Steadily growing. But at the same time, people are distributed very unevenly over the surface of the planet. What is it connected with? Let's talk about which country has the highest population density and how this can be explained.
Earth's population: features
Throughout the history of the Earth, peoples have migrated around the planet in search of better conditions for life. Initially, people settled in places with a warm climate, near water, with enough food and other resources. It is in such points that today there is a greater number of people living than in areas with more severe living conditions. That is why the countries with the greatest predominance in warm latitudes. Later, when all favorable zones were intensively populated, people began to move to less comfortable places. Civilization made it possible to deal with deprivation without great expense. And peoples began to strive to those places where comfortable conditions for existence have already been created. That is why today they are much more attractive to migrants than developing ones. Also, demography is highly dependent on the culture and traditions of the people. Therefore, countries with the highest population density are states in which it is customary to have many children.
The concept of population density
Observations of demographics on Earth began as early as the 17th century. During the Industrial Revolution, they became essential for good planning and resource use. In the 20th century, population density is added to traditional demographic indicators. It is calculated based on the area of the country and the total number of its inhabitants. Knowing how many people there are per 1 square kilometer, taking into account the number of births and deaths, allows us to calculate how many different material goods people will need: food, housing, clothing, etc., and plan a competent life support for the population.
In the first quarter of the 20th century, countries with the highest population density were identified for the first time and the first scenarios were developed for the further development of the demographic situation on Earth. Today, the average on the planet is 45 people per 1 sq. km. km, but due to the increase in the number of earthlings, this figure is gradually increasing.
The value of the population density indicator and the factors affecting it
Demographic calculations are initially associated with the rational use of natural resources. Back in 1927, sociologists introduced the term "optimal density", but have not yet decided on its numerical expression. Observations of this indicator are necessary in order to identify countries with the highest population density, because they are a potential focus of social tension. The more people live in a limited space, the more intense the competition between them for vital resources. Information on density predictions allows you to start solving this problem in advance and find ways to eliminate it.
This indicator is influenced by several main factors. These are, firstly, the natural conditions of life: people like to live in warm countries with a good climate, which is why the shores of the Mediterranean Sea and the Indian Ocean, the equatorial zones are so densely populated. It is also common for peoples to strive to where comfortable, modern living conditions already exist, with sufficient social security. Therefore, the flow of migrants to the developed countries of Europe, the USA, New Zealand, and Australia is so great. The number of inhabitants is directly affected by the culture of the nation. Thus, the Muslim religion is built on the value of a large family, therefore, in the countries of Islam, the population is higher than in Christian countries. Another factor affecting the density is the development of medicine, in particular the use of contraception.
List of countries
The answer to the question of which countries has the highest average population density does not have a clear answer. Since the ratings are based on the results of national population censuses, and they are held in all states at different times, and therefore there are no exact figures on the number of inhabitants at a certain point. But there are stable indicators and forecasts that make it possible to compile the TOP-10 countries with the highest density. Monaco always ranks first (a little less than 19 thousand people per 1 sq. km), followed by Singapore (about 7.3 thousand people per 1 sq. km), the Vatican (about 2 thousand people per 1 sq. km). sq. km), Bahrain (1.7 thousand people per 1 sq. km), Malta (1.4 thousand people per 1 sq. km), Maldives (1.3 thousand people per 1 sq. km). km), Bangladesh (1.1 thousand people per 1 sq. km), Barbados (0.6 thousand people per 1 sq. km), China (0.6 thousand people per 1 sq. km) and Mauritius (0.6 thousand people per 1 sq. km). The last three states in the list often change their positions in accordance with the latest data.
Most populous regions
If you look at a world map in order to find out where people live the most, you can easily see that the highest density is in Europe, Southeast Asia and some countries in Africa. When we explore Asia and ask ourselves which countries in the region have the highest population density, we can say that the leaders here are Singapore, Hong Kong, Maldives, Bangladesh, Bahrain. These states do not have birth control programs. But China was able to curb the growth in numbers and today is in 134th place in the world in terms of density, although until recently it was in the lead.
Population density outlook
Describing countries with a high population density, sociologists look to the future with pessimism. Asia's growing population is a potentially conflict zone. Today we already see how migrants are besieging Europe, and the resettlement process will continue. Since no one can stop the growth of the number of inhabitants on Earth, it is obvious that the population density will only grow. And a large crowding of people always leads to conflicts for resources.
The world population density map shows the number of people living in each country per 1 sq. km. km.
The population density of the earth is 55 persons per 1 square kilometer. According to statistics, the total number of people living in all countries of the world in 2016 was 7,486,520,598 people. By the end of 2017, this indicator is expected to grow by 1.2%.
