Urban Population Annual Growth Rate 2025
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 | 5.799 % | |
2 | Chad | 5.74 % | |
3 | Rwanda | 5.554 % | |
4 | Niger | 5.004 % | |
5 | Mozambique | 4.95 % | |
6 | United Arab Emirates | 4.852 % | |
7 | Saudi Arabia | 4.817 % | |
8 | Tanzania | 4.812 % | |
9 | Uganda | 4.797 % | |
10 | Mali | 4.796 % | |
11 | Ethiopia | 4.593 % | |
12 | Solomon Islands | 4.436 % | |
13 | Malawi | 4.43 % | |
14 | Central African Republic | 4.335 % | |
15 | Somalia | 4.291 % | |
16 | Burkina Faso | 4.26 % | |
17 | Mauritania | 4.224 % | |
18 | Papua New Guinea | 4.142 % | |
19 | Angola | 4.136 % | |
20 | Congo, Democratic Republic of the | 4.022 % | |
21 | Oman | 3.999 % | |
22 | Qatar | 3.962 % | |
23 | Benin | 3.945 % | |
24 | Madagascar | 3.83 % | |
25 | Syrian Arab Republic | 3.779 % | |
26 | Zambia | 3.749 % | |
27 | Afghanistan | 3.694 % | |
28 | Yemen | 3.504 % | |
29 | Togo | 3.493 % | |
30 | Guinea | 3.474 % | |
31 | Côte d'Ivoire | 3.466 % | |
32 | South Sudan | 3.462 % | |
33 | Zimbabwe | 3.382 % | |
34 | Lesotho | 3.347 % | |
35 | Georgia | 3.344 % | |
36 | Nigeria | 3.324 % | |
37 | Guinea-Bissau | 3.324 % | |
38 | Gambia | 3.291 % | |
39 | Sierra Leone | 3.272 % | |
40 | Senegal | 3.253 % | |
41 | Laos | 3.217 % | |
42 | Liberia | 3.061 % | |
43 | Comoros | 3.047 % | |
44 | Cameroon | 3.04 % | |
45 | Ukraine | 3.008 % | |
46 | Namibia | 2.952 % | |
47 | Kenya | 2.923 % | |
48 | Kiribati | 2.92 % | |
49 | Bangladesh | 2.92 % | |
50 | Eswatini | 2.849 % | |
51 | Ghana | 2.786 % | |
52 | Congo | 2.734 % | |
53 | Equatorial Guinea | 2.703 % | |
54 | Bhutan | 2.663 % | |
55 | State of Palestine | 2.626 % | |
56 | Sudan | 2.57 % | |
57 | Pakistan | 2.455 % | |
58 | Honduras | 2.441 % | |
59 | Sao Tome and Principe | 2.42 % | |
60 | Vanuatu | 2.387 % | |
61 | Gabon | 2.355 % | |
62 | Botswana | 2.342 % | |
63 | British Virgin Islands | 2.217 % | |
64 | Iraq | 2.18 % | |
65 | Haiti | 2.172 % | |
66 | Guatemala | 2.128 % | |
67 | Algeria | 2.032 % | |
68 | Eritrea | 2.011 % | |
69 | Gibraltar | 2.006 % | |
70 | Ireland | 2.001 % | |
71 | Paraguay | 1.956 % | |
72 | Uzbekistan | 1.921 % | |
73 | Malta | 1.918 % | |
74 | Armenia | 1.917 % | |
75 | Indonesia | 1.871 % | |
76 | Cayman Islands | 1.846 % | |
77 | Bolivia | 1.806 % | |
78 | Egypt | 1.799 % | |
79 | Malaysia | 1.794 % | |
80 | Tajikistan | 1.778 % | |
81 | India | 1.76 % | |
82 | Cambodia | 1.747 % | |
83 | Kyrgyzstan | 1.734 % | |
84 | Kazakhstan | 1.715 % | |
85 | Timor-Leste | 1.694 % | |
86 | Turkmenistan | 1.683 % | |
87 | Australia | 1.667 % | |
88 | Nicaragua | 1.617 % | |
89 | Cabo Verde | 1.577 % | |
90 | Maldives | 1.557 % | |
91 | Iceland | 1.553 % | |
92 | Seychelles | 1.553 % | |
93 | Peru | 1.518 % | |
94 | Mongolia | 1.511 % | |
95 | Luxembourg | 1.503 % | |
96 | Vietnam | 1.482 % | |
97 | Panama | 1.458 % | |
98 | Morocco | 1.435 % | |
99 | Thailand | 1.425 % | |
100 | Djibouti | 1.402 % | |
101 | Philippines | 1.389 % | |
102 | Iran | 1.385 % | |
103 | Colombia | 1.347 % | |
104 | South Africa | 1.344 % | |
105 | Sint Maarten (Dutch part) | 1.313 % | |
106 | Portugal | 1.297 % | |
107 | Spain | 1.28 % | |
108 | Switzerland | 1.27 % | |
109 | Fiji | 1.258 % | |
110 | Israel | 1.245 % | |
111 | Andorra | 1.244 % | |
112 | New Caledonia | 1.24 % | |
113 | Liechtenstein | 1.224 % | |
114 | Singapore | 1.224 % | |
115 | Mexico | 1.186 % | |
