
18 | Burkina Faso | 4.083 % | |
19 | Zimbabwe | 4.022 % | |
20 | Namibia | 3.998 % | |
21 | Papua New Guinea | 3.872 % | |
22 | Vietnam | 3.869 % | |
23 | Kiribati | 3.866 % | |
24 | Madagascar | 3.848 % | |
25 | Yemen | 3.77 % | |
26 | Malawi | 3.766 % | |
27 | Lesotho | 3.695 % | |
28 | Zambia | 3.657 % | |
29 | Maldives | 3.598 % | |
30 | Guinea | 3.515 % | |
31 | Sierra Leone | 3.474 % | |
32 | Nigeria | 3.432 % | |
33 | Côte d'Ivoire | 3.401 % | |
34 | Laos | 3.389 % | |
35 | Mongolia | 3.325 % | |
36 | British Virgin Islands | 3.298 % | |
37 | Gambia | 3.245 % | |
38 | Cameroon | 3.205 % | |
39 | Guinea-Bissau | 3.204 % | |
40 | Liberia | 3.107 % | |
41 | Comoros | 3.058 % | |
42 | Kazakhstan | 3.057 % | |
43 | Pakistan | 3.014 % | |
44 | Switzerland | 2.998 % | |
45 | Paraguay | 2.994 % | |
46 | Central African Republic | 2.977 % | |
47 | South Sudan | 2.976 % | |
48 | Sudan | 2.933 % | |
49 | Togo | 2.911 % | |
50 | Ghana | 2.806 % | |
51 | Equatorial Guinea | 2.801 % | |
52 | Gabon | 2.792 % | |
53 | State of Palestine | 2.76 % | |
54 | Afghanistan | 2.695 % | |
55 | Eswatini | 2.566 % | |
56 | Kosovo | 2.547 % | |
57 | Honduras | 2.519 % | |
58 | Congo | 2.46 % | |
59 | Algeria | 2.391 % | |
60 | Thailand | 2.319 % | |
61 | Haiti | 2.318 % | |
62 | Luxembourg | 2.289 % | |
63 | Uzbekistan | 2.253 % | |
64 | Sao Tome and Principe | 2.251 % | |
65 | Bhutan | 2.25 % | |
66 | Iraq | 2.241 % | |
67 | Tajikistan | 2.233 % | |
68 | Turks and Caicos Islands | 2.181 % | |
69 | Syrian Arab Republic | 2.169 % | |
70 | Cambodia | 2.169 % | |
71 | Kenya | 2.161 % | |
72 | Bahrain | 2.161 % | |
73 | Jordan | 2.156 % | |
74 | Cabo Verde | 2.119 % | |
75 | Cayman Islands | 2.052 % | |
76 | Guatemala | 2.032 % | |
77 | Turkmenistan | 2.032 % | |
78 | United Arab Emirates | 2.025 % | |
79 | China | 1.957 % | |
80 | Sri Lanka | 1.908 % | |
81 | Gibraltar | 1.876 % | |
82 | Djibouti | 1.844 % | |
83 | Nepal | 1.799 % | |
84 | Indonesia | 1.761 % | |
85 | Malaysia | 1.76 % | |
86 | India | 1.738 % | |
87 | Faroe Islands | 1.736 % | |
88 | Ireland | 1.72 % | |
89 | Bangladesh | 1.718 % | |
90 | Iceland | 1.718 % | |
91 | Kyrgyzstan | 1.648 % | |
92 | Israel | 1.634 % | |
93 | Egypt | 1.609 % | |
94 | Botswana | 1.596 % | |
95 | Vanuatu | 1.564 % | |
96 | South Africa | 1.561 % | |
97 | Philippines | 1.537 % | |
98 | Seychelles | 1.502 % | |
99 | Nicaragua | 1.466 % | |
100 | Peru | 1.465 % | |
101 | Bolivia | 1.448 % | |
102 | Eritrea | 1.406 % | |
103 | Morocco | 1.367 % | |
104 | Sint Maarten (Dutch part) | 1.364 % | |
105 | Iran | 1.351 % | |
106 | Colombia | 1.348 % | |
107 | Andorra | 1.345 % | |
108 | Libya | 1.276 % | |
109 | Monaco | 1.246 % | |
110 | Panama | 1.242 % | |
111 | Timor-Leste | 1.214 % | |
112 | El Salvador | 1.192 % | |
113 | Turkey | 1.187 % | |
114 | Costa Rica | 1.108 % | |
115 | Cyprus | 1.081 % | |
116 | Lithuania | 1.058 % | |
117 | Tunisia | 1.047 % | |
118 | Guyana | 1.021 % | |
119 | Fiji | 1.018 % | |
120 | Jamaica | 0.996 % | |
121 | Mexico | 0.99 % | |
122 | Guam | 0.973 % | |
123 | Myanmar | 0.953 % | |