Top 10 countries by population density:
- The first place in the ranking of countries in terms of population density is occupied by a dwarf state on the Cote d'Azur -. The population of Monaco is only 30,508 people, and the total area of the state is 2.02 square meters. km. For 1 sq. km kilometer is home to 18,679 people.
This population density is astonishing. Monaco is considered one of the most expensive countries in the world. The state gained its popularity thanks to the annual holding of the famous Formula 1 racing championship on its territory. And also the kingdom is famous for its gambling business and a highly developed tourism sector.
The country ranks first in the world in terms of population density
More than 3 thousand people work on the territory of the Catholic monastery, but all employees are citizens of the Italian Republic. They do not live in the Vatican, but only work, so the labor force cannot be considered the population.
The Vatican has officially received the status of the smallest state on the world map. Its area does not exceed 1 sq. km (only 0.44 sq. km.). Therefore, the density of the population living in this country is 2,272 people per 1 sq. km. km.
- Kingdom of Bahrain. This is the smallest Arab state in the Middle East, consisting of 33 islands. The average population density of Bahrain is 1997.4 people. In recent years, the population of the country, called the pearl of the Arab world, has grown from 1,343,000 to 1,418,162 people. The population growth in 2016 is 1.74%, and in 2017 the number of residents increased by 1.76%. According to statistics, 18 migrants come to Bahrain every day for permanent residence. .
- - an island nation known for the absence of permanent rivers and lakes. In 2016, the population of this country in southern Europe was 420,869 people, and the density was 1315.2. In 2017, it is planned to increase the population of this state by 1343 people. According to forecasts, already at the end of 2017, the growth rate of people living here will increase by 4 persons per day.
- This state is one of the most expensive resorts in the world. The population density of the Republic of Maldives is 1245, 1 person per 1 sq. km. m. In 2017, population growth is expected at the level of 1.78%. The number of people living in the Republic of Maldives is governed solely by the processes of birth and death. On average, 22 babies are born in the Maldives in 1 day, and 4 people die. It is difficult for immigrants to obtain citizenship of the Republic of Maldives.
The capital of the Maldives - the city of Male - is the smallest, in terms of size and population, the capital in the world.
- Bangladesh is a country in the southern part of Asia. The People's Republic of Bangladesh is not very popular with tourists. Most of the country is covered with rivers and lakes. The population in Bangladesh at the end of 2016 is 163,900,500 people. Despite the fact that the republic is developing the agricultural and industrial sectors, Bangladesh remains one of the poorest countries in Asia. The population density in this country is 1138.2 people per 1 sq. km. km. can be found on our website.
- - an exotic republic with an abundance of attractions and an interesting national flavor. This state attracts many tourists, but only a few remain in this country for permanent residence. In 2016, 285,675 people lived in Barbados. The birth rate in this republic is also quite good. On average, about 10 children are born a day, and about 7 die. From this we can conclude that the birth rate in the country is higher than the mortality rate. According to forecasts, the number of people living in Barbados by the end of 2017 should increase by 0.33%. To date, the population density of this country is 664.4 people.
- . In this state, with an area of 2040 sq. km is home to 1,281,103 inhabitants. Density - 628 people.
- The Republic of China completes the ranking of countries in the world by density in 2017. This country is the largest in terms of population in East Asia. The population is 1,375,137,837 people. In 2017, population growth is expected to be 0.53%. The Republic of China has been leading the birth rate for many years. Experts note that this demographic situation is due to cultural and economic factors. The sharp increase in the population forced the Chinese government to introduce a law prohibiting having more than one child in one family. More than 22 million children are born in China every year. The density of the population living in China is 144 persons per 1 square kilometer.
You can find out on our website.
Data by parts of the world
Africa
Africa's population density is 30.5 people per square kilometer.
Table: density of people living in different countries of the African continent
| The country | Density (persons per sq. km) |
| 16,9 | |
| 16,2 | |
| 94,8 | |
| 3,7 | |
| Burkina Faso | 63,4 |
| Burundi | 401,6 |
| Gabon | 67,7 |
| 181,4 | |
| 113,4 | |
| 47,3 | |
| Guinea-Bissau | 46,9 |
| 34,7 | |
| Djibouti | 36,5 |
| 93,7 | |
| 21,5 | |
| West Sahara | 2,2 |
| 33,4 | |
| 130,2 | |
| 51,2 | |
| 80,5 | |
| Comoros | 390,7 |
| 14,2 | |
| 73,6 | |
| 64,3 | |
| Liberia | 38,6 |
| 3,7 | |
| Mauritius | 660,9 |
| 3,6 | |
| 41,6 | |
| Malawi | 156,7 |
| 14,1 | |
| 75,4 | |
| 32,3 | |
| 3,0 | |
| Niger | 14,7 |
| 201,4 | |
If you ask the question: “Which country in the world has the highest population density?”, then most people will answer: “China, of course.” However, this is not the case.
