Population in urban agglomerations of more than 1 million (% of total population)



Countries By Population in urban agglomerations of more than 1 million (% of total population)



Key points



Official Definition of Population in urban agglomerations of more than 1 million (% of total population)

Population in urban agglomerations of more than one million is the percentage of a country's population living in metropolitan areas that in 2018 had a population of more than one million people.



Importance

Population in urban agglomerations of more than 1 million (% of total population) is a crucial macroeconomic statistic for a country as it reflects the level of urbanization and concentration of population in large cities.

If the value of this statistic is low for a country, it may indicate a more dispersed population with a higher proportion living in rural areas. This could imply challenges in terms of providing infrastructure, healthcare, education, and job opportunities to a widely scattered population. Additionally, a low value may suggest lower levels of economic development and urbanization in the country.

On the other hand, if the value of this statistic is high, it signifies a significant concentration of the population in large urban centers. While this may lead to issues such as overcrowding, strained infrastructure, and environmental concerns, it also presents opportunities for economies of scale, innovation, and efficiency in service delivery. High urban agglomeration population can attract investment, foster cultural exchange, and drive economic growth through agglomeration effects.



Top 10 Countries by Population in urban agglomerations of more than 1 million (% of total population)

Bottom 10 Countries by Population in urban agglomerations of more than 1 million (% of total population)



Regions

Europe

Population in urban agglomerations of more than 1 million varies among the listed countries. Portugal has the highest percentage at 41.47%, indicating a high level of urbanization, while Poland has the lowest at 4.71%. This statistic reflects different stages of development and urban planning strategies. Countries with higher urban population percentages like Portugal may have advantages such as improved infrastructure and access to services, but they might also face challenges like congestion and housing affordability. On the other hand, countries with lower percentages like Poland may have more balanced development across urban and rural areas but could benefit from urbanization in terms of economic opportunities. Overall, this statistic influences each country's development trajectory by shaping resource allocation, infrastructure investment, and social policies.

Far East: East Asia, SE Asia, Australia

Australia and Japan have the highest percentage of their population living in urban agglomerations of over one million, indicating a high level of urbanization and potential for economic growth. Singapore stands out with 100% urbanization, reflecting its small size and urban-centric development. South Korea and Mongolia also show significant urban concentrations, suggesting strong infrastructure development. However, countries like North Korea, Cambodia, Indonesia, and Myanmar have lower urbanization rates, indicating potential challenges in infrastructure development and economic opportunities. This statistic implies varying levels of urban development and economic potential among the listed countries, highlighting the importance of urban planning and resource allocation for balanced growth.

ASEAN

Among the listed countries, Singapore stands out with 100% of its population living in urban agglomerations of more than 1 million, indicating high urbanization. Malaysia follows with 24.09%, demonstrating a considerable urban population as well. Thailand, Vietnam, and Indonesia fall in the middle range with around 20%, 18%, and 14% respectively. Cambodia, Myanmar, and the Philippines have the lowest percentages, showing less urbanization. Advantages of high urbanization include better access to services and opportunities, but it can lead to overcrowding and infrastructure strain. Lower urbanization rates may signify rural dependence, affecting development disparities and access to resources.

Latin America

The statistic on Population in urban agglomerations of more than 1 million reveals a range of urbanization levels among the listed countries. Countries with higher percentages like Paraguay, Uruguay, and Argentina indicate significant urban concentration, potentially offering economies of scale but also posing challenges such as infrastructure strain. Conversely, countries like Cuba and Honduras with lower percentages may indicate more dispersed populations, potentially fostering social cohesion but possibly limiting access to services. This statistic can impact development by highlighting where resources should be concentrated for infrastructure and service provision, influencing each country's economic growth and social dynamics accordingly.

Middle East

Urban agglomerations of more than 1 million population vary significantly among the listed countries. Kuwait stands out with 71.43% of its population residing in such areas, followed closely by the United Arab Emirates at 65.10% and Israel at 57.83%. These nations benefit from concentrated economic activity and infrastructure development, but may face challenges of congestion and resource strain. On the other hand, countries like Yemen (9.21%), Algeria (6.37%), and Libya (17.51%) have lower urban concentrations, indicating potential developmental disparities, limited urban amenities, yet possibly lower strain on resources. The percentage of population in these urban areas influences employment opportunities, resource allocation, and service provision, shaping the overall development trajectory and resilience of each country.



