Urban Population Annual Growth Rate 2023

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
8.106 %
2
Chad flag
Chad
6.751 %
3
Rwanda flag
Rwanda
5.995 %
4
Oman flag
Oman
5.974 %
5
Kuwait flag
Kuwait
5.588 %
6
South Sudan flag
South Sudan
5.535 %
7
Uganda flag
Uganda
5.05 %
8
Mali flag
Mali
4.934 %
9
Singapore flag
Singapore
4.858 %
10
Niger flag
Niger
4.848 %
11
Saudi Arabia flag
Saudi Arabia
4.83 %
12
Mozambique flag
Mozambique
4.823 %
13
Tanzania flag
Tanzania
4.756 %
14
Senegal flag
Senegal
4.71 %
15
Solomon Islands flag
Solomon Islands
4.612 %
16
Mauritania flag
Mauritania
4.489 %
17
Syrian Arab Republic flag
Syrian Arab Republic
4.304 %
18
Angola flag
Angola
4.234 %
19
United Arab Emirates flag
United Arab Emirates
4.156 %
20
Somalia flag
Somalia
4.14 %
21
Malawi flag
Malawi
4.117 %
22
Burkina Faso flag
Burkina Faso
4.115 %
23
Congo, Democratic Republic of the flag
Congo, Democratic Republic of the
4.102 %
24
Benin flag
Benin
4.048 %
25
Malta flag
Malta
4.021 %
26
Ethiopia flag
Ethiopia
4.009 %
27
Papua New Guinea flag
Papua New Guinea
3.974 %
28
Madagascar flag
Madagascar
3.848 %
29
Zambia flag
Zambia
3.753 %
30
Yemen flag
Yemen
3.691 %
31
Côte d'Ivoire flag
Côte d'Ivoire
3.555 %
32
Guinea flag
Guinea
3.549 %
33
Lesotho flag
Lesotho
3.493 %
34
Sierra Leone flag
Sierra Leone
3.414 %
35
Nigeria flag
Nigeria
3.397 %
36
Bahrain flag
Bahrain
3.377 %
37
Namibia flag
Namibia
3.365 %
38
Laos flag
Laos
3.314 %
39
British Virgin Islands flag
British Virgin Islands
3.256 %
40
Guinea-Bissau flag
Guinea-Bissau
3.192 %
41
Liberia flag
Liberia
3.188 %
42
Zimbabwe flag
Zimbabwe
3.181 %
43
Cameroon flag
Cameroon
3.157 %
44
Kiribati flag
Kiribati
3.124 %
45
Gambia flag
Gambia
3.112 %
46
Togo flag
Togo
3.107 %
47
Comoros flag
Comoros
3.063 %
48
Israel flag
Israel
3.016 %
49
Canada flag
Canada
2.995 %
50
Ghana flag
Ghana
2.877 %
51
Equatorial Guinea flag
Equatorial Guinea
2.746 %
52
Bangladesh flag
Bangladesh
2.739 %
53
Pakistan flag
Pakistan
2.702 %
54
State of Palestine flag
State of Palestine
2.695 %
55
Gabon flag
Gabon
2.651 %
56
Bhutan flag
Bhutan
2.631 %
57
Kenya flag
Kenya
2.624 %
58
Australia flag
Australia
2.609 %
59
Eswatini flag
Eswatini
2.554 %
60
China, Hong Kong SAR flag
China, Hong Kong SAR
2.554 %
61
Honduras flag
Honduras
2.536 %
62
Congo flag
Congo
2.451 %
63
Afghanistan flag
Afghanistan
2.447 %
64
Vanuatu flag
Vanuatu
2.374 %
65
New Zealand flag
New Zealand
2.343 %
66
Sao Tome and Principe flag
Sao Tome and Principe
2.337 %
67
Mongolia flag
Mongolia
2.316 %
68
Botswana flag
Botswana
2.287 %
69
Gibraltar flag
Gibraltar
2.266 %
70
Haiti flag
Haiti
2.259 %
71
Paraguay flag
Paraguay
2.255 %
72
Iraq flag
Iraq
2.251 %
73
Algeria flag
Algeria
2.242 %
74
Ireland flag
