Top 10 Least Densely Populated Countries
Overview
Amid the noise of crowded cities and the pressure of population booms, there are still places on Earth where silence reigns and space stretch endlessly. From the ice-covered wilderness of Greenland to the sunbaked deserts of Namibia, some countries remain astonishingly empty, not because they’re forgotten, but because nature keeps them that way. These are the world’s least densely populated countries.
According to the latest data, the top 10 least densely populated countries are: (1) Greenland, (2) Falkland Islands, (3) Western Sahara, (4) Mongolia, (5) Australia, (6) Namibia, (7) French Guiana, (8) Iceland, (9) Suriname, and (10) Guyana. In this article, we journey across remote landscapes and vast frontiers to uncover these top 10 countries where people are few, but the land speaks volumes. We also find the reasons behind their sparse populations that might surprise us.
List of the Countries with Least Population Density
In an increasingly crowded world, certain countries stand out for their vast, uninhabited expanses. These least densely populated countries offer unique insights into how geography, climate, and history shape human settlement patterns. Exploring these countries not only highlights the diversity of human habitation but also underscores the resilience of communities thriving in some of the planet’s most challenging environments. Relevant data is provided in the table below:
Table 1: Top 10 Countries with Lowest Population Density
While countries with highest populated countries like Monaco and Bangladesh grapple with challenges stemming from rapid urbanization and climate change, countries with low population density face different, yet equally significant, issues. In sparsely populated countries such as Greenland and Mongolia, harsh climates and challenging terrains limit human habitation, leading to vast uninhabited areas. Understanding these contrasting population distributions highlights the diverse ways in which geography and climate influence human settlement patterns across the globe.
Factors Influencing Low Population Density
Low population density arises from a combination of physical, economic, social, and political factors that make certain regions less conducive to human habitation. Below are key factors contributing to sparse population distribution:
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Harsh Climate Conditions : Extreme temperatures, whether hot (e.g., deserts like the Sahara) or cold (e.g., Siberia), deter settlement due to challenges in agriculture and daily living.
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Mountainous Terrain : Steep slopes and rugged landscapes, such as the Himalayas, hinder infrastructure development and agriculture, leading to sparse populations.
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Poor Soil Fertility : Regions with infertile soils, like parts of Rajasthan, struggle to support agriculture, discouraging dense settlements.
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Limited Water Resources : Areas with scarce water supply, such as arid zones, face challenges in sustaining life and agriculture, resulting in low population density.
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Lack of Natural Resources : Regions devoid of valuable resources like minerals or forests offer limited economic opportunities, leading to sparse populations.
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Inadequate Infrastructure : Poor transportation, healthcare, and educational facilities make remote areas less attractive for settlement.
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Economic Underdevelopment : Regions with limited job opportunities and industries fail to attract or retain large populations.
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Political Instability : Areas experiencing conflict, poor governance, or lack of public services often see population decline due to safety concerns.
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Health Risks : Prevalence of diseases like malaria or cholera in certain regions deters settlement and contributes to low population density.
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Isolation and Accessibility : Remote areas with challenging access, such as parts of the Amazon, remain sparsely populated due to difficulties in transportation and communication.
Understanding these factors is crucial for policymakers and planners aiming to address population distribution challenges and promote balanced regional development, especially in the context of the countries with declining populations, where long-term planning must also consider demographic shrinkage and its economic implications.
Historical Population Density Trends in Least Densely Populated Countries (2000–2020)
This line graph highlights historical population density trends from 2000 to 2020 in the world’s least densely populated countries. Tracking changes over two decades, it offers insights into slow but steady demographic shifts across vast, sparsely inhabited regions.
Table 2: Population Growth Rates of Low-Density Countries (2000–2020)
Least Densely Populated Countries Vs. Most Densely Populated Countries: Key Differences
This comparison table outlines the key differences between the least and most densely populated countries, focusing on demographic and geographic indicators. It highlights how population density influences infrastructure, economic activities, and urbanization trends worldwide.
This comparison underscores how geographical, economic, and infrastructural factors contribute to the stark differences in population densities across countries, highlighting the need for tailored development strategies in both countries with highest population density and sparsely populated remote regions.
Population Projections for the Least Densely Populated Countries
This population projection table highlights anticipated demographic changes in the least densely populated countries by 2025. These forecasts reveal shifting trends driven by migration, urban development, and regional socio-economic factors.
Table 3: Population Projection of lowest population density country
Web Resources on Countries with Least Population Density
1. Worldostats.com: Population Density by Country
2. Globalcitizensolutions.com: Countries with Lowest Population Density
3. World Bank Group: Population Density in Least Densely Populated Countries
Final Words
In a world where space is becoming a luxury, the least densely populated countries offer rare glimpses of vast, untouched landscapes and slower-paced living. From Greenland’s icy expanses to Mongolia’s sweeping steppes, these nations remind us that quiet corners still exist on our ever-growing planet. But as we marvel at their openness, another story is unfolding; one of rapid expansion, booming birth rates, and rising pressure on resources. Stay tuned as we explore the countries with increasing population growth rates next. We’d love your feedback, please share your thoughts about this article that help us to improve this article. Thank You for Reading!