116 | Canada | 1.151 % | |
117 | Ecuador | 1.091 % | |
118 | Myanmar | 1.08 % | |
119 | Libya | 1.074 % | |
120 | Tunisia | 1.069 % | |
121 | Faroe Islands | 1.058 % | |
122 | El Salvador | 1.036 % | |
123 | Lebanon | 1.028 % | |
124 | Norway | 0.979 % | |
125 | Costa Rica | 0.971 % | |
126 | Dominican Republic | 0.956 % | |
127 | Belize | 0.935 % | |
128 | Cyprus | 0.933 % | |
129 | Brunei Darussalam | 0.927 % | |
130 | Turks and Caicos Islands | 0.927 % | |
131 | Suriname | 0.888 % | |
132 | Netherlands | 0.834 % | |
133 | Finland | 0.822 % | |
134 | North Korea | 0.789 % | |
135 | Croatia | 0.776 % | |
136 | Guam | 0.775 % | |
137 | Belgium | 0.767 % | |
138 | Jamaica | 0.763 % | |
139 | Bahrain | 0.734 % | |
140 | New Zealand | 0.726 % | |
141 | Denmark | 0.706 % | |
142 | Brazil | 0.703 % | |
143 | Austria | 0.687 % | |
144 | Chile | 0.685 % | |
145 | Aruba | 0.66 % | |
146 | Nauru | 0.651 % | |
147 | Guyana | 0.639 % | |
148 | Samoa | 0.609 % | |
149 | United States | 0.607 % | |
150 | Turkey | 0.587 % | |
151 | Slovenia | 0.585 % | |
152 | Micronesia (Fed. States of) | 0.569 % | |
153 | Azerbaijan | 0.54 % | |
154 | China | 0.508 % | |
155 | Sweden | 0.504 % | |
156 | Saint Kitts and Nevis | 0.496 % | |
157 | Bahamas | 0.442 % | |
158 | Venezuela | 0.432 % | |
159 | Argentina | 0.423 % | |
160 | San Marino | 0.42 % | |
161 | United Kingdom | 0.394 % | |
162 | Lithuania | 0.384 % | |
163 | Grenada | 0.377 % | |
164 | Greece | 0.373 % | |
165 | North Macedonia | 0.331 % | |
166 | Barbados | 0.324 % | |
167 | Bosnia and Herzegovina | 0.32 % | |
168 | France | 0.303 % | |
169 | French Polynesia | 0.297 % | |
170 | Greenland | 0.279 % | |
171 | Curaçao | 0.234 % | |
172 | Nepal | 0.228 % | |
173 | Antigua and Barbuda | 0.227 % | |
174 | Saint Lucia | 0.222 % | |
175 | Bulgaria | 0.175 % | |
176 | Germany | 0.112 % | |
177 | Dominica | 0.092 % | |
178 | Kosovo | 0.092 % | |
179 | Russia | 0.076 % | |
180 | Italy | 0.046 % | |
181 | Montenegro | 0.038 % | |
182 | Sri Lanka | 0.006 % | |
183 | Uruguay | 0.002 % | |
184 | Trinidad and Tobago | -0.026 % | |
185 | Czech Republic | -0.056 % | |
186 | Belarus | -0.084 % | |
187 | Palau | -0.086 % | |
188 | Isle of Man | -0.103 % | |
189 | Mauritius | -0.111 % | |
190 | South Korea | -0.121 % | |
191 | Bermuda | -0.125 % | |
192 | Poland | -0.147 % | |
193 | Slovakia | -0.148 % | |
194 | Romania | -0.155 % | |
195 | China, Macao SAR | -0.16 % | |
196 | Serbia | -0.161 % | |
197 | Hungary | -0.215 % | |
198 | Cuba | -0.31 % | |
199 | China, Hong Kong SAR | -0.335 % | |
200 | Japan | -0.373 % | |
201 | Tonga | -0.391 % | |
202 | Estonia | -0.396 % | |
203 | Saint Vincent and the Grenadines | -0.412 % | |
204 | Puerto Rico | -0.462 % | |
205 | Tuvalu | -0.498 % | |
206 | United States Virgin Islands | -0.502 % | |
207 | Albania | -0.612 % | |
208 | Kuwait | -0.655 % | |
209 | Monaco | -0.754 % | |
210 | Latvia | -0.771 % | |
211 | Republic of Moldova | -1.257 % | |
212 | Northern Mariana Islands | -1.567 % | |
213 | American Samoa | -2.123 % | |
214 | Marshall Islands | -2.959 % | |
215 | Saint Martin (French part) | -4.653 % |
- #1
Burundi
- #2
Chad
- #3
Rwanda
- #4
Niger
- #5
Mozambique
- #6
United Arab Emirates
- #7
Saudi Arabia
- #8
Tanzania
- #9
Uganda
- #10
Mali
Analysis: These countries represent the highest values in this dataset, showcasing significant scale and impact on global statistics.