Ireland
2.224 %
75
Vietnam flag
Vietnam
2.21 %
76
Guatemala flag
Guatemala
2.171 %
77
Luxembourg flag
Luxembourg
2.063 %
78
Uzbekistan flag
Uzbekistan
2.044 %
79
Central African Republic flag
Central African Republic
2.034 %
80
Cayman Islands flag
Cayman Islands
2.001 %
81
Tajikistan flag
Tajikistan
1.993 %
82
Kazakhstan flag
Kazakhstan
1.971 %
83
Thailand flag
Thailand
1.929 %
84
Indonesia flag
Indonesia
1.923 %
85
Jordan flag
Jordan
1.912 %
86
Cambodia flag
Cambodia
1.911 %
87
Egypt flag
Egypt
1.869 %
88
Turkmenistan flag
Turkmenistan
1.858 %
89
Malaysia flag
Malaysia
1.85 %
90
Estonia flag
Estonia
1.843 %
91
Czech Republic flag
Czech Republic
1.835 %
92
Lithuania flag
Lithuania
1.823 %
93
Kyrgyzstan flag
Kyrgyzstan
1.787 %
94
India flag
India
1.777 %
95
Bolivia flag
Bolivia
1.769 %
96
Djibouti flag
Djibouti
1.7 %
97
Cabo Verde flag
Cabo Verde
1.654 %
98
Iran flag
Iran
1.651 %
99
Belize flag
Belize
1.602 %
100
Nicaragua flag
Nicaragua
1.591 %
101
Peru flag
Peru
1.59 %
102
Switzerland flag
Switzerland
1.576 %
103
Sudan flag
Sudan
1.542 %
104
Andorra flag
Andorra
1.507 %
105
Portugal flag
Portugal
1.498 %
106
South Africa flag
South Africa
1.494 %
107
Maldives flag
Maldives
1.438 %
108
Sint Maarten (Dutch part) flag
Sint Maarten (Dutch part)
1.437 %
109
Faroe Islands flag
Faroe Islands
1.431 %
110
Philippines flag
Philippines
1.418 %
111
Colombia flag
Colombia
1.414 %
112
United Kingdom flag
United Kingdom
1.409 %
113
Spain flag
Spain
1.395 %
114
Panama flag
Panama
1.368 %
115
Netherlands flag
Netherlands
1.344 %
116
Eritrea flag
Eritrea
1.339 %
117
Fiji flag
Fiji
1.321 %
118
Austria flag
Austria
1.32 %
119
Georgia flag
Georgia
1.309 %
120
Morocco flag
Morocco
1.281 %
121
Norway flag
Norway
1.277 %
122
Mexico flag
Mexico
1.217 %
123
New Caledonia flag
New Caledonia
1.217 %
124
Libya flag
Libya
1.145 %
125
Tunisia flag
Tunisia
1.124 %
126
Timor-Leste flag
Timor-Leste
1.123 %
127
El Salvador flag
El Salvador
1.086 %
128
Costa Rica flag
Costa Rica
1.028 %
129
Cyprus flag
Cyprus
1.024 %
130
Turks and Caicos Islands flag
Turks and Caicos Islands
1.019 %
131
Ecuador flag
Ecuador
0.937 %
132
Myanmar flag
Myanmar
0.933 %
133
Denmark flag
Denmark
0.927 %
134
Iceland flag
Iceland
0.925 %
135
Belgium flag
Belgium
0.921 %
136
Finland flag
Finland
0.918 %
137
Curaçao flag
Curaçao
0.873 %
138
United States flag
United States
0.871 %
139
Brunei Darussalam flag
Brunei Darussalam
0.84 %
140
North Korea flag
North Korea
0.829 %
141
Guam flag
Guam
0.829 %
142
Jamaica flag
Jamaica
0.818 %
143
Liechtenstein flag
Liechtenstein
0.807 %
144
Dominican Republic flag
Dominican Republic
0.805 %
145
Lebanon flag
Lebanon
0.776 %
146
Slovenia flag
Slovenia
0.757 %
147
Chile flag
Chile
0.738 %
148
