View the below map of population density of the World, Population density refers to the number of people living per square kilometer of land area. As of 2023, the global average population density is approximately 59 people per square kilometer. However, this figure varies widely across regions. Countries like Monaco have a population density of over 26,000 people per square kilometer, making it the most densely populated country in the world, while countries like Mongolia have fewer than 2 people per square kilometer. High population densities are often found in urban areas, particularly in cities like Dhaka and Tokyo, which have some of the highest concentrations of people globally.
Explore the map of the World showing all the countries in different color codes as per the population density.
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List of World Population Density by Country
Country
Population
Area (sq km)
Population Density (people per sq km)
Region
Monaco
39,000
2.02
~19,306
Europe
Singapore
5,637,000
719
~7,842
Asia
Bahrain
1,641,000
778
~2,108
Middle East
Bangladesh
169,356,000
147,570
~1,147
Asia
Malta
514,000
316
~1,626
Europe
Netherlands
17,575,000
41,543
~423
Europe
India
1,428,627,000
3,287,263
~434
Asia
United Kingdom
67,732,000
243,610
~278
Europe
Japan
125,681,000
377,975
~332
Asia
United States
331,002,000
9,833,517
~34
North America
Canada
38,008,000
9,984,670
~4
North America
Mongolia
3,409,000
1,564,116
~2
Asia
Australia
25,499,000
7,692,024
~3
Oceania
Russia
146,748,000
17,098,242
~9
Europe/Asia
China
1,412,360,000
9,596,961
~147
Asia
World Population Density: A Comprehensive Overview
Population density is a key metric that helps understand how populations are distributed across geographic areas. It is typically expressed as the number of people living per square kilometer or mile. Population density can reveal much about a country’s resource allocation, urban planning, economic development, and environmental impact. The world's population density varies dramatically from region to region, with some areas being densely packed with people and others being sparsely populated.
What Is Population Density?
Population density is the measure of the number of people living per unit of land area, commonly represented in people per square kilometer. It is calculated by dividing the total population of a region by its land area. For example, a country with a population of 1 million people and an area of 10,000 square kilometers has a population density of 100 people per square kilometer. This metric helps in understanding how crowded or spacious a region may be and plays a significant role in urban development, infrastructure planning, and environmental management.
Global Average Population Density
As of 2023, the global average population density is approximately 59 people per square kilometer. However, this figure does not reflect the extreme differences in population distribution across the world. Some regions are highly populated, while others are virtually uninhabited due to geographical, climatic, or economic factors.
Regions with the Highest Population Density
Some countries and regions stand out for their exceptionally high population densities, often due to limited land area combined with large populations.
1. Monaco
Monaco holds the title for the highest population density in the world, with over 26,000 people per square kilometer. This small city-state on the French Riviera covers an area of just 2.02 square kilometers but has a population of around 39,000. Its high density is a result of its small size and status as a tax haven and tourist destination.
2. Singapore
Singapore is another example of a densely populated region. With a population of 5.6 million people and a land area of only 719 square kilometers, Singapore has a population density of approximately 7,842 people per square kilometer. Despite its high density, Singapore is known for its well-organized urban planning and green spaces.
3. Bangladesh
Bangladesh, with a population density of about 1,147 people per square kilometer, is the most densely populated country with a large land area. Bangladesh has a population of 169 million people packed into a relatively small area of 147,570 square kilometers. Most of its population is concentrated in rural areas, though the capital, Dhaka, is one of the most crowded cities in the world.
4. Taiwan
Taiwan is another densely populated region, with about 673 people per square kilometer. With a population of over 23 million, Taiwan’s density is high due to its limited land area, much of which is mountainous and not suitable for settlement.
5. South Korea
South Korea, with a population density of around 527 people per square kilometer, is one of the most densely populated countries in East Asia. The capital city, Seoul, is home to a significant portion of the population, contributing to its dense urban environment.
Regions with the Lowest Population Density
On the other end of the spectrum, several countries have very low population densities, often due to harsh climates, difficult geography, or vast land areas with small populations.
1. Mongolia
Mongolia has one of the lowest population densities in the world, with only 2 people per square kilometer. This is due to its vast land area (1.56 million square kilometers) and relatively small population of around 3.4 million people. Much of Mongolia is covered by deserts and mountains, which limits where people can live.
2. Australia
Australia, while having a population of over 25 million, has a population density of just 3 people per square kilometer due to its immense land area of over 7.6 million square kilometers. Most of Australia’s population lives along the eastern and southeastern coasts, with the vast interior, known as the Outback, being sparsely populated.
3. Canada
Canada, the second-largest country in the world by land area, has a population density of around 4 people per square kilometer. The majority of Canada’s 38 million people live near the U.S. border, while the northern regions are largely uninhabited due to harsh climate conditions.
Factors Affecting Population Density
Population density is influenced by several factors, including geography, climate, economic opportunities, and political stability.
1. Geography
Geography plays a significant role in population density. Regions with fertile plains, river valleys, and favorable climates tend to support higher population densities. For example, the Nile River Valley in Egypt is densely populated because it provides water and fertile land in an otherwise arid region.
2. Economic Opportunities
Regions with strong economies and job opportunities often attract large populations, leading to higher population densities. Urban areas like New York City, Tokyo, and London have high population densities due to their economic opportunities, while rural areas may have lower densities due to fewer employment prospects.
3. Climate
Climate also has a significant impact on population density. Areas with extreme climates, such as deserts, arctic regions, or tropical rainforests, tend to have lower population densities. For instance, the Sahara Desert in Africa and Siberia in Russia are sparsely populated due to their harsh conditions.
4. Political Stability and Infrastructure
Political stability and infrastructure can also influence population density. Regions with stable governments and well-developed infrastructure (e.g., roads, hospitals, schools) tend to have higher population densities as they provide a higher quality of life and attract more people.
Urbanization and Population Density
Urbanization is a key factor driving population density in many parts of the world. As people move from rural areas to cities in search of better economic opportunities, the population density in urban areas increases.
1. Mega Cities
Cities like Tokyo, Delhi, and Shanghai are prime examples of high-density urban areas. Tokyo, the largest city in the world, has a population of over 37 million people, with a population density of around 6,150 people per square kilometer. These mega cities face unique challenges related to overcrowding, infrastructure, and environmental sustainability.
2. Impact of High-Density Urbanization
High population density in cities can strain infrastructure, increase pollution, and lead to overcrowded living conditions. On the other hand, it can also drive economic growth and innovation by concentrating resources, labor, and industries in a small area.