Rivals

Anglosphere v BRICS

Urban agglomerations of more than 1 million people account for varying percentages of total population across selected countries. Australia has a significant 61.13%, followed by the United States at 46.41% and Canada at 45.78%. These countries show high urbanization levels, with India having the lowest percentage at 15.73%. The advantages of high urban population percentages include increased economic opportunities and access to services. However, challenges such as congestion and strain on infrastructure can arise. This statistic reflects development levels, with implications for each country's ability to provide resources and infrastructure for its urban population.

Russia v Ukraine

Urban agglomerations of more than 1 million people account for 23.48% of the total population in the Russian Federation and 12.30% in Ukraine. Russia’s higher percentage suggests a more significant urban concentration compared to Ukraine, potentially indicating greater urbanization and infrastructure development. However, this may also lead to challenges such as higher costs of living and strain on resources. Ukraine's lower percentage reflects a less concentrated population, potentially offering a more balanced distribution of resources but may indicate slower urban development. The impact of this statistic lies in the level of urbanization, affecting economic productivity, infrastructure needs, and social services in each country.

France v United Kingdom

In 2018, in France, 22.80% of the total population resided in urban agglomerations of more than 1 million, while in the United Kingdom, this figure stood at 27.14%. The United Kingdom surpasses France in this statistic, indicating a higher concentration of its population in large metropolitan areas. This urban concentration can offer advantages such as improved access to services and economic opportunities but may also lead to infrastructure strain and unequal development. For France, a lower percentage may signify a more distributed population, potentially reducing urban-related challenges but could also indicate slower urban development. Ultimately, this statistic reflects each country's urbanization level, impacting their economic growth, social dynamics, and resource allocation strategies differently.

Israel v Iran

Iran has 25.03% of its population living in urban agglomerations of more than 1 million, while Israel has a significantly higher percentage at 57.83%. This indicates Israel has a more urbanized population compared to Iran, potentially reflecting higher levels of urban development and infrastructure in Israel. The advantage for Israel is likely better access to resources, services, and economic opportunities in urban areas, enhancing overall quality of life. However, this higher urban concentration may also lead to challenges such as congestion and higher living costs. For Iran, a lower percentage may suggest more evenly distributed development but could also indicate slower urban growth and potentially limited access to urban amenities. This statistic is crucial for both countries' development as urban populations are key drivers of economic growth and innovation, with implications for social services, infrastructure planning, and resource management.

Saudi Arabia v Iran

Iran has 25.03% of its population living in urban agglomerations of more than 1 million, while Saudi Arabia has a higher percentage at 46.18%. This indicates a notable urban concentration in both countries, with Saudi Arabia having a larger proportion residing in major metropolitan areas. Saudi Arabia's higher urban population percentage could suggest greater urban development and infrastructure in comparison to Iran. However, this could also lead to challenges such as higher demand for services and resources. For Iran, a lower percentage may indicate a more evenly distributed population or less urban-centric development. The statistic signifies differing urbanization levels impacting each country's economic growth, resource allocation, and social dynamics.

India v Pakistan

India has 15.73% of its population living in urban agglomerations of more than 1 million, while Pakistan has a higher percentage at 19.79%. This data suggests that Pakistan has a larger urban population concentration compared to India. For India, a lower percentage could indicate a less urbanized population distribution, potentially offering advantages in terms of lower infrastructure strain but disadvantages in slower urban economic growth. On the other hand, Pakistan's higher percentage may imply better access to urban amenities but could bring challenges of overpopulation stress. This statistic impacts both countries' development by influencing resource allocation, infrastructure planning, and social services delivery.

Turkey v Greece

In 2018, the urban agglomeration of over 1 million people accounted for approximately 29.47% of Greece's total population and about 37.59% of Turkey's total population. Turkey has a higher percentage compared to Greece, indicating a larger concentration of its population in major urban centers. This reflects Turkey's rapid urbanization and economic growth compared to Greece. Advantages for Turkey include potentially better access to infrastructure and services in urban areas, stimulating economic activity. However, overcrowding and strained resources may be disadvantages. For Greece, a lower percentage suggests a more balanced distribution between urban and rural areas, possibly preserving natural environments but may signify slower economic progress. The statistic indicates differing development trajectories and urban planning challenges for each country.

China v Japan

In 2018, China's urban agglomerations with over one million people accounted for approximately 29.03% of its total population, while Japan had a higher percentage at around 64.66%. This indicates a significant difference in urbanization levels between the two countries, with Japan having a more concentrated population in large metropolitan areas. For China, a lower percentage suggests a more evenly distributed population across urban and rural regions, which may pose challenges for infrastructure development and service provision. On the other hand, Japan's higher percentage signifies a more urbanized society with potential advantages in terms of productivity, innovation, and service efficiency. However, it may also lead to issues such as overcrowding and inflated living costs.



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