Questions and answers related to Countries with Least Population Density:
As of 2025, the top 10 countries with the lowest population density are: Greenland (0.136 people/km²), Falkland Islands (0.285), Western Sahara (2.22), Mongolia (2.232), Australia (3.477), Namibia (3.681), French Guiana (3.753), Iceland (3.924), Suriname (4.067), and Guyana (4.222). These nations have vast land areas relative to their populations, often due to challenging terrains, arid climates, or limited infrastructure, influencing settlement patterns and economic development.
Greenland holds the distinction of having the lowest population density globally, with just 0.136 people per square kilometer as of 2025. Despite its vast landmass, the island’s harsh Arctic climate and ice-covered terrain make large-scale habitation challenging, resulting in a sparse population concentrated along the coastline.
Mongolia has the lowest population density in Asia, with approximately 2.232 people per square kilometer as of 2025. Its vast steppes, deserts, and mountainous regions, combined with a nomadic heritage, contribute to its sparse population distribution.
As of 2025, the four countries with the lowest overall population density are Greenland (0.136 people/km²), Falkland Islands (0.285), Western Sahara (2.22), and Mongolia (2.232). These regions combine expansive territories with minimal populations, often due to environmental challenges and limited infrastructure.
Iceland has the lowest population density in Europe, with approximately 3.924 people per square kilometer as of 2025. Its rugged terrain, volcanic activity, and subarctic climate have historically limited large-scale settlement, resulting in a population concentrated in coastal areas.
Greenland is often referred to as the “emptiest” country due to its extremely low population density of 0.136 people per square kilometer as of 2025. Its vast ice-covered landscapes and remote location contribute to its sparse habitation.
Countries considered underpopulated often have vast land areas with relatively small populations, leading to low population densities. Examples include Mongolia, Namibia, Australia, and Canada. These nations face challenges in infrastructure development and service delivery due to their sparse populations.
Low population density presents several challenges. Firstly, it often leads to limited economic opportunities, as businesses may be reluctant to invest in areas with smaller markets. Consequently, residents might face inadequate infrastructure and public services, including healthcare and education, due to a reduced tax base. Additionally, social isolation can become prevalent, impacting community cohesion and mental health. Furthermore, the lack of technological advancement and lower levels of agricultural production are common, stemming from reduced human interaction and investment in these regions.
As of 2025, the most densely populated country in Asia is Singapore, with approximately 8,595.5 people per square kilometer. This high density is a result of its limited land area combined with a significant population. Singapore’s efficient urban planning, robust infrastructure, and strategic economic policies have allowed it to manage this density effectively, making it a global hub for finance, trade, and innovation.
Canada is among the countries with low population density, with approximately 4 people per square kilometer as of 2025. However, it is not the least densely populated country. Greenland holds that distinction with a density of 0.1 people per square kilometer. Canada’s vast land area combined with its population results in a low density, but its population is concentrated in urban areas near the U.S. border.
As of 2025, Greenland has the lowest population density in the world, with approximately 0.136 people per square kilometer. This extremely low density is due to its vast ice-covered landmass and harsh Arctic climate, which limit habitable areas and human settlement. The sparse population is primarily concentrated along the ice-free coastal regions.
Europe’s population density varies by region. As of 2025, the continent has an average density of 33.7 people per square kilometer. Western Europe tends to be more densely populated due to urbanization and economic development, while parts of Eastern and Northern Europe have lower densities. Factors such as historical settlement patterns, economic opportunities, and geographic features influence these variations.
In the United States, the states with the lowest population densities as of 2025 are Alaska, Wyoming, Montana, North Dakota, and South Dakota. These states have vast land areas with relatively small populations, resulting in low densities. Factors contributing to this include challenging terrains, harsh climates, and economies based on agriculture or resource extraction, which do not require large populations.
As of 2025, the five countries with the lowest population densities are Greenland (0.136 people/km²), Falkland Islands (0.285), Western Sahara (2.22), Mongolia (2.232), and Australia (3.477). These low densities are due to factors like harsh climates, vast deserts, and limited water resources, which make large-scale human habitation challenging.
Low population density arises from several interrelated factors. Primarily, harsh climates—such as extreme cold or arid conditions—deter settlement due to challenges in agriculture and daily living. Additionally, rugged terrains like mountains impede infrastructure development and accessibility. Limited natural resources and infertile soils further reduce the land’s capacity to support large populations. Moreover, inadequate infrastructure, scarce economic opportunities, and political instability discourage migration and settlement, collectively leading to sparse population distribution.