On the opposite end from Monaco and Bangladesh sit the countries with the lowest population density in the world — nations where sheer land area, harsh climate, or difficult terrain leaves vast stretches almost empty.
The Least Densely Populated Countries
- Mongolia — the least densely populated sovereign country in the world, with a population smaller than many single cities spread across a huge landlocked territory
- Namibia — one of the driest, most sparsely settled countries in Africa
- Australia — a massive land area with population concentrated almost entirely along the coasts
- Iceland — a small population on a large, volcanically active island
- Suriname and Guyana — dense rainforest interiors with population clustered on the coast
- Canada — one of the largest countries in the world by area, but with most residents living within 150 km of the US border
See exactly how these compare to every other country we track on our Rankings page.
Geography, Not Just Land Area, Drives Low Density
Low density usually isn’t simply about having a lot of land — it’s about how much of that land is livable. Mongolia’s density is driven by its extreme continental climate and vast steppe. Namibia’s by the Namib and Kalahari deserts. Canada and Russia both combine enormous total area with climates that push population toward a narrow habitable band, which is part of why both rank near the bottom for density despite being among the largest countries in the world by area.
Frequently Asked Questions
What is the least densely populated country in the world?
Mongolia has the lowest population density of any sovereign country in the world.
Why is Australia’s population density so low despite being developed?
Australia’s interior is largely arid desert, so the vast majority of its population lives in coastal cities, leaving most of the country’s land area nearly empty.
Is low population density good or bad for a country?
It’s a trade-off: low density often means more space and lower housing costs, but it can also mean higher costs for infrastructure like roads, electricity, and healthcare access per person.
See land area and population together for any country using our Compare Countries tool.
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