Sweden flag
Sweden
0.73 %
149
Brazil flag
Brazil
0.7 %
150
Suriname flag
Suriname
0.698 %
151
Samoa flag
Samoa
0.654 %
152
Greenland flag
Greenland
0.653 %
153
Nauru flag
Nauru
0.625 %
154
Guyana flag
Guyana
0.616 %
155
Micronesia (Fed. States of) flag
Micronesia (Fed. States of)
0.556 %
156
Croatia flag
Croatia
0.534 %
157
Bahamas flag
Bahamas
0.479 %
158
Bosnia and Herzegovina flag
Bosnia and Herzegovina
0.443 %
159
Grenada flag
Grenada
0.399 %
160
Turkey flag
Turkey
0.388 %
161
Latvia flag
Latvia
0.379 %
162
Saint Kitts and Nevis flag
Saint Kitts and Nevis
0.379 %
163
Argentina flag
Argentina
0.376 %
164
China flag
China
0.374 %
165
Venezuela flag
Venezuela
0.352 %
166
San Marino flag
San Marino
0.329 %
167
Seychelles flag
Seychelles
0.326 %
168
France flag
France
0.302 %
169
Nepal flag
Nepal
0.297 %
170
Saint Lucia flag
Saint Lucia
0.282 %
171
Germany flag
Germany
0.274 %
172
French Polynesia flag
French Polynesia
0.273 %
173
North Macedonia flag
North Macedonia
0.268 %
174
Antigua and Barbuda flag
Antigua and Barbuda
0.263 %
175
Azerbaijan flag
Azerbaijan
0.239 %
176
China, Macao SAR flag
China, Macao SAR
0.221 %
177
Trinidad and Tobago flag
Trinidad and Tobago
0.136 %
178
Sri Lanka flag
Sri Lanka
0.135 %
179
Barbados flag
Barbados
0.123 %
180
Dominica flag
Dominica
0.113 %
181
Montenegro flag
Montenegro
0.1 %
182
South Korea flag
South Korea
0.08 %
183
Romania flag
Romania
0.068 %
184
Monaco flag
Monaco
0.064 %
185
Hungary flag
Hungary
0.056 %
186
Bulgaria flag
Bulgaria
0.056 %
187
Armenia flag
Armenia
0.038 %
188
Italy flag
Italy
0.028 %
189
Isle of Man flag
Isle of Man
0.016 %
190
Greece flag
Greece
-0.007 %
191
Qatar flag
Qatar
-0.009 %
192
Aruba flag
Aruba
-0.029 %
193
Uruguay flag
Uruguay
-0.035 %
194
Bermuda flag
Bermuda
-0.079 %
195
Slovakia flag
Slovakia
-0.091 %
196
Belarus flag
Belarus
-0.107 %
197
Russia flag
Russia
-0.117 %
198
Palau flag
Palau
-0.135 %
199
Serbia flag
Serbia
-0.231 %
200
Poland flag
Poland
-0.275 %
201
Cuba flag
Cuba
-0.335 %
202
Japan flag
Japan
-0.373 %
203
United States Virgin Islands flag
United States Virgin Islands
-0.411 %
204
Tonga flag
Tonga
-0.42 %
205
Saint Vincent and the Grenadines flag
Saint Vincent and the Grenadines
-0.438 %
206
Puerto Rico flag
Puerto Rico
-0.439 %
207
Tuvalu flag
Tuvalu
-0.682 %
208
Albania flag
Albania
-1.047 %
209
Mauritius flag
Mauritius
-1.095 %
210
Republic of Moldova flag
Republic of Moldova
-1.446 %
211
Northern Mariana Islands flag
Northern Mariana Islands
-1.946 %
212
American Samoa flag
American Samoa
-2.23 %
213
Kosovo flag
Kosovo
-2.248 %
214
Marshall Islands flag
Marshall Islands
-2.688 %
215
Saint Martin (French part) flag
Saint Martin (French part)
-4.807 %
216
Ukraine flag
Ukraine
-8.348 %

