Africa is the second-largest continent in both land area and population. It has a population of 1.2 billion people, or about 16% of the world�s population. The population density in Africa varies greatly from country to country. In this article, we�ll take an in-depth look at the population density of each African country, as well as the overall population density of the continent.
The Most Densely Populated Countries in Africa
The most densely populated African country is the island nation of Mauritius, with a population density of 1,153 people per square kilometer. This tiny island nation has a population that is more than seven times larger than its land area, making it the most densely populated African nation. The second most densely populated African country is Rwanda, with a population density of 822 people per square kilometer. Rwanda is followed by Burundi, with a population density of 645 people per square kilometer. Other countries in Africa with a high population density include Gambia, Ethiopia, and Malawi.
The Least Densely Populated Countries in Africa
On the opposite end of the spectrum, the least densely populated African countries are mostly located in the Sahara Desert region of the continent. The least densely populated country in Africa is Western Sahara, with a population density of just 2 people per square kilometer. This sparsely populated region is a disputed territory between Morocco and the Saharawi Arab Democratic Republic. Other countries with a low population density in Africa include Sudan, Namibia, Botswana, and South Sudan.
The Average Population Density of Africa
When looking at the average population density of the entire continent of Africa, it�s estimated to be about 48 people per square kilometer. This figure is based on the combined population of all 54 African countries, and takes into account both the most densely populated countries and the least densely populated countries. To put this figure into perspective, the population density of the entire United States is about 35 people per square kilometer.
Conclusion
The population density in Africa varies greatly from country to country, with some countries being much more densely populated than others. The most densely populated African countries include Mauritius, Rwanda, and Burundi, while the least densely populated African countries are mostly located in the Sahara Desert region. Overall, the average population density of the entire African continent is about 48 people per square kilometer. This figure is significantly higher than the population density of the United States, which is about 35 people per square kilometer.