The population density of a country is the number of inhabited people per square kilometer area of the country. This article lists the top 10 most densely populated countries in the world. Monaco tops the list with a population density of about 19,000 people per square kilometer.
The top 10 most densely populated countries in the world
10. Mauritius
Coming at number 10 on this list, Mauritius is an island nation in the Indian Ocean. It is a part of the African continent and is located east of Madagascar. The population density of Mauritius is 606 people per sq km (2022).
- Continent – Africa
- Population density – 606 people per square kilometer
9. Barbados
Barbados is an island nation and has one of the smallest land areas in the world. Just like all Caribbean nations, Barbados is also a tourist magnet. The population density of Barbados is estimated at around 650 people per sq km.
- Continent – North America
- Population density – around 650 people per square kilometer
8. Lebanon
Based on population projections, Lebanon is the eighth most densely populated country in the world. Located in Western Asia, Lebanon shares a land border with Syria and Israel.
- Continent – Asia
- Population density – 600-700 people per square kilometer
7. Bangladesh
Bangladesh is larger than every other nation on this list. The country has a population density of around 1,100 people per sq km and a total population of 165 million (2022). Bangladesh is famous for its Bengal Tigers, one of the largest Tiger species in the world.
- Continent – Asia
- Population density – ~1,100 people per square kilometer
6. Malta
Another island nation on the list, Malta is located south of Italy in the Mediterranean sea. With an estimated population of 0.5 million and an area of 316 sq km, Malta is the sixth most densely populated country in the world.
- Continent – Europe
- Population density – roughly 1,600 people per square kilometer
5. Maldives
This tropical island paradise located in the Indian Ocean has a population density of 1,700-1,800 people per sq km. It is the smallest country in Asia with a land area of only 300 sq km.
- Continent – Asia
- Population density – 1,700-1,800 people per sq km
4. Vatican City
Vatican City is the smallest country in the world with an area of just 0.44 sq km. The city has a population of around 800 (2023). With a tiny area and population of under 1,000, Vatican city still makes the list of the top 10 most densely populated countries in the world. Vatican City has a population density of over 1,800. Vatican City is an enclave within Rome, Italy. The city is also a UNESCO world heritage site.
- Continent – Europe
- Population density – over 1,800
3. Bahrain
Coming at number three on this list, Bahrain is a small island nation in the Persian Gulf. Bahrain has a population density of about 1,910 people per square kilometer. Bahrain is one of the smallest nations in the world and has a total population of only 1.5 million (2020).
- Continent – Asia
- Population density – ~1,910 people per square kilometer
2. Singapore
Singapore has a population density of about 7,500 people per square kilometer. It is the second-most densely populated country in the world. Just like Monaco, Singapore is also a city-state with an area of about 730 sq km. Singapore became a sovereign state on August 9, 1965, and now has one of the highest GDP per capita in the world.
- Continent – Asia
- Population density – ~7,500 people per square kilometer
1. Monaco
Monaca is the most densely populated country in the world. It is a small sovereign city-state that shares a border with southeastern France. The total area of Monaco is just 2 square kilometers. The country is home to approximately 38,000 people. The population density is around 19,000 people per sq km.
- Continent – Europe
- Population density – ~19,000 people per square kilometer
The top 10 most densely populated countries in the world
- Monaco
- Singapore
- Bahrain
- Vatican City
- Maldives
- Malta
- Bangladesh
- Lebanon
- Barbados
- Mauritius
Most nations on this list are small with a tiny population. Population density for these nations can change by a large number very quickly. Expect this list to change. The website will try to update this post regularly.
*Population density of India is 420-430 people per square kilometer (2022).
*Population density of China is around 150 people per square kilometer.
*Population density of the USA is 33-36 people per square kilometer.
Disclaimer: The stats may change with time.
The population density values are either from the latest census or are projections/estimates.
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