Top 10 Most Overcrowded Countries by Population Density

Monaco: The Unmatched Urban Jungle

Monaco holds the title of the world’s most densely populated country in 2025, with around 26,000 people packed into each square kilometer. This tiny principality on the French Riviera covers just over 2 square kilometers, yet its glittering casinos and luxury apartments attract residents from all over the globe.

Latest statistics from the Monaco government confirm its population has topped 39,000 this year, squeezing into every available patch of land. Walking through Monaco feels more like navigating a bustling high-rise than a country.

The lack of space means nearly every building is tall, and green spaces are rare jewels. Monaco’s popularity as a tax haven and its glamorous lifestyle have only increased the crowding, with new development projects rising almost vertically.

The sense of constant activity and closeness is something visitors never forget.

Singapore: A City-State Bursting at the Seams

Singapore ranks just behind Monaco, with more than 8,500 people per square kilometer in 2025, as shown in the Singapore Department of Statistics’ latest release. This island nation is famous for its clean streets and efficient urban planning, but space is always at a premium.

The government has built upwards with towering apartment blocks and created reclaimed land to keep up with demand. Even with all the planning, daily life in Singapore can feel like a carefully choreographed dance, with people everywhere—from hawker centers to MRT trains.

Over 5.9 million people now call Singapore home, squeezed into just 728 square kilometers. Despite the crowding, Singapore’s residents enjoy high standards of living, but the pressure on public transport and housing continues to be intense.

Hong Kong: Skyscraper Living on Every Corner

Hong Kong stands out as one of the world’s most densely populated urban areas, currently reporting over 7,100 people per square kilometer, according to the Hong Kong Census and Statistics Department’s 2025 updates. The city’s iconic skyline tells a story: vertical growth is a necessity, not a luxury.

With more than 7.5 million people jammed into just over 1,100 square kilometers, every inch of space matters. The city’s infamous “nano-flats”—tiny, sometimes windowless apartments—highlight how scarce space has become.

Streets are crowded, and public transportation is always busy. Even parks and green spaces buzz with activity all day.

The high density is both a challenge and a unique part of Hong Kong’s vibrant, energetic lifestyle.

Gibraltar: Small but Packed

Gibraltar, a British Overseas Territory located at the tip of Spain, has a population density of about 5,000 people per square kilometer as of 2025, according to the official Gibraltar Statistics Office. With only 6.8 square kilometers of land, more than 34,000 people live here.

Gibraltar’s limestone rock and steep hills leave little room for expansion, pushing people into compact neighborhoods and high-rise blocks. The region’s booming finance sector and tourism appeal only add to the crowding, as more workers and visitors pour in.

Traffic jams are common, and finding a peaceful spot can be a challenge. Despite the lack of space, the community is famously close-knit, with everyone feeling like a neighbor.

Bahrain: An Island of Growing Crowds

Bahrain, an island nation in the Persian Gulf, has reached a population density of roughly 2,300 people per square kilometer in 2025, as stated in Bahrain’s official census data. The country’s total population has climbed to over 1.8 million, squeezed onto 780 square kilometers of land.

The capital, Manama, is especially crowded, filled with skyscrapers and bustling souks. The government has tried to manage growth by building artificial islands and expanding infrastructure, but the small land area makes this a constant challenge.

The influx of foreign workers continues, drawn by Bahrain’s growing economy. As a result, the nation’s cities hum with energy, but open space remains a rare luxury.

Vatican City: The Densest Statelet

Vatican City may be tiny—just 0.49 square kilometers—but with a residential population of around 800 and nearly 6 million visitors annually, the daytime density can exceed 2,000 people per square kilometer, based on the Holy See’s 2025 report. This spiritual and administrative heart of the Catholic Church sees a constant flow of pilgrims, clergy, and tourists.

While the actual number of residents is low, the presence of workers and visitors during the day makes the area feel perpetually crowded. Every inch of the city is filled with history, art, and people.

During big events, such as Easter, the density skyrockets, transforming St. Peter’s Square into a sea of humanity.

Malta: Mediterranean Crowds in a Historic Setting

Malta, an island nation in the Mediterranean, has a population density of about 1,800 people per square kilometer in 2025, according to Malta’s National Statistics Office. The archipelago’s main island is home to over 540,000 people crammed into 316 square kilometers.

Historic towns and modern developments sit side by side, with narrow streets often packed with cars, scooters, and pedestrians. The tourism boom has led to more hotels and apartments, further crowding the landscape.

Despite the density, Malta retains a laid-back charm, with locals gathering in busy village squares and seaside promenades. Space is a premium, and every plot of land is carefully used.

Bangladesh: Millions Living Shoulder to Shoulder

Bangladesh is the most densely populated country outside city-states, with about 1,300 people per square kilometer in 2025, according to the Bangladesh Bureau of Statistics. Its population now exceeds 170 million, living in an area about the size of Iowa.

The capital, Dhaka, is a true megacity, with over 23,000 people per square kilometer in some districts. Urban areas see endless streams of rickshaws, buses, and pedestrians.

Rural regions are crowded too, with villages tightly packed along rivers and fields. The pressure on resources—from water to housing—is relentless, yet the country’s resilient spirit shines through.

Palestine (Gaza Strip): Crowded and Resilient

The Gaza Strip, a part of Palestine, is one of the world’s most densely populated territories, with nearly 6,000 people per square kilometer as of 2025, according to UNRWA and Palestinian Central Bureau of Statistics. This 365 square kilometer sliver of land is home to over 2.1 million people.

The blockade and limited land for expansion have made crowding a daily reality, with families often living in multi-story apartment blocks. Public services are stretched to their limits, and open spaces are scarce.

Despite the challenges, the community stays strong, finding ways to adapt and support each other.

South Korea: Urban Living at Its Peak

South Korea, especially its capital Seoul, is among the most densely populated countries, with a national average of about 530 people per square kilometer in 2025, as reported by Statistics Korea. Seoul itself has over 16,000 people per square kilometer in the city center.

Urban life is intense, with high-rise apartments dominating the skyline and streets bustling with activity day and night. The country’s rapid economic growth has led to crowded cities, with public transport and schools often filled to capacity.

Despite the density, South Korea’s cities are remarkably clean, safe, and efficient, a testament to meticulous planning and community spirit.

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