World: Highest Population Density, by country
CountryPopulation density,
in inhabitants per, square km
MonacoMonaco24,621.5
Macao SARMacao SAR21,456.5
SingaporeSingapore8,698.5
Hong Kong SARHong Kong SAR6,819.5
GibraltarGibraltar3,267.0
BahrainBahrain1,868.8
MaldivesMaldives1,738.2
MaltaMalta1,672.2
BangladeshBangladesh1,301.0
Sint Maarten (Dutch part)Sint Maarten (Dutch part)1,295.4
BermudaBermuda1,188.6
Holy SeeHoly See1,162.5
GuernseyGuernsey985.4
JerseyJersey945.0
State of PalestineState of Palestine852.7
MayotteMayotte842.7
TaiwanTaiwan673.8
BarbadosBarbados654.0
MauritiusMauritius639.9
NauruNauru625.6
Saint Martin (French part)Saint Martin (French part)602.8
ArubaAruba591.9
RwandaRwanda556.0
San MarinoSan Marino553.2
LebanonLebanon546.7
Republic of KoreaRepublic of Korea523.8
NetherlandsNetherlands519.8
Saint BarthélemySaint Barthélemy493.7
BurundiBurundi483.7
IndiaIndia473.4
CuraçaoCuraçao448.9
ComorosComoros441.5
HaitiHaiti415.2
IsraelIsrael411.2
RéunionRéunion386.5
BelgiumBelgium383.5
PhilippinesPhilippines379.6
Puerto RicoPuerto Rico374.6
TuvaluTuvalu373.5
GrenadaGrenada366.5
MartiniqueMartinique347.9
Sri LankaSri Lanka347.2
JapanJapan330.7
GuamGuam315.2
Viet NamViet Nam311.0
El SalvadorEl Salvador304.7
PakistanPakistan300.2
Trinidad and TobagoTrinidad and Tobago297.4
Saint LuciaSaint Lucia291.6
U.S. Virgin IslandsU.S. Virgin Islands286.0
  • Region: Worldwide
  • Time period: 2021
  • Published: Jul 2022

Data Analysis and Insights

Updated: Mar 28, 2024 | Published by: Statistico | About Us | Data sources

Monaco holds the highest population density

Monaco stands out with a population density of 24,621.5 inhabitants per square km, the highest globally, significantly surpassing the second-ranked Macao SAR with 21,456.5 inhabitants per square km.

Top 5 most densely populated territories

The five territories with the highest population density are Monaco, Macao SAR, Singapore, Hong Kong SAR, and Gibraltar, with densities ranging from 24,621.5 to 3,267.0 inhabitants per square km, showcasing significant urbanization or limited land space.

Asia's significant representation among densely populated areas

Asian territories such as Macao SAR, Singapore, Hong Kong SAR, and Bangladesh prominently feature among the top 10 for population density, indicating a trend of high urbanization and limited living space in the region.

Variety in geographic size among densely populated countries

Countries and territories with high population densities range from very small (e.g., Monaco, Singapore) to relatively large in area (e.g., Bangladesh), illustrating that high population density is not solely a feature of small city-states but can also occur in larger countries with significant populations.

European countries with high population densities

European regions like Monaco, Gibraltar, and Malta show high population densities, with figures of 24,621.5, 3,267.0, and 1,672.2 inhabitants per square km respectively, highlighting the continent's urban concentration.

The contrast between the highest and lowest population densities

The gap between the highest (Monaco) and the lowest (U.S. Virgin Islands) population densities in the list is 23,335.5 inhabitants per square km, underlining the vast differences in how populations are spread across different territories.

Islands and territories as densely populated regions

Many of the most densely populated regions are islands or territories, such as Singapore, Bahrain, and Malta, suggesting that geographical constraints significantly impact population density.

Population density and economic centers

Regions with high population densities like Singapore, Hong Kong SAR, and Macao SAR are also known as significant economic centers, indicating a correlation between population density and economic activity.

Presence of small territories in top density rankings

Small territories such as Gibraltar, Bermuda, and Sint Maarten (Dutch part) feature prominently in high population density rankings, showcasing how limited land areas contribute to higher densities.

Asian and European dominance in high-density rankings

Asian and European countries dominate the list of territories with the highest population densities, reflecting diverse urban planning and living conditions in these regions.

Frequently Asked Questions

Which area has the highest population density in the world?

Monaco has the highest population density in the world with 24,621.5 inhabitants per square km.

Which regions make up the top 5 most densely populated territories?

The top 5 most densely populated territories are Monaco, Macao SAR, Singapore, Hong Kong SAR, and Gibraltar with population densities ranging from 24,621.5 to 3,267.0 inhabitants per square km.

What is the contrast between the highest and lowest population densities on the list?

The difference between the highest (Monaco) and the lowest (U.S. Virgin Islands) population densities on the list is 23,335.5 inhabitants per square km.

Terms and Definitions

Population Density is the measure of the number of people living per unit of an area - often per square kilometer or per square mile. It is calculated by dividing the total population of a region or a country by its total land area. This metric reveals the concentration of individuals residing in a particular terrain and helps in understanding the distribution of populace in an area.

Total population refers to the total number of inhabitants present in a specific region or country at a particular time. It encompasses all individuals regardless of age and gender. This demographic data is typically collected through national censuses and surveys.

Total land area refers to the complete terrestrial region of a country or locality. It is usually measured in units like square kilometers or square miles, and excludes bodies of water like lakes, rivers and oceans.

The Dependency Ratio is a demographic measure expressing the number of dependents (aged 0-14 and over the age of 65) to the working-age population (ages 15-64). This indicator gives an idea of the number of people who are likely to be economically "dependent" on the support of others. While it doesn't directly affect population density, it can provide a clearer understanding of a country's demographic structure.

Overpopulation is a condition where the number of people in a country or region exceeds the capacity of the environment to support life at a decent standard of living. This concept can be relative to the resources and infrastructure available. A region can be considered overpopulated if it has a high population density and its quality of life or environment is deteriorating.
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