- #215
Saint Martin (French part)
- #214
Marshall Islands
- #213
American Samoa
- #212
Northern Mariana Islands
- #211
Republic of Moldova
- #210
Latvia
- #209
Monaco
- #208
Kuwait
- #207
Albania
- #206
United States Virgin Islands
Context: These countries or territories have the lowest values, often due to geographic size, administrative status, or specific characteristics.
Analysis & Context
The country with the highest Urban Population Annual Growth Rate in 2025 is Burundi with a rate of 5.80%, while the global range spans from -0.37% to 5.80%. The global average urban population growth rate is 1.74%, providing a benchmark for understanding urbanization trends worldwide.
Drivers of High Urban Population Growth
Several factors contribute to the high urban population growth rates observed in countries like Burundi at 5.80% and Chad at 5.74%. In many African nations, rapid urbanization is driven by rural-to-urban migration as individuals seek better employment opportunities and improved living conditions in cities. For example, Rwanda, with an urban growth rate of 5.55%, is experiencing significant infrastructure development, making urban areas more attractive. Additionally, high fertility rates in these regions naturally increase urban populations over time, amplifying growth rates.
In contrast, countries like the United Arab Emirates and Saudi Arabia have growth rates of 4.85% and 4.82% respectively, driven by different factors. These nations are experiencing rapid urbanization due to government policies promoting economic diversification and foreign workforce inflows. Their strategic urban planning and investment in infrastructure create environments conducive to rapid urban growth.
Challenges of Declining Urban Growth Rates
On the other side of the spectrum, countries such as Japan and China, Hong Kong SAR face urban population declines, with rates of -0.37% and -0.34% respectively. These declines are often attributed to aging populations, low birth rates, and economic factors that limit urban expansion. In Japan, for instance, the declining urban growth rate is a reflection of broader demographic challenges that include a shrinking workforce and an increasing elderly population.
Similarly, Hungary and Serbia show negative growth rates at -0.22% and -0.16%. These trends are often linked to emigration, where younger populations move abroad for better opportunities, leaving behind aging urban centers with reduced growth potential. Addressing these challenges requires policies that can rejuvenate urban areas and make them attractive to both domestic and international populations.
Significant Year-Over-Year Changes
The year 2025 has seen notable shifts in urban growth rates, with Ukraine experiencing the most significant increase of +2.59%, a staggering 619.9% rise. This change may be attributed to post-conflict reconstruction efforts and economic stabilization driving urban resettlement and development. Similarly, Sudan and Iceland have seen increases of +1.56% and +1.30% respectively, due to improved political stability and economic prospects attracting more urban migrants.
Conversely, Qatar experienced the most substantial decrease of -3.40%, a -46.2% change, possibly due to economic adjustments and a shift in foreign labor policies impacting urban demographics. Burundi and Canada also saw decreases of -2.06% and -2.05%, reflecting broader economic and policy shifts that impact urban growth dynamics.
Implications for Future Urban Planning
The variations in urban population growth rates across different regions highlight the complex interplay of demographic, economic, and policy factors shaping urbanization. Countries with high growth rates need to focus on sustainable urban planning to accommodate expanding populations, ensuring that infrastructure, housing, and services can meet future demands.
For nations experiencing declines, such as Japan and Hungary, strategies to attract young populations and revitalize urban centers are critical. Initiatives that foster innovation, improve quality of life, and create economic opportunities can help reverse negative trends.
Overall, understanding these growth dynamics is essential for policymakers to craft strategies that effectively manage urban development and ensure sustainable growth in the face of global urbanization challenges.
Frequently Asked Questions About Urban Population Annual Growth Rate in 2025
Which country has the highest urban population annual growth rate in 2025?
Burundi has the highest urban population annual growth rate in 2025, with a rate of 5.8%.
