Urbanization is the pillar of modernity, anchoring the global economy with a contribution of more than 80% to global GDP and serving as a primary driver of innovation. According to the World Bank, an estimated 70% of the world's population will live in urban areas by 2050. While cities drive the global economy, urbanization also impacts infrastructure and the environment.
There has been remarkable growth in urbanization in Asia, but who is at the top of the region's urban rankings?
Based on a report by Insider Monkey, here are the top five most urbanized countries in Asia:
1. Singapore
Urban population: 100%
Singapore has a high level of urbanization, with 5.61 million people living in an area of 719 km², resulting in a density of 7,800 people/km². Despite challenges such as density and environmental issues, Singapore has managed its urbanization well through integrated planning and dynamic governance.
Initiatives such as the Singapore Technical Deep Dive, a collaboration between the World Bank, the Centre for Liveable Cities and the Singapore Government's Infrastructure Asia, help share global lessons on urbanization and provide perspectives to countries facing similar challenges.
2. Kuwait
Urban population: 100%
Kuwait, a small but wealthy country in the Middle East, has undergone significant urbanization. Its capital, Kuwait City, has become the focal point of this urban growth, attracting much of the population and leading to rapid infrastructure development. Major companies such as Alshaya Group and Mabanee Company are involved in urbanization projects, including the development of The Avenues Mall with over 1400 shops.
3. Macau SAR, China
Urban population: 100%
Urbanization in Macau, SAR, has been rapid and unique due to its small size of only 32.8 square kilometers and dense population of approximately 700,000. Since 1999, when Portuguese rule ended and the territory was handed over to China, Macau's economy has been dominated by gambling and tourism, and has experienced rapid economic growth. However, this growth has also led to environmental degradation, traffic congestion, and social problems, including gambling addiction.
4. Hong Kong
Urban population: 100%
Hong Kong, a densely populated urban area, recorded a population of 7.413 million in the 2021 census, up slightly from 7.337 million in 2016. This makes it the second most densely populated urban area in the world with more than one million inhabitants. Despite its density, Hong Kong has achieved high-income status since 1990, surpassing even the GDP per capita of the United Kingdom.
Kowloon, across the harbor, remains dense with 47,600 people per square kilometer, although its population has declined slightly since 2016. Meanwhile, the New Territories has experienced significant residential growth and has surpassed Kowloon in population since 1991. Hong Kong is also known as one of the most progressive cities in Asia.
5. Qatar
Urban population: 99%
In recent decades, Qatar has transitioned from a nomadic society to urban centers such as the rapidly growing Doha, characterized by modern infrastructure and a booming population. Factors such as industrialization, foreign investment and economic diversification policies have driven the country's urbanization.
