Urbanization Rate
Definition
The percentage of a country's total population that lives in urban areas. The definition of "urban" varies by country but generally includes cities and towns above a certain population threshold.
Why It Matters
Urbanization drives economic growth, infrastructure investment, and cultural change. Over 56% of the world's population is now urban, and that share is growing rapidly in developing countries.
How It's Measured
National censuses classify areas as urban or rural based on population density, administrative boundaries, or other criteria. The World Bank and UN track urbanization rates globally.
Current Value
US: approximately 83%; World: approximately 56%
Related Ranking
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Frequently Asked Questions
The percentage of a country's total population that lives in urban areas. The definition of "urban" varies by country but generally includes cities and towns above a certain population threshold.
Urbanization drives economic growth, infrastructure investment, and cultural change. Over 56% of the world's population is now urban, and that share is growing rapidly in developing countries.
National censuses classify areas as urban or rural based on population density, administrative boundaries, or other criteria. The World Bank and UN track urbanization rates globally.