Everyone is well aware that the population of the PRC in 2012 is 1340 million people, and this figure is steadily growing from year to year. Many have heard that in China there really is a problem of overpopulation, which results in constant territorial conflicts between Russia and China. However, very few people know that in the list of countries with the highest population density, China is in a "modest" 56th place. And the state that has the highest population density in the world is principality of Monaco.
Population density in China and India.
In China, for 1 sq. kilometer is home to an average of 139.6 people. The fact is that the problem of overpopulation is not caused by a large number of inhabitants, but by the fact that they are unevenly distributed on the territory of the state. The most densely populated areas of China are the eastern, coastal, but the population density in the highlands of the western regions tends to zero.
The number of inhabitants in neighboring India is inferior to China, although it also exceeds 1 billion. But the area of India is three times smaller than the area of China, and the average population density here is much higher - 357 people per 1 sq. km. kilometer. However, India is not the leader of the list - it only ranks 19th among the countries with the highest population density.
The Principality of Monaco confidently holds the first place among the countries with the highest population density.
Principality of Monaco the most populous country in the world. On 2 square kilometers, 4 cities managed to fit here: Monte Carlo, Monaco, Fontvieille and La Condamine, and 30,586 people live in them. This means that the population density is 15,293 people per 1 sq. km. kilometer. It is even difficult to imagine how 50 banks, almost 800 international companies and embassies of 66 countries of the world are located on this piece of land. The Principality of Monaco is home to 125 nationalities. Despite its small size, one of the most prestigious motorsport competitions, one of the Formula 1 Grand Prix stages, passes through the streets of the Principality of Monaco. An interesting fact is that the regular army of Monaco consists of 82 people, which is less than the size of a military band.
In the list of countries with the highest population density, the first six places belong to micro-states and city-states. And this is not surprising - the population density of the entire state consists of the density of one agglomerate or city, which is essentially the state itself. In addition to the Principality of Monaco - Singapore, the Republic of Maldives, the Vatican, Malta and Bahrain.
But among non-dwarf states, the most populous country is Bangladesh. At 143,998 sq. more than 150 million people live here (from 142 to 164 million, according to various sources). This means that the population density is approximately 1084 people per square kilometer.
The United States, being the third most populous country in the world, occupies only 142nd place in this list (32 people per square kilometer).
Russia, one of the ten countries with the largest population (143 million people), has one of the lowest population density in the world - 8.36 people per square kilometer. kilometer, and ranks 181 in this list.
And in last place in the list of the most densely populated countries is Mongolia - 195th place (2.0 people per square kilometer).
The population density of the countries of the world varies significantly. In some states, only 3-4 people live on one square kilometer. In others, the same unit of area accounts for several thousand inhabitants. The difference is really impressive... What is the population density of the largest countries in the world? And which states are the absolute leaders in this indicator?
The history of the resettlement of the planet's population
The population density of the countries of the world today varies greatly by region and continent. To better understand the nature of this pattern, you need to briefly consider the history of the settlement of the population of our planet.
At the earliest stages of the development of society, man was attracted by flat expanses located on the shores of the seas, large rivers or lakes. Obviously, it was much easier to farm here, it was more convenient to build houses and lay roads. But mountain ranges were mastered dozens of times slower. Traditionally, Southeast Asia has been distinguished by a high population density since ancient times. The reason for this is the formation of powerful rice-growing centers here.
Later, with the development of technological progress, people began to flock to those areas of the Earth where plants and factories were actively built, entire industrial cities and villages arose. Such areas are Central and Western Europe, the Atlantic coast in the United States and others.
Since about the middle of the 20th century, the main centers of gravity on Earth for the population have become large cities - megacities. This phenomenon has received its name in science - urbanization.
Population density of the countries of the world and continents: regional differences
The population of our planet is distributed extremely unevenly. Let's start with some interesting numbers. So, about 75% of the world's population lives on only 7% of its area. Almost 80% of the inhabitants live in the Eastern Hemisphere. The average population density of the countries of the world is approximately 30 people per square kilometer (including Greenland and Antarctica).
To visualize how different the population density of different continents of the planet is, you need to look at the following map. On it, the whole world is divided by color into 7 zones, each of which is home to one billion people. By comparing the scale of these colored pieces, one can assess the degree of uneven distribution of the earth's population.
