Macau’s Population Density On Top of the World

Macau recorded a population density of 20,500 people per square kilometre last year

The CIA 'World Fact Book' has released the latest rankings of the world's population density, with Macau sitting tight in the top spot. The MSAR's population, in fact, increased from 19,500 people per square kilometre in 2013 to 20,500 in 2014, three times the population density of Hong Kong. The world's second most densely populated region is Monaco, with a population of 16,800 people per square kilometre.

The Executive Director of the Research Centre for Macau Social and Economic Development of City University of Macau, Li Jiazeng, has made the comparison of Mumbai and Bangal in India, and Shenyang in China, saying the population density of Macau is actually not that high, comparatively speaking, citing the similar-sized 'city' of Shanghai Huangpu District, with its 53,000 people per square kilometre. Also, he says, Guangzhou Yuexiu District supports 37,000 people.

In addition, the Director of the Policy Research Office of the MSAR Government, Lao Pun Lap, has pointed out that the population density of Macau at present is the same as in 1994. He believes that the citizens of Macau feel the territory is crowded because of the increased number of tourists. He revealed that Macau's population policy research programme will be announced by the end of July.

Singapore (7,680.77), Hong Kong (6,479.64), Gaza Strip (4,750.71) and Gibraltar (4,466.77) complete the top half dozen slots of people per square kilometre.