11 Countries with Highest Urban Population Percentage

These 11 countries with the highest urban population percentage offer a glimpse into the future of dominantly urbanized world. In 2014, more than a half of world population, or more precisely 54 percent, lived in urban areas. The number of 3.9 billion people living in the cities represents a significant increase compared to 1950 when the total urban population was 746 million. In the years that come the number of city-dwellers will continue to rise, reaching 66 percent of world’s population by 2050.

Although compared to other parts of the world Asia has a lower level of urbanization, the greatest share of urban population is concentrated on this continent. Asia, besides Africa, is also expected to be a region that will see the greatest growth of urban population in the future. UN estimates that these two continents will be a home to 90 percent of future city dwellers. A large concentration of people in Asian and African cities points to the dark side of urbanization. A significant influx of people, especially in underdeveloped regions where existing infrastructure can’t meet the needs of a great number of residents, interfere with quality of living, leaving many people on the social margin.

India, the country that will experience urban population growth of 404 million by 2050, exemplifies how the rapid increase in urban population can create a pile of social and environmental problems. Mumbai, the most populous city, and country’s financial center, has the total population of 18.4 million, out which more than half live in slums. Moreover, latest reports on environmental issues in Mumbai warns about growing air, water, and noise pollution, which have led to the increase in the number of people suffering from respiratory illnesses. Finally, urban population surge can increase crime rates, and it is no wonder that India also found its place on our list of 11 countries with highest prison population.

To create the list of 11 countries with the highest urban population percentage we used World Bank’s data. According to World Bank in seven countries in the world, people are living only in urban areas. Bermuda, Cayman Islands, Monaco, Macao SAR – Chine, Singapore, Hong Kong SAR – Chine, Sint Maarten (Dutch part) have the urban population of 100 percent. We did not include these countries on the list as we decided to present you places where there is still some percent of the rural population. Also, some countries have the same share of the urban population, so we ranked them by a total number of city dwellers.

11. Japan

Percent of urban population: 93

Compared to other countries on this list, urbanization in Japan started relatively late, in the 1940s. However, Japan’s capital city, Tokyo, which is the home to 37.8 people, is the largest urban area in the world today. Between 1955 and 2000 more than 20 million people came to live in Tokyo, which represents the largest surge of people into any city in the world. The greatest percent of new residents settled in suburbs, and today 75 percent of the Tokyo’s population lives in suburban areas.

10. Puerto Rico

Percent of urban population: 94

Between 1990 and 2000 Puerto Rican urban population increased from 71 percent to 94 percent of the total population. The rise of city dwellers, accompanied by the decline in rural population can be partly attributed to overall population growth and migrations from the countryside to cities. However, the methodology used to delineate urban and rural areas in Puerto Rico also played a significant role.

9. Iceland

Percent of urban population: 94

At the beginning of 19th century, Iceland was rural society largely dependent on farming. During that time, 1.943 people lived in only two towns in Iceland – Reykjavík and Vestmannaeyjar. Demand for fish product and introduction of new techniques in fishing were an initial impetus for urbanization. By 1890, percent of city dwellers reached 12.1 percent of all residents. Today 308,071 people live in cities, constituting 94 percent of total population, largest share among Nordic countries.

8. San Marino

Percent of urban population: 94

The smallest country on our list in terms of population and area, San Marino, has 29,752 town-dwellers, most of them living in Serravalle, Borgo Maggiore, and City of San Marino, which is the state’s capital. Villages scattered across the country are more tourist attractions than agricultural centers.

7. Guam

Percent of urban population: 94

Military presence of US army on the island, along with an increase in military construction, was the first impulse that started Guam transformation toward the dominantly urbanized country. The second catalyst of urbanization was an expansion of tourism industry. Today, there are 158,223 city dwellers on the island mainly concentrated in Dededo, Yigo, and Tamuning-Tumon-Harmon.

6. Virgin Islands (US)

Percent of urban population: 95

While the expansion of tourism industry in the mid-1950s influenced the growth of country’s economy, it has also initiated migrations from rural to urban areas. High urbanization rate brought significant environmental problems, including deforestation, soil erosion, and mangrove destruction. Today majority of 99,173 town-dwellers live in two cities – St Croix (around 50.000 residents) and Charlotte Amalie (around 20.000 residents).

5. Malta

Percent of urban population: 95

Fifth place on our list 11 countries with the highest urban population percentage is reserved for Malta, a country that started its transformation from rural to urban society relatively early thanks to its geographical position. However, widespread urbanization began only after the country gained independence in 1964. Urban population in Malta is estimated at 407,218, and largest cities are Birkirkara, Qormi, and Mosta whose population doesn’t exceed 25.000 residents.

4. Uruguay

Percent of urban population: 95

Along with Argentina, Uruguay was the country with the largest share of urban population in Latin America at the beginning of 20th century. The trend of rural-to-urban migration continued in the second half of previous century and today 3,253,738 are living in urban areas, the majority of them, 40 percent, in Montevideo, country’s capital.

3. Kuwait

Percent of urban population: 98

Although Kuwait’s geographical position favored the development of cities as commercial centers during country’s early history, the discovery of oil in the 1930s was a turning point in its urbanization. Today, out of 3,690,294 city dwellers in Kuwait, 2.1 million live in Kuwait City metropolitan area, which is country’s capital and the largest city.

2. Belgium

Percent of urban population: 98

As the first country in continental Europe that underwent an industrial revolution, Belgium has been one of the most urbanized societies in the world since the beginning of 19th century. In 2014, there were 10,980,273 city residents in Belgium. Largest cities in the country are Brussels, which is considered to be Capital of European Union, as main EU institutions are located here, followed by Antwerp and Ghent.

1. Qatar

Percent of urban population: 99

Qatar ranks as first on the list 11 countries with the highest urban population percentage. The country’s population is growing rapidly. Only in the period from 2014 to 2015, it increased by 8.5 percent reaching the 2.46 million. Qatar has received a great influx of foreigners in recent years. According to CIA Factbook, Qatar ranks first by net migration rate which is 22.39. Qatar’s capital city Doha is home to almost 60 percent of all residents.