124 | Brunei Darussalam | 0.95 % | |
125 | Liechtenstein | 0.942 % | |
126 | Netherlands | 0.922 % | |
127 | Suriname | 0.872 % | |
128 | Sweden | 0.864 % | |
129 | Malta | 0.861 % | |
130 | North Korea | 0.831 % | |
131 | Canada | 0.83 % | |
132 | Greenland | 0.806 % | |
133 | Ecuador | 0.79 % | |
134 | Austria | 0.774 % | |
135 | Norway | 0.726 % | |
136 | Micronesia (Fed. States of) | 0.715 % | |
137 | Brazil | 0.684 % | |
138 | Chile | 0.635 % | |
139 | Portugal | 0.612 % | |
140 | Finland | 0.598 % | |
141 | Dominican Republic | 0.576 % | |
142 | New Caledonia | 0.57 % | |
143 | Azerbaijan | 0.566 % | |
144 | Nauru | 0.565 % | |
145 | Belgium | 0.565 % | |
146 | Belize | 0.544 % | |
147 | Lebanon | 0.538 % | |
148 | Estonia | 0.529 % | |
149 | Grenada | 0.514 % | |
150 | United Kingdom | 0.463 % | |
151 | Denmark | 0.459 % | |
152 | Bermuda | 0.412 % | |
153 | France | 0.388 % | |
154 | Argentina | 0.359 % | |
155 | Georgia | 0.347 % | |
156 | Armenia | 0.308 % | |
157 | Spain | 0.29 % | |
158 | Antigua and Barbuda | 0.282 % | |
159 | New Zealand | 0.259 % | |
160 | Germany | 0.242 % | |
161 | Barbados | 0.194 % | |
162 | United States | 0.17 % | |
163 | French Polynesia | 0.165 % | |
164 | Slovenia | 0.125 % | |
165 | Australia | 0.1 % | |
166 | Trinidad and Tobago | 0.069 % | |
167 | Isle of Man | 0.066 % | |
168 | Dominica | 0.025 % | |
169 | Saint Kitts and Nevis | -0.014 % | |
170 | Uruguay | -0.015 % | |
171 | Palau | -0.043 % | |
172 | Bahamas | -0.099 % | |
173 | Montenegro | -0.127 % | |
174 | South Korea | -0.146 % | |
175 | North Macedonia | -0.175 % | |
176 | Mauritius | -0.188 % | |
177 | Russia | -0.265 % | |
178 | Slovakia | -0.321 % | |
179 | United States Virgin Islands | -0.33 % | |
180 | Oman | -0.356 % | |
181 | Japan | -0.359 % | |
182 | Republic of Moldova | -0.362 % | |
183 | Saint Vincent and the Grenadines | -0.389 % | |
184 | Belarus | -0.389 % | |
185 | China, Macao SAR | -0.424 % | |
186 | Croatia | -0.481 % | |
187 | Cuba | -0.498 % | |
188 | Puerto Rico | -0.53 % | |
189 | Hungary | -0.531 % | |
190 | Italy | -0.57 % | |
191 | Bosnia and Herzegovina | -0.631 % | |
192 | Bulgaria | -0.634 % | |
193 | Venezuela | -0.687 % | |
194 | Serbia | -0.714 % | |
195 | Latvia | -0.756 % | |
196 | Ukraine | -0.83 % | |
197 | Tuvalu | -0.889 % | |
198 | Kuwait | -0.899 % | |
199 | Albania | -0.903 % | |
200 | China, Hong Kong SAR | -0.912 % | |
201 | Aruba | -0.942 % | |
202 | Curaçao | -0.981 % | |
203 | Northern Mariana Islands | -1.061 % | |
204 | Greece | -1.104 % | |
205 | Romania | -1.471 % | |
206 | San Marino | -1.498 % | |
207 | Poland | -1.541 % | |
208 | American Samoa | -1.584 % | |
209 | Samoa | -1.857 % | |
210 | Czech Republic | -1.873 % | |
211 | Saudi Arabia | -2.268 % | |
212 | Marshall Islands | -2.758 % | |
213 | Tonga | -3.069 % | |
214 | Singapore | -4.17 % | |
215 | Saint Martin (French part) | -5.913 % | |
216 | Qatar | -10.885 % |
Analysis: These countries represent the highest values in this dataset, showcasing significant scale and impact on global statistics.
