Living in Cities by Country — Every Decade Since 1800

The shift from rural life to the metropolis remains one of the most profound transitions in the human experience, changing how we work, interact with neighbors, and access basic resources. As of the 2020s, living in cities ranges from 100 % in Singapore to 21.7 % in Ethiopia across 157 countries. These percentages reflect the fundamental structure of daily existence and secure futures.

The historical arc reveals a world moving inward toward central hubs, with countries like Belgium at 98.1 % and Argentina at 92.1 % showcasing high urban density. In contrast, nations like Kenya at 28 % or India at 34.9 % are still undergoing foundational shifts. The trajectory has accelerated significantly over the last two centuries, with a consistent, rapid climb toward dense, urban environments.

When considering a life born in a particular place and time, the urban density percentage dictates proximity to schools, hospitals, and markets, shaping the cadence of a typical day. A person encounters different opportunities based on their country's urban rate, such as 37.3 % in Vietnam or 35 % in Afghanistan. You can explore how these numbers impact individual lives by using our interactive tools to compute parallel lives across shifting urban landscapes.