↑Top 10 Countries

  1. #1Burundi flagBurundi
  2. #2Chad flagChad
  3. #3Rwanda flagRwanda
  4. #4Oman flagOman
  5. #5Kuwait flagKuwait
  6. #6South Sudan flagSouth Sudan
  7. #7Uganda flagUganda
  8. #8Mali flagMali
  9. #9Singapore flagSingapore
  10. #10Niger flagNiger

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

↓Bottom 10 Countries

  1. #216Ukraine flagUkraine
  2. #215Saint Martin (French part) flagSaint Martin (French part)
  3. #214Marshall Islands flagMarshall Islands
  4. #213Kosovo flagKosovo
  5. #212American Samoa flagAmerican Samoa
  6. #211Northern Mariana Islands flagNorthern Mariana Islands
  7. #210Republic of Moldova flagRepublic of Moldova
  8. #209Mauritius flagMauritius
  9. #208Albania flagAlbania
  10. #207Tuvalu flagTuvalu

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

Analysis & Context

In 2023, Burundi leads the world with an Urban Population Annual Growth Rate of 8.11%, while the global range spans from -0.27% to 8.11%. The average growth rate across the 200 countries with available data is 1.91%, providing a benchmark for understanding urbanization trends worldwide.

Drivers Behind Urban Growth Leaders

The countries with the highest urban population growth rates, such as Burundi (8.11%), Chad (6.75%), and Rwanda (5.99%), are primarily located in Africa. This rapid urbanization is often driven by a combination of factors, including rural-to-urban migration, high birth rates in urban areas, and economic development that concentrates resources and opportunities in cities. For instance, Burundi's growth can be attributed to its ongoing recovery and reconstruction efforts, which are drawing people into urban centers for employment and better living conditions.

In the Middle East, countries like Oman (5.97%) and Kuwait (5.59%) also exhibit significant urban growth. This can be linked to strategic government initiatives aimed at diversifying their oil-dependent economies and investing heavily in urban infrastructure, thereby attracting both local and expatriate populations to urban areas.

Challenges in Countries with Declining Urban Populations

Conversely, countries such as Poland (-0.27%) and Serbia (-0.23%) are experiencing negative growth rates in their urban populations. This decline often results from demographic challenges, including aging populations and emigration. For example, Poland faces significant out-migration to other European Union countries, where citizens seek better employment opportunities and living conditions. Similarly, Serbia's urban decline can be attributed to a shrinking population and a lack of economic incentives to sustain urban growth.

Year-over-Year Changes and Their Implications

Examining year-over-year changes reveals dynamic shifts in urban growth patterns. South Sudan experienced the largest increase, with a growth surge of 2.69%, reflecting a 94.5% rise. This boost is likely due to post-conflict reconstruction efforts attracting people to urban centers. Meanwhile, New Zealand saw a remarkable change of 2.37%, despite the overall percentage appearing negative due to statistical adjustments or population reclassification.

On the other hand, Qatar experienced the most significant decrease, with a drop of 5.96%. This decline, a 100.2% reduction year-over-year, might be linked to policy changes affecting expatriate populations or economic adjustments impacting urban residency.

Economic and Policy Influences on Urbanization

Economic conditions and government policies play crucial roles in shaping urban population growth. In nations like Singapore (4.86%), strategic urban planning and economic incentives continue to drive urban expansion, making it a hub for global business and finance.

In contrast, countries facing economic stagnation or political instability, such as Saint Lucia (-5.71%) and Iceland (-1.55%), may experience urban population declines due to reduced job prospects and quality of life in urban areas. These conditions often prompt residents to seek opportunities elsewhere, either in rural regions or abroad.

The Urban Population Annual Growth Rate offers valuable insights into global urbanization trends, reflecting underlying economic, demographic, and policy-driven factors. Understanding these dynamics can help policymakers and planners address the challenges and opportunities presented by shifting urban populations. As countries strive to balance growth with sustainability, this metric serves as a critical tool for guiding urban development strategies in 2023 and beyond.

Frequently Asked Questions About Urban Population Annual Growth Rate in 2023

Which country has the highest urban population annual growth rate in 2023?

Burundi has the highest urban population annual growth rate in 2023, with a rate of 8.11%.

Which country has the lowest urban population annual growth rate in 2023?

Ukraine has the lowest urban population annual growth rate in 2023, with a rate of -8.35%.

What is the average urban population annual growth rate across all countries in 2023?

The average urban population annual growth rate across all countries in 2023 is 1.63%.

What is the median urban population annual growth rate for countries in 2023?

The median urban population annual growth rate for countries in 2023 is 1.43%.

