Highest population density by country 2021

Monaco led the ranking for countries with the highest population density in 2021, with nearly 25,000 residents per square kilometer. The Special Administrative Region Macao came in second, followed by Singapore. The world’s smallest country by area, the Holy See, came in 13th with close to 1,200 people per square kilometer.

The world’s second smallest country

Monaco is the world’s second smallest country, with an area of about two square kilometers, and its population only numbers around 40,000. It is a constitutional monarchy located by the Mediterranean Sea, and while Monaco is not part of the European Union, it does participate in some EU policies. The country is perhaps most famous for the Monte Carlo casino and for hosting the Monaco Grand Prix, the most prestigious Formula One race in the world.

The global population

Globally, the population density per square kilometer stands at about 60 inhabitants, and Asia is the most densely populated region in the world. The global population is increasing rapidly, so population density is only expected to increase as well. In 1950, for example, the global population stood at about 2.54 billion people, and is expected to pass eight billions during 2023.