In this article, we will look at the 5 most densely populated countries in Asia. If you wish to look at our detailed analysis of the Asian population, you can go to 20 Most Densely Populated Countries in Asia.
5. Maldives
Population Density in 2021: 1,738 people per square kilometer
Widely known as a popular tourist destination, the South Asian archipelagic nation of Maldives is surrounded by the Indian Ocean. It is located about 750 kilometers away from Asia’s mainland. Several islands combine to form this country, which is present in southwest India and Sri Lanka. According to a report by UNICEF, Maldives is the lowest-lying country in the world and is at risk of being completely submerged under the Indian Ocean by 2100. It ranks fifth on our list, with a population density of 1,738 people as of 2021.
4. Bahrain
Population Density in 2021: 1,852 people per square kilometer
Bahrain ranks 4th on our list of the 20 most densely populated countries in Asia, ranking right after Hong Kong. Despite that, Bahrain’s population density is significantly lower than Hong Kong’s, with the former standing at 1,852 per square kilometer and the latter at 7060 per square kilometer. Officially known as the Kingdom of Bahrain, this West Asian island country has a population of 1.463 people million as of 2021, according to the World Bank.
3. Hong Kong
Population Density in 2021: 7,060 people per square kilometer
Hong Kong has a population density of 7,060 people per square kilometer as of 2021, with a population of 7.413 million people. It is a special administrative region of the People’s Republic of China that houses people of varying ethnicities. Hong Kong ranks among Asia’s most densely populated countries.
2. Singapore
Population Density in 2021: 7,595 people per square kilometer
An island in southeast Asia, Singapore had a population of 5.454 million people in 2021, according to the World Bank. With an area of 734.5 square kilometers, it had a population density of 7,595 people per square kilometer in 2021, ranking it second on our list.
1. Macau
Population Density in 2021: 20,806 people per square kilometer
Macau lies on the south coast of China across the Pearl Delta River. According to data put forth by the World Bank, it had a population of 686,607 people in 2021. Despite a comparatively small population, it ranks first on our list of the 20 most densely populated countries in Asia due to its limited area as a special administrative region of the People’s Republic of China. Macau is also known as the “Las Vegas of Asia” because of the many casinos that line its coast.
You can also look at 20 Most Underrated Travel Destinations in Asia and 25 Most Amazing Countries in Asia.