- #216
Qatar
- #215
Saint Martin (French part)
- #214
Singapore
- #213
Tonga
- #212
Marshall Islands
- #211
Saudi Arabia
- #210
Czech Republic
- #209
Samoa
- #208
American Samoa
- #207
Poland
Context: These countries or territories have the lowest values, often due to geographic size, administrative status, or specific characteristics.
Analysis & Context
In 2021, Rwanda led the world with the highest Urban Population Annual Growth Rate at 8.52%, while China, Hong Kong SAR recorded the lowest at -0.91%. The global range for this metric underscores the diverse urbanization trends across different countries. The average global growth rate was 1.70%, providing a baseline for understanding urban expansion dynamics worldwide.
Understanding High Urban Growth Rates
The countries with the highest urban population growth rates, such as Rwanda (8.52%), Burundi (8.48%), and Saint Lucia (6.51%), often experience these trends due to a combination of factors including economic development, rural-to-urban migration, and demographic shifts. In East Africa, economic expansion and improved infrastructure have drawn rural populations to urban centers in search of better opportunities. For instance, Rwanda's significant growth can be attributed to its strategic economic reforms and investments in urban areas, which have attracted both local and foreign investments.
In contrast, island nations like Saint Lucia experience high urban growth due to limited land availability, which concentrates populations in urban areas. This trend is often driven by tourism and associated service industries that flourish in urban settings, drawing more people into cities.
Factors Behind Low or Negative Growth Rates
On the other end of the spectrum, countries with negative growth rates such as China, Hong Kong SAR (-0.91%), Albania (-0.90%), and Kuwait (-0.90%) face different challenges. In many cases, these are regions experiencing economic stagnation, political instability, or significant emigration. For example, Hong Kong has witnessed a complex interplay of political factors and economic pressures that have led to a slowdown in urban growth.
Moreover, Eastern European countries like Ukraine (-0.83%) and Latvia (-0.76%) are dealing with population decline due to high emigration rates and low birth rates, which contribute to negative urban population growth.
Year-over-Year Movers: Analyzing the Shifts
Examining the year-over-year changes provides further insight into global urbanization patterns. Bahrain saw the largest increase in urban population growth rate with a jump of 2.94%, indicating a substantial economic and infrastructural development that likely attracted a surge of new residents. Similarly, the United Arab Emirates experienced a significant increase of 2.30%, driven by continued investment in urban development and an expanding expatriate workforce.
Conversely, China, Macao SAR registered the most substantial decline at -2.40%, reflecting economic adjustments and policy shifts that may have affected migration patterns. Meanwhile, New Zealand and Malta experienced decreases of -1.78% and -1.67% respectively, potentially due to stringent immigration policies and natural population constraints.
The Broader Implications of Urban Growth Rates
The urban population annual growth rate is a crucial indicator of a country's socio-economic trajectory. High growth rates in countries like Rwanda and Uganda (5.63%) suggest burgeoning urban economies and potential future hubs for investment and innovation. However, these rapid changes also pose challenges, such as the need for sustainable infrastructure development and adequate public services.
On the other hand, countries experiencing low or negative growth, such as Serbia (-0.71%) and Venezuela (-0.69%), may need to address underlying issues such as economic policies, political stability, and demographic trends to reverse these patterns. Understanding these dynamics is essential for policymakers and investors looking to navigate the complexities of global urbanization.
Frequently Asked Questions About Urban Population Annual Growth Rate in 2021
Which country had the highest urban population annual growth rate in 2021?
Rwanda had the highest urban population annual growth rate in 2021, with an increase of 8.52%.
Which country had the lowest urban population annual growth rate in 2021?
Qatar had the lowest urban population annual growth rate in 2021, with a decrease of 10.89%.
What was the average urban population annual growth rate across all countries in 2021?
The average urban population annual growth rate across all countries in 2021 was 1.38%.
What was the median urban population annual growth rate in 2021?