So, the three continents of the Earth are very poorly populated: these are Australia, North and South America. But on the territory of Europe, Asia and Africa, 6 out of 7 billion inhabitants of our planet live.
All states in terms of population density are usually divided into four types:
- countries with low density (0-2 people / km 2);
- countries with medium density (2-40 people / km 2);
- countries with high density (40-200 people/km2);
- countries with maximum density (over 200 people / km 2).
Interestingly, striking contrasts in population density can be observed even within the same state. Vivid examples of such countries are Australia, where only the east coast is heavily populated; Egypt (Nile Valley), Indonesia (Java Island) and others.
If we talk about the regions of the planet, then the following can be called the most populated:
- East Asia.
- South Asia.
- Southeast Asia.
- Western Europe.
- Northeastern states of the USA.
The main factors influencing global settlement
Such unevenness in the distribution of the world population is due to a number of specific reasons (factors). Among them:
- natural and climatic factor (the resettlement of people is affected by the relief of the territory, climatic conditions, swampy lands, the presence of a water source, etc.);
- historical factor (according to scientists, the formation of Homo sapiens is associated with three foci on the planet, which influenced the high population density in these areas of the Earth);
- demographic factor (in some countries and regions, birth rates are several times higher than in others, which also explains regional differences in population density);
- economic factor (in the last two or three centuries, the influence of this factor is especially noticeable: people are attracted to industrialized areas with a sufficient number of cities, enterprises and infrastructure).
Countries of the world with the highest population density: TOP-10
What modern countries on our planet can be called champions in terms of population density? As a rule, these are very small states in area. The countries of the world with the highest population density are presented in a table indicating the density indicator.
Russia in this list is on the 181st place, the USA - on the 142nd, Ukraine - on the 99th.
In addition to countries, there are cities in the world where the population density reaches colossal values. The ten most populated cities in the world include Shanghai, Karachi, Istanbul, Tokyo, Mumbai, Manila, Buenos Aires, Delhi, Dhaka and Moscow.
The most "spacious" countries in the world: TOP-10
However, there are many countries in the world with low population density. On the territory of such states, you can travel (or walk) for many kilometers without meeting a single living soul.
Below are the top ten countries in the world with the lowest population densities.
Finally…
The population density of the countries of the world is not the same in different regions of the planet. Thus, the average density is 30 people per square kilometer of area. However, in some states it reaches values of 1000-2000 inhabitants per 1 km2. In large cities of the planet, these figures are even higher by an order of magnitude.
Most of the earthlings, about 90%, live in the northern hemisphere. Also, 80% of the population is concentrated in the eastern hemisphere, against 20% in the western one, while 60% of people are Asians (average - 109 people / km2). About 70% of the population is concentrated on 7% of the planet's territory. And 10-15% of the land is completely uninhabited territories - these are the lands of Antarctica, Greenland, etc.
Population density by country
There are countries in the world with both low and high population densities. The first group includes, for example, Australia, Greenland, Guiana, Namibia, Libya, Mongolia, Mauritania. The population density in them is no more than two people per square kilometer.
Asia has the most densely populated countries - China, India, Japan, Bangladesh, Taiwan, the Republic of Korea and others. The average density in Europe is 87 people/km2, in America - 64 people/km2, in Africa, Australia and Oceania - 28 people/km2 and 2.05 people/km2, respectively.
States with a small territory are usually very densely populated. These are, for example, Monaco, Singapore, Malta, Bahrain, Republic of Maldives.
Among the cities with the highest, one can single out Egyptian Cairo (36,143 people/km2), Chinese Shanghai (2,683 people/km2 in 2009), Pakistani Karachi (5,139 people/km2), Turkish Istanbul (6,521 people/km2). km2), Japanese Tokyo (5,740 people/km2), Indian Mumbai and Delhi, Argentinean Buenos Aires, Mexican Mexico City, Moscow, the capital of Russia (10,500 people/km2), etc.
Causes of uneven settlement
The uneven population of the planet is associated with various factors. First of all, these are natural and climatic conditions. Half of the earthlings live in the lowlands, which make up less than a third of the land, and a third of the people live at a distance of no more than 50 kilometers from the sea (12% of the land).
Traditionally, zones with unfavorable and extreme natural conditions (highlands, tundra, deserts, tropics) were settled inactively.
Another factor is the rate of natural population growth due to the birth rate in different countries, in some states it is very high, and in others it is extremely low.
And another important factor is the socio-economic conditions and the level of production in a given country. For the same reasons, the density varies significantly within the countries themselves - in cities and rural areas. As a rule, the population density in cities is higher than in the countryside, and
