Urban Population Annual Growth Rate 2025

Urban population annual growth rate measures the year-over-year percentage increase in a country's urban population.

215 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
5.799 %
2
Chad flag
Chad
5.74 %
3
Rwanda flag
Rwanda
5.554 %
4
Niger flag
Niger
5.004 %
5
Mozambique flag
Mozambique
4.95 %
6
United Arab Emirates flag
United Arab Emirates
4.852 %
7
Saudi Arabia flag
Saudi Arabia
4.817 %
8
Tanzania flag
Tanzania
4.812 %
9
Uganda flag
Uganda
4.797 %
10
Mali flag
Mali
4.796 %
11
Ethiopia flag
Ethiopia
4.593 %
12
Solomon Islands flag
Solomon Islands
4.436 %
13
Malawi flag
Malawi
4.43 %
14
Central African Republic flag
Central African Republic
4.335 %
15
Somalia flag
Somalia
4.291 %
16
Burkina Faso flag
Burkina Faso
4.26 %
17
Mauritania flag
Mauritania
4.224 %
18
Papua New Guinea flag
Papua New Guinea
4.142 %
19
Angola flag
Angola
4.136 %
20
Congo, Democratic Republic of the flag
Congo, Democratic Republic of the
4.022 %
21
Oman flag
Oman
3.999 %
22
Qatar flag
Qatar
3.962 %
23
Benin flag
Benin
3.945 %
24
Madagascar flag
Madagascar
3.83 %
25
Syrian Arab Republic flag
Syrian Arab Republic
3.779 %
26
Zambia flag
Zambia
3.749 %
27
Afghanistan flag
Afghanistan
3.694 %
28
Yemen flag
Yemen
3.504 %
29
Togo flag
Togo
3.493 %
30
Guinea flag
Guinea
3.474 %
31
Côte d'Ivoire flag
Côte d'Ivoire
3.466 %
32
South Sudan flag
South Sudan
3.462 %
33
Zimbabwe flag
Zimbabwe
3.382 %
34
Lesotho flag
Lesotho
3.347 %
35
Georgia flag
Georgia
3.344 %
36
Nigeria flag
Nigeria
3.324 %
37
Guinea-Bissau flag
Guinea-Bissau
3.324 %
38
Gambia flag
Gambia
3.291 %
39
Sierra Leone flag
Sierra Leone
3.272 %
40
Senegal flag
Senegal
3.253 %
41
Laos flag
Laos
3.217 %
42
Liberia flag
Liberia
3.061 %
43
Comoros flag
Comoros
3.047 %
44
Cameroon flag
Cameroon
3.04 %
45
Ukraine flag
Ukraine
3.008 %
46
Namibia flag
Namibia
2.952 %
47
Kenya flag
Kenya
2.923 %
48
Kiribati flag
Kiribati
2.92 %
49
Bangladesh flag
Bangladesh
2.92 %
50
Eswatini flag
Eswatini
2.849 %
51
Ghana flag
Ghana
2.786 %
52
Congo flag
Congo
2.734 %
53
Equatorial Guinea flag
Equatorial Guinea
2.703 %
54
Bhutan flag
Bhutan
2.663 %
55
State of Palestine flag
State of Palestine
2.626 %
56
Sudan flag
Sudan
2.57 %
57
Pakistan flag
Pakistan
2.455 %
58
Honduras flag
Honduras
2.441 %
59
Sao Tome and Principe flag
Sao Tome and Principe
2.42 %
60
Vanuatu flag
Vanuatu
2.387 %
61
Gabon flag
Gabon
2.355 %
62
Botswana flag
Botswana
2.342 %
63
British Virgin Islands flag
British Virgin Islands
2.217 %
64
Iraq flag
Iraq
2.18 %
65
Haiti flag
Haiti
2.172 %
66
Guatemala flag
Guatemala
2.128 %
67
Algeria flag
Algeria
2.032 %
68
Eritrea flag
Eritrea
2.011 %
69
Gibraltar flag
Gibraltar
2.006 %
70
Ireland flag
Ireland
2.001 %
71
Paraguay flag
Paraguay
1.956 %
72
Uzbekistan flag
Uzbekistan
1.921 %
73
Malta flag
Malta
1.918 %
74
Armenia flag
Armenia
1.917 %
75
Indonesia flag
Indonesia
1.871 %
76
Cayman Islands flag
Cayman Islands
1.846 %
77
Bolivia flag
Bolivia
1.806 %
78
Egypt flag
Egypt
1.799 %
79
Malaysia flag
Malaysia
1.794 %
80
Tajikistan flag
Tajikistan
1.778 %
81
India flag
India
1.76 %
82
Cambodia flag
Cambodia
1.747 %
83
Kyrgyzstan flag
Kyrgyzstan
1.734 %
84
Kazakhstan flag
Kazakhstan
1.715 %
85
Timor-Leste flag
Timor-Leste
1.694 %
86
Turkmenistan flag
Turkmenistan
1.683 %