Which country has the lowest urban population annual growth rate in 2025?
Saint Martin (French part) has the lowest urban population annual growth rate in 2025, with a rate of -4.65%.
What is the average urban population annual growth rate across all countries in 2025?
The average urban population annual growth rate across all 215 countries in 2025 is 1.54%.
What is the median urban population annual growth rate for countries in 2025?
The median urban population annual growth rate for countries in 2025 is 1.27%.
Which countries are in the top 3 for urban population annual growth rate in 2025?
The top 3 countries for urban population annual growth rate in 2025 are Burundi with 5.8%, Chad with 5.74%, and Rwanda with 5.55%.
How many countries are included in the dataset for urban population annual growth rate in 2025?
The dataset includes 215 countries for urban population annual growth rate in 2025.
Insights by country
Estonia
In 2025, Estonia's Urban Population Annual Growth Rate is projected to be -0.396158324414895 %, ranking #202 out of 215 countries. This decline is notable in comparison to many neighboring countries in the Baltic region, which generally experience stable or growing urban populations. Contributing factors include a low birth rate and emigration trends, as many young Estonians seek opportunities abroad, impacting urbanization efforts within the country.
Ecuador
Ecuador's Urban Population Annual Growth Rate is 1.09129410967709 %, ranking it #117 out of 215 countries in 2025. This growth rate is lower than the regional average for South America, indicating a slower urbanization process compared to some neighboring countries. Key drivers for this rate include ongoing economic challenges and migration patterns, as many Ecuadorians seek opportunities abroad rather than in urban centers.
China
In 2025, China has an Urban Population Annual Growth Rate of 0.508242457875982 %, ranking #154 out of 215 countries. This growth rate is below the global average, reflecting challenges in urban migration and economic restructuring compared to rapidly urbanizing neighbors like India. Key drivers of this statistic include China's ongoing economic transitions and demographic shifts, as the government continues to manage urbanization through policies aimed at sustainable development and environmental considerations.
Czech Republic
The Czech Republic ranks #185 globally with an Urban Population Annual Growth Rate of -0.0558588379946453 % in 2025. This negative growth rate contrasts sharply with the global trend, where urbanization is generally on the rise. Contributing factors include a stable population size, urban migration trends towards neighboring countries, and an aging demographic that limits urban expansion. Additionally, economic stability and housing policies have influenced urban development dynamics within the country.
Algeria
In 2025, Algeria ranks #67 globally with an Urban Population Annual Growth Rate of 2.03184142684878 %. This growth rate is above the average for North African countries, indicating a trend towards urbanization within the region.
The key drivers of this urban growth include ongoing economic diversification efforts and a youthful population that is increasingly migrating to urban centers for better opportunities. Additionally, government policies aimed at improving urban infrastructure are attracting more residents to cities.
Afghanistan
In 2025, Afghanistan ranks #27 globally with an Urban Population Annual Growth Rate of 3.69449064046198 %. This growth rate is higher than the global average, reflecting significant urbanization trends in the region. Key drivers include ongoing economic challenges and internal migration as people seek better opportunities in urban centers, exacerbated by prolonged conflict and instability in rural areas.
Tunisia
Tunisia ranks #120 globally with an Urban Population Annual Growth Rate of 1.06869673608149 % for 2025. This growth rate is below the regional average for North Africa, indicating slower urbanization compared to some neighboring countries. Key drivers for Tunisia's urban growth include ongoing economic reforms and a young population, which contribute to migration towards urban centers in search of better opportunities.
Aruba
In 2025, Aruba ranks #145 globally with an Urban Population Annual Growth Rate of 0.660176851055675 %. This growth rate is relatively modest compared to many Caribbean nations, where urbanization often accelerates due to tourism and economic opportunities.
The steady growth in Aruba can be attributed to its stable economy, which is heavily reliant on tourism, as well as its geographic size that limits extensive urban expansion. Additionally, a favorable climate and quality of life continue to attract residents, contributing to a gradual increase in urban population density.
Netherlands
The Netherlands has an Urban Population Annual Growth Rate of 0.833951413643368 % in 2025, ranking #132 out of 215 countries. This growth rate is below the European average, reflecting slower urbanization compared to many of its neighbors. Key drivers include a stable population and effective urban planning policies that manage growth sustainably, focusing on quality of life and infrastructure development.
Togo
Togo ranks #29 globally in Urban Population Annual Growth Rate with a value of 3.4929524312123 % for 2025. This growth rate is significantly higher than the global average, indicating a rapid urbanization trend. Key drivers for this urban growth include Togo's economic reforms aimed at enhancing infrastructure and investment in urban development, alongside a youthful population that is increasingly migrating to cities 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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