Population Density by Country

As of 2023, Macau has the highest Population Density at 20.6K people per km². Data covers 215 countries. Source: World Bank.

The global average Population Density is 453.71 people per km² based on data from 215 countries (2023). Source: World Bank.

Greenland reports the lowest Population Density at 0.14 people per km² (2023).

Countries are ranked by their most recent reported value for Population Density, sourced from World Bank. Reporting years can differ slightly between countries due to publication lag.

Population density is a demographic measurement that represents the average number of individuals residing within a specific unit of area. The metric is typically expressed as people per 1 km² (0.39 sq mi) and is calculated by dividing the total population by the total land area. It helps researchers understand how human settlements are distributed globally.

According to the latest available data covering 215 countries and territories, Macau has the highest population density. Recent estimates show approximately 20,570 people per 1 km² (0.39 sq mi). This extremely high figure is driven by its small land area and intense urbanization, making it the most crowded territory among those tracked by major international organizations.

Greenland currently holds the record for the lowest population density among 215 tracked regions, with approximately 0.14 people per 1 km² (0.39 sq mi). Since massive portions of the territory are covered by ice and remain uninhabitable, the resident population is extremely sparse relative to the total land area across the entire island.

Population density is calculated by taking the total midyear population of a specific country and dividing it by its total land area. Land area excludes inland water bodies like lakes and rivers. The standard unit for comparison is the number of people per 1 km² (0.39 sq mi), providing a consistent measure for global demographic analysis.