87
Australia flag
Australia
1.667 %
88
Nicaragua flag
Nicaragua
1.617 %
89
Cabo Verde flag
Cabo Verde
1.577 %
90
Maldives flag
Maldives
1.557 %
91
Iceland flag
Iceland
1.553 %
92
Seychelles flag
Seychelles
1.553 %
93
Peru flag
Peru
1.518 %
94
Mongolia flag
Mongolia
1.511 %
95
Luxembourg flag
Luxembourg
1.503 %
96
Vietnam flag
Vietnam
1.482 %
97
Panama flag
Panama
1.458 %
98
Morocco flag
Morocco
1.435 %
99
Thailand flag
Thailand
1.425 %
100
Djibouti flag
Djibouti
1.402 %
101
Philippines flag
Philippines
1.389 %
102
Iran flag
Iran
1.385 %
103
Colombia flag
Colombia
1.347 %
104
South Africa flag
South Africa
1.344 %
105
Sint Maarten (Dutch part) flag
Sint Maarten (Dutch part)
1.313 %
106
Portugal flag
Portugal
1.297 %
107
Spain flag
Spain
1.28 %
108
Switzerland flag
Switzerland
1.27 %
109
Fiji flag
Fiji
1.258 %
110
Israel flag
Israel
1.245 %
111
Andorra flag
Andorra
1.244 %
112
New Caledonia flag
New Caledonia
1.24 %
113
Liechtenstein flag
Liechtenstein
1.224 %
114
Singapore flag
Singapore
1.224 %
115
Mexico flag
Mexico
1.186 %
116
Canada flag
Canada
1.151 %
117
Ecuador flag
Ecuador
1.091 %
118
Myanmar flag
Myanmar
1.08 %
119
Libya flag
Libya
1.074 %
120
Tunisia flag
Tunisia
1.069 %
121
Faroe Islands flag
Faroe Islands
1.058 %
122
El Salvador flag
El Salvador
1.036 %
123
Lebanon flag
Lebanon
1.028 %
124
Norway flag
Norway
0.979 %
125
Costa Rica flag
Costa Rica
0.971 %
126
Dominican Republic flag
Dominican Republic
0.956 %
127
Belize flag
Belize
0.935 %
128
Cyprus flag
Cyprus
0.933 %
129
Brunei Darussalam flag
Brunei Darussalam
0.927 %
130
Turks and Caicos Islands flag
Turks and Caicos Islands
0.927 %
131
Suriname flag
Suriname
0.888 %
132
Netherlands flag
Netherlands
0.834 %
133
Finland flag
Finland
0.822 %
134
North Korea flag
North Korea
0.789 %
135
Croatia flag
Croatia
0.776 %
136
Guam flag
Guam
0.775 %
137
Belgium flag
Belgium
0.767 %
138
Jamaica flag
Jamaica
0.763 %
139
Bahrain flag
Bahrain
0.734 %
140
New Zealand flag
New Zealand
0.726 %
141
Denmark flag
Denmark
0.706 %
142
Brazil flag
Brazil
0.703 %
143
Austria flag
Austria
0.687 %
144
Chile flag
Chile
0.685 %
145
Aruba flag
Aruba
0.66 %
146
Nauru flag
Nauru
0.651 %
147
Guyana flag
Guyana
0.639 %
148
Samoa flag
Samoa
0.609 %
149
United States flag
United States
0.607 %
150
Turkey flag
Turkey
0.587 %
151
Slovenia flag
Slovenia
0.585 %
152
Micronesia (Fed. States of) flag
Micronesia (Fed. States of)
0.569 %
153
Azerbaijan flag
Azerbaijan
0.54 %
154
China flag
China
0.508 %
155
Sweden flag
Sweden
0.504 %
156
Saint Kitts and Nevis flag
Saint Kitts and Nevis
0.496 %
157
Bahamas flag
Bahamas
0.442 %
158
Venezuela flag
Venezuela
0.432 %
159
Argentina flag
Argentina
0.423 %
160
San Marino flag
San Marino
0.42 %
161
United Kingdom flag
United Kingdom
0.394 %
162
Lithuania flag
Lithuania
0.384 %
163
Grenada flag
Grenada
0.377 %
164
Greece flag
Greece
0.373 %
165
North Macedonia flag
North Macedonia
0.331 %
166
Barbados flag
Barbados
0.324 %
167
Bosnia and Herzegovina flag
Bosnia and Herzegovina
0.32 %
168
France flag
France
0.303 %
169
French Polynesia flag
French Polynesia
0.297 %
170
Greenland flag
Greenland
0.279 %
171
Curaçao flag
Curaçao
0.234 %
172
Nepal flag
Nepal
0.228 %
173
Antigua and Barbuda flag
Antigua and Barbuda
0.227 %
174
Saint Lucia flag
Saint Lucia
