How urban is the world?

Two comparisons. Then five questions on the ruler.

Play urban population

Free practice · No account · 2022 data

1. Which has the larger urban share?

Japan

Brazil

Reveal answer

Japan has the larger share.

Japan92.1%

Brazil87.6%

2. Which has the larger urban share?

Nigeria

India

Reveal answer

Nigeria has the larger share.

Nigeria62.2%

India35.1%

A larger percentage does not mean more people. A smaller country can have a higher urban share.

Try the other question

How many people live in each country?

Play total population

Sources and classroom use

Urban share: World Bank, 2022. Total population practice: World Bank, 2023. These are dated datasets, not live population estimates.

“Urban” follows each country’s national definition, so comparisons describe different settlement systems. They do not measure housing quality, city size or how well a country is doing. World Bank indicator and definition.

For a short classroom warm-up: predict the two comparisons, reveal, then ask why a percentage and a headcount can tell different stories. Continue with five practice questions.

World Cities Day falls on 31 October. This independent Countrivo exercise is a starting point for discussing urbanisation; it is not affiliated with the UN.

Full urban-population ranking · Total population ranking · All data sources