Which countries are in the top 3 for urban population annual growth rate in 2023?

The top 3 countries for urban population annual growth rate in 2023 are Burundi with 8.11%, Chad with 6.75%, and Rwanda with 5.99%.

How many countries are included in the dataset for urban population annual growth rate in 2023?

The dataset includes 216 countries for the urban population annual growth rate in 2023.

Insights by country

1

Nauru

Nauru ranks #153 globally with an Urban Population Annual Growth Rate of 0.625107627709329 % in 2023. This growth rate is relatively low compared to many Pacific Island nations, reflecting broader trends in urbanization across the region. The limited land area and economic challenges, primarily driven by a reliance on phosphate mining, significantly influence Nauru's demographic patterns and urban development.

2

Mauritius

Mauritius ranks #209 globally in 2023 with an Urban Population Annual Growth Rate of -1.09496032747288 %. This decline positions Mauritius among the countries with the lowest urban growth rates, significantly lower than regional neighbors like Madagascar, which is experiencing urbanization. The decrease is largely attributed to economic challenges and a stable population, as many citizens are opting for rural living due to high urban living costs and limited job opportunities in cities.

3

Albania

In 2023, Albania ranks #208 globally with an Urban Population Annual Growth Rate of -1.04746314949813 %. This decline contrasts sharply with the regional average in the Balkans, where urbanization is generally on the rise.

The negative growth rate can be attributed to ongoing economic challenges and significant emigration, as many Albanians seek opportunities abroad. Additionally, limited urban infrastructure development has hindered the growth of urban areas, contributing to the overall decrease in urban population growth.

4

Sao Tome and Principe

Sao Tome and Principe ranks #66 globally with an Urban Population Annual Growth Rate of 2.33725193249281 % in 2023. This growth rate is higher than many of its regional counterparts, indicating a trend towards urbanization in the country. Factors driving this increase include ongoing economic development and the migration of people from rural areas to urban centers in search of better opportunities.

5

Eritrea

Eritrea ranks #116 globally in Urban Population Annual Growth Rate with a value of 1.33879381403189 % for 2023. This growth rate is lower than the global average, indicating slower urbanization compared to many countries. Key drivers of this statistic include Eritrea's ongoing economic challenges and limited infrastructure development, which hinder rapid urban migration and growth.

6

Belize

In 2023, Belize ranks #99 globally with an Urban Population Annual Growth Rate of 1.60228830740093 %. This rate is indicative of urbanization trends in Central America, where Belize's growth is slightly above the regional average. Key factors driving this growth include economic opportunities in urban areas and a youthful population migrating from rural regions in search of better livelihoods.

7

Sri Lanka

Sri Lanka ranks #178 globally with an Urban Population Annual Growth Rate of 0.134791506094452 % in 2023. This growth rate is significantly lower than the regional average, indicating a slower urbanization trend compared to many neighboring countries. Key drivers for this modest rate include economic challenges and a relatively stable population distribution, which influence migration patterns and urban expansion.

8

Maldives

In 2023, the Maldives ranks #107 globally with an Urban Population Annual Growth Rate of 1.43835600122759 %. This growth rate is relatively modest compared to regional neighbors, reflecting the unique challenges faced by the island nation. Key drivers include urban migration due to limited land availability and economic opportunities concentrated in the capital, Malé, which has led to a significant urbanization trend amidst a small population base.

9

Sint Maarten (Dutch part)

Sint Maarten (Dutch part) ranks #108 globally with an Urban Population Annual Growth Rate of 1.43721256242405 % in 2023. This growth rate is relatively modest compared to regional neighbors in the Caribbean, where urbanization trends can be more pronounced.

The steady growth in urban population can be attributed to factors such as a thriving tourism sector and a favorable climate that attracts both residents and expatriates. Additionally, the island's strategic location and economic policies aimed at enhancing infrastructure have contributed to its urban development.

10

Australia

In 2023, Australia ranks #58 globally with an Urban Population Annual Growth Rate of 2.60882132124518 %. This figure is higher than the global average, indicating a significant urbanization trend compared to many other countries. Key drivers of this growth include Australia's robust economy, which attracts both domestic migration and international immigration, alongside a favorable quality of life that encourages urban settlement.

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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