5 Most Urbanized Countries in Asia, Singapore Ranked First

TEMPO.CO, Jakarta - Urbanization is the defining element of the modern age. More than half of the world's population lives in cities. The World Bank indicates that by 2050, this figure will increase further, with almost 70% of the population expected to live in urban areas.

On one hand, cities serve as centers of economic activity, generating more than 80% of global GDP and driving innovation. However, the speed and scale of urbanization are straining existing infrastructure and services and causing problems such as a lack of affordable housing, inadequate transportation systems, and environmental degradation.

Notably, urbanization in Asian countries in particular is experiencing unprecedented growth, with more than half of the world's urban population living in the region.

Based on World Bank data, Indonesia has an urbanization rate of 58 percent. This figure is far below several ASEAN countries, such as Malaysia, Brunei, especially Singapore, which is included in the top 20 list. So which countries occupy the top five rankings in terms of urbanization levels in Asia?

1. Singapore

Urban Population: 100%

The level of urbanization in Singapore is notably high, with a population of 5.61 million people occupying an area of 719-kilometer square, resulting in a density of 7,800 people per kilometer square. Despite overcrowding and environmental problems, Singapore has managed its urbanization remarkably well due to integrated planning and dynamic government governance.

2. Kuwait

Urban Population: 100%

Kuwait is a small but wealthy country in the Middle East that has experienced phenomenal urbanization over the past few decades. The capital, Kuwait City, serves as the focal point of this urban development. As the country's economic center, Kuwait City attracts a large population, leading to the city's growth and extensive infrastructure expansion

3. Macao, China

Urban Population: 100%

Urbanization in Macao, SAR, is rapid and unique due to its limited area of 32.8 square kilometers and dense population of around 700,000 residents. Since the end of Portuguese rule and its handover to China in 1999, Macao's economy has been dominated by the gambling and tourism sectors, which have experienced extraordinary economic growth. However, this growth also brings challenges such as environmental degradation, traffic jams, and social issues such as gambling addiction.

4. Hong Kong

Urban Population: 100%

Hong Kong is one of the most densely populated urban areas in the world, with a population of 7.413 million as of the 2021 census, a slight increase from 7.337 million in 2016. Hong Kong is the second most populous urban area in the world with more than one million residents. Despite its density, Hong Kong achieved high-income status by 1990, even surpassing the UK's GDP per capita.

Kowloon, located across Hong Kong harbor, remains densely populated with 47,600 people per square kilometer, although its population has declined slightly since 2016. Meanwhile, the New Territories have experienced major residential growth over the past five decades, surpassing Kowloon in terms of population in 1991. Hong Kong is also one of the most developed cities in Asia.

5. Qatar

Urban Population: 99%

Over the past few decades, the country has experienced an important and major shift from a largely nomadic society to one dominated by urban centers. Doha, the capital, confirms this transformation with its excellent skyline, modern infrastructure, and growing population.

Urbanization in Qatar is driven by factors such as industrialization, foreign investment, and government initiatives aimed at diversifying the economy beyond oil.

INSIDER MONKEY

Editor’s Choice: Forbes Top 10 Richest People in Singapore in 2024

Click here to get the latest news updates from Tempo on Google News