The median urban population annual growth rate in 2021 was 1.26%.
Which countries were in the top 3 for urban population annual growth rate in 2021?
The top 3 countries for urban population annual growth rate in 2021 were Rwanda (8.52%), Burundi (8.48%), and Saint Lucia (6.51%).
What was the range of urban population annual growth rates in 2021?
The range of urban population annual growth rates in 2021 spanned from Rwanda's 8.52% increase to Qatar's 10.89% decrease.
Insights by country
Tonga
Tonga's Urban Population Annual Growth Rate in 2021 was -3.06946312753698 %, ranking it #213 out of 216 countries. This negative growth rate contrasts sharply with many Pacific Island nations that are experiencing urbanization. Contributing factors include a high emigration rate and limited economic opportunities in urban areas, which have led to a decline in urban population growth.
United Arab Emirates
The United Arab Emirates ranked #78 globally with an Urban Population Annual Growth Rate of 2.02470774513955 % in 2021. This growth rate is notable as it reflects a trend of urbanization that is higher than the global average, driven by significant economic opportunities and infrastructure development in major cities like Dubai and Abu Dhabi. Factors such as a diverse economy, a strategic location for trade, and a favorable business environment continue to attract expatriates, contributing to the urban population increase.
Tuvalu
In 2021, Tuvalu had an Urban Population Annual Growth Rate of -0.889172069999464 %, ranking #197 out of 216 countries. This decline contrasts with many Pacific island nations that typically experience urban growth due to migration and development. The negative growth rate can be attributed to Tuvalu's geographic constraints and limited economic opportunities, which hinder urbanization and may lead to population stagnation or decline.
Estonia
In 2021, Estonia's Urban Population Annual Growth Rate was 0.528902118507097 %, ranking the country #148 out of 216 countries. This rate is relatively low compared to many neighboring countries in the Baltic region, which often experience higher urbanization rates. Key drivers for Estonia's urban growth include its robust digital economy attracting young professionals to urban centers and ongoing investments in infrastructure that enhance urban living conditions.
Burundi
In 2021, Burundi achieved a remarkable rank of #2 globally for its Urban Population Annual Growth Rate, which stood at 8.47552856935213 %. This growth rate is significantly higher than many neighboring countries and reflects a broader trend of urbanization in East Africa. Key drivers include a youthful demographic and increasing migration to urban areas in search of better economic opportunities and services.
Samoa
Samoa's Urban Population Annual Growth Rate in 2021 was -1.85723015748974 %, ranking it #209 out of 216 countries. This decline contrasts sharply with many Pacific neighbors, where urbanization is generally on the rise. Contributing factors to this negative growth include limited economic opportunities in urban areas and a preference for rural living, where traditional lifestyles and community ties are stronger.
Saint Lucia
In 2021, Saint Lucia achieved a remarkable 3rd global rank for its Urban Population Annual Growth Rate at 6.51455823945375 %. This growth rate significantly outpaces many regional neighbors and reflects a broader trend of urbanization in the Caribbean. Key drivers include economic opportunities in urban centers and a push for improved infrastructure, which attract rural populations seeking better living conditions and employment prospects.
Tunisia
Tunisia's Urban Population Annual Growth Rate in 2021 was 1.04740567976755 %, ranking it #117 out of 216 countries. This growth rate is relatively moderate compared to faster urbanization trends in neighboring countries like Algeria.
The primary drivers behind this statistic include Tunisia's ongoing economic reforms and urban migration patterns, as people move to cities for better job opportunities and living standards. Additionally, demographic shifts, such as a young population seeking education and employment, contribute to the urban growth trend.
United Kingdom
The United Kingdom's Urban Population Annual Growth Rate in 2021 was 0.462841528013771 %, ranking it #150 out of 216 countries. This growth rate is lower than many neighboring countries, indicating a slower urbanization trend compared to the European average. Contributing factors include a mature urban infrastructure and demographic shifts, such as an aging population and a focus on sustainable development policies that prioritize urban planning.
Benin
In 2021, Benin achieved a remarkable rank of #17 globally for its Urban Population Annual Growth Rate of 4.09776573732486 %. This growth rate significantly outpaces the average for sub-Saharan Africa, indicating a rapid urbanization trend. Key drivers include ongoing economic development, as cities attract investment and infrastructure improvements, alongside a youthful demographic that is migrating towards urban centers for better opportunities.
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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