0.222 %
175
Bulgaria flag
Bulgaria
0.175 %
176
Germany flag
Germany
0.112 %
177
Dominica flag
Dominica
0.092 %
178
Kosovo flag
Kosovo
0.092 %
179
Russia flag
Russia
0.076 %
180
Italy flag
Italy
0.046 %
181
Montenegro flag
Montenegro
0.038 %
182
Sri Lanka flag
Sri Lanka
0.006 %
183
Uruguay flag
Uruguay
0.002 %
184
Trinidad and Tobago flag
Trinidad and Tobago
-0.026 %
185
Czech Republic flag
Czech Republic
-0.056 %
186
Belarus flag
Belarus
-0.084 %
187
Palau flag
Palau
-0.086 %
188
Isle of Man flag
Isle of Man
-0.103 %
189
Mauritius flag
Mauritius
-0.111 %
190
South Korea flag
South Korea
-0.121 %
191
Bermuda flag
Bermuda
-0.125 %
192
Poland flag
Poland
-0.147 %
193
Slovakia flag
Slovakia
-0.148 %
194
Romania flag
Romania
-0.155 %
195
China, Macao SAR flag
China, Macao SAR
-0.16 %
196
Serbia flag
Serbia
-0.161 %
197
Hungary flag
Hungary
-0.215 %
198
Cuba flag
Cuba
-0.31 %
199
China, Hong Kong SAR flag
China, Hong Kong SAR
-0.335 %
200
Japan flag
Japan
-0.373 %
201
Tonga flag
Tonga
-0.391 %
202
Estonia flag
Estonia
-0.396 %
203
Saint Vincent and the Grenadines flag
Saint Vincent and the Grenadines
-0.412 %
204
Puerto Rico flag
Puerto Rico
-0.462 %
205
Tuvalu flag
Tuvalu
-0.498 %
206
United States Virgin Islands flag
United States Virgin Islands
-0.502 %
207
Albania flag
Albania
-0.612 %
208
Kuwait flag
Kuwait
-0.655 %
209
Monaco flag
Monaco
-0.754 %
210
Latvia flag
Latvia
-0.771 %
211
Republic of Moldova flag
Republic of Moldova
-1.257 %
212
Northern Mariana Islands flag
Northern Mariana Islands
-1.567 %
213
American Samoa flag
American Samoa
-2.123 %
214
Marshall Islands flag
Marshall Islands
-2.959 %
215
Saint Martin (French part) flag
Saint Martin (French part)
-4.653 %

↑Top 10 Countries

  1. #1Burundi flagBurundi
  2. #2Chad flagChad
  3. #3Rwanda flagRwanda
  4. #4Niger flagNiger
  5. #5Mozambique flagMozambique
  6. #6United Arab Emirates flagUnited Arab Emirates
  7. #7Saudi Arabia flagSaudi Arabia
  8. #8Tanzania flagTanzania
  9. #9Uganda flagUganda
  10. #10Mali flagMali

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

↓Bottom 10 Countries

  1. #215Saint Martin (French part) flagSaint Martin (French part)
  2. #214Marshall Islands flagMarshall Islands
  3. #213American Samoa flagAmerican Samoa
  4. #212Northern Mariana Islands flagNorthern Mariana Islands
  5. #211Republic of Moldova flagRepublic of Moldova
  6. #210Latvia flagLatvia
  7. #209Monaco flagMonaco
  8. #208Kuwait flagKuwait
  9. #207Albania flagAlbania
  10. #206United States Virgin Islands flagUnited 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

1

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.

2

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.

3

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.

4

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.

5

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.

6

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.

7

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.

8

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.

9

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.

10

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.

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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