5 Most Urbanised Countries in Asia

4. Hong Kong

Urban Population (% of Population): 100%

Hong Kong is one of the most densely populated urban areas globally, with its population reaching 7.413 million by the 2021 census, a slight increase from 7.337 million in 2016. The island’s density is astounding, with 23,000 people per square kilometer or 58,000 per square mile, making it the second densest urban area globally with over a million residents. Despite its crowded nature, Hong Kong achieved high-income status by 1990, even surpassing Great Britain’s GDP per capita.

Kowloon, located across Hong Kong harbor, remains densely populated with 47,600 people per square kilometer, though its population has slightly decreased since 2016. Meanwhile, the New Territories have seen major residential development over the last five decades, surpassing Kowloon in population by 1991. In 2021, the New Territories accounted for virtually all of Hong Kong’s population growth, with a population density of 4,100 per square kilometer. Hong Kong is also one of the most developed cities in Asia.