This list of the most urbanized countries in the world is based on data from the United Nations World Urbanization Prospects, which measures population density and the proportion of land that’s built up.
Let’s find out which countries are in the first places rankings in 2023.
Table of Contents
The most urbanized countries worldwide
The following are the countries with higher rates of urbanization according to the United Nations World Urbanization Prospect:
1. Japan
Japan is one of the most urbanized country in the world, with 86% of its 127 million people living in urban areas. It is a large island country in East Asia and is also home to Mount Fuji – the highest peak in Japan at 3776 meters (12,388 feet).
Japan has a long history of technology development that dates back hundreds of years. Some examples include high-speed trains, bullet trains, and automated vending machines.
2. Thailand
Thailand is an Asian country located in Southeast Asia. It has the highest percentage of people living in urban areas of any country in Southeast Asia, with over 60 percent of its population living in cities.
The capital city Bangkok is not on Thailand’s coastline; it’s situated on the Chao Phraya River instead. The other major cities are Chiang Mai (its second largest), Pattaya, and Phuket.
3. Russia
Russia is the largest country in the world by land area and one of the most urbanized countries. The Russian Federation covers an area of 6,592,800 square miles (10,075,400 sq km), making it larger than Canada and Australia combined. It has an urbanized population of 81.3% (123,839,000).
4. Germany
Germany is a country in Western Europe. It has a population of 82.5 million, making it the most populous country in the European Union and one of the most urbanized.
The land area is 357,168 sq. km, and its capital city is Berlin.
5. Poland
In Poland, 38 million people live in urban areas, forming 90% of the total population. The country’s capital city is Warsaw (1,740 inhabitants/km2).
6. Indonesia
Indonesia is the 6th most urbanized country in the world, with a population of over 260 million people. Indonesia’s diverse population includes more than 300 ethnic groups and languages.
Indonesia is also home to incredible natural wonders like Mount Bromo and Krakatau Volcano National Park, where you can see one of Earth’s biggest calderas.
7. China
China is a country that has the world’s largest population and economy. It is the most populous country in the world. It is a communist state, with its capital Beijing home to over 20 million people.
The country has become an economic powerhouse over the past few decades, growing at an average rate of 9% per year between 1990 and 2015. This growth has helped lift millions out of poverty while making it one of the most powerful nations today. Today, China is considered by many experts to be both an emerging superpower (along with India).
8. India
India is one of the fastest-growing economies in the world, with a GDP growth rate of 7.4% in 2019. It has a population of 1.34 billion people and an urbanization level of 31%. This means that almost 3 out of 10 Indians live in cities or towns.
The country’s urban population is expected to grow by 50% by 2040, making it one of the most rapidly urbanizing countries right now.
9. Taiwan
According to World Bank data, Taiwan is one of the most densely populated countries. It has a population of 23 million people and a density of 7,530 inhabitants per square kilometer. The island’s capital city, Taipei, has a population density of 9,500 inhabitants per square kilometer.
Taiwan’s economy is heavily dependent on the manufacturing and technology industries. According to IMF estimates, its GDP grew by 1.7% in 2017 and 1.8% in 2018. The country is currently struggling to achieve total independence from China.
10. Philippines
This is the first time the Philippines is included on a list of the world’s most urbanized countries.
The country’s population density is now at 678 people per square kilometer, with its capital Manila having 1,638 people per square kilometer. The country’s urbanization rate is now at 77 percent.
Due to its growing economy and population, it will become one of the most urbanized countries in the world by 2023.
Read also: Megacities of 2022, here are the 10 biggest and fastest-growing cities in the world
