The road in Mongolia aimak Bayan Ulgiy. North-Western Mongolia near the border with Russia. Image Credit: Alexandr frolov via wikimedia.org
Some least densely populated areas of the world, remain unaffected by the constant flow of human activity. In a world where cities are densely populated and empty lands are scarce, there are pockets in our world where enormous swaths of land remain empty or thinly populated. These remote and isolated locations, distinguished by their vast expanses and scant human presence, provide a distinct picture of our planet’s variety. In this article, we begin on a fascinating trip to discover the ten areas on Earth with the lowest population density, delving into the mystery of these sparsely populated lands and the unusual lifestyles led by the people who call them home, if any exist at all.
From the harsh environment of Antarctica to the lonely islands of the Pacific Ocean, we will visit continents and oceans in search of the incredible stories that lie behind these inaccessible locations.
Beyond figures and numbers, we will look into the cultural, historical, and physical aspects that have shaped these communities and contributed to their extraordinarily low population density. Join us as we uncover the mysteries of these intriguing locations, shedding light on the unique landscapes and lifestyles that characterize our world’s least inhabited regions.
Here is a list of the least population density places on earth
| Rank | Country | Total Population | Area – km2 | Population Density (People per km2) | As of the Year |
| 1 | Svalbard | 2,504 | 61,045 | 0.044 | 2023 |
| 2 | Greenland | 56,643 | 21,66,086 | 0.14 | 2022 |
| 3 | Falkland Islands | 3,788 | 12,173 | 0.29 | 2023 |
| 4 | Pitcairn Islands | 50 | 49 | 1.057 | 2023 |
| 5 | Tristan Da Cunha | 236 | 96 | 1.40 | 2023 |
| 6 | Mongolia | 34,47,157 | 15,64,116 | 2.15 | 2023 |
| 7 | Western Sahara | 5,91,004 | 2,66,000 | 2.20 | 2023 |
| 8 | Namibia | 26,14,122 | 8,24,292 | 3.07 | 2023 |
| 9 | Australia | 2,64,73,055 | 76,92,024 | 3.35 | 2023 |
| 10 | French Guiana | 3,14,720 | 83,846 | 3.60 | 2023 |
1. Svalbard
Norway officially chose the name Svalbard for the island in 1925, when it legally acquired it. Due to its location north of the Arctic Circle, Svalbard enjoys midnight sun in the summer and polar night in the winter. At 74° north, the midnight sun lasts 99 days and the polar night lasts 84 days, whereas at 81° north, the statistics are 141 and 128 days, respectively.
With a population of more than 1,000 and the largest inhabited area of Svalbard is Longyearbyen. Longyearbyen is the administrative center of Svalbard. The population of this area is 0.044 per square kilometer.
Longyearben experiences midnight sun from mid-April to mid-August, and polar darkness mid 26 October to mid-February. The combination of a full moon and reflected snow can provide additional light in the winter. Polar bears, those fearsome Arctic beasts, are thought to outnumber humans in their icy dominion. People were drawn to this location because of coal mining.
2. Greenland
Greenland, with its unmatched natural beauty and resilient people, provides a glimpse into a world where ice meets culture, resulting in a beautiful blend of history and contemporary. As the island continues to enchant explorers and visitors alike, it serves as a reminder of the fragile balance between humans and the environment, asking us to appreciate and safeguard our planet’s wonders. The population density of Greenland is 0.14 people per square kilometer.
Greenland, the world’s largest island, is situated in the North Atlantic Ocean, catching the imagination with its awe-inspiring glacial scenery, lively indigenous culture, and distinct way of life. This huge island, mostly covered in ice, is a monument to nature’s raw beauty and the perseverance of its inhabitants.
Greenland’s glaciers, waterways, and icebergs are world-renowned. The Greenland Ice Sheet, one of the world’s largest ice sheets, dominates the heart of the island, producing a strange landscape of frozen wonders. The sight of huge icebergs breaking from glaciers captivates visitors, inspiring both astonishment and humility. The UNESCO World Heritage Site Ilulissat Icefjord provides a front-row view of this stunning natural phenomenon.
Greenland has been inhabited by the Inuit people for about 4,500 years and has a rich cultural heritage. The Inuit way of life, which is inextricably linked to the Arctic environment, demonstrates their resourcefulness and flexibility. Traditional activities like hunting, fishing, and dog sledding are still alive and well, maintaining historic skills and information passed down through generations.
Despite its freezing terrain, Greenland is filled with species. The wide expanses are home to majestic wildlife such as polar bears, Arctic foxes, and reindeer, while the surrounding seas are home to whales, seals, and a wide range of seabirds. Nature lovers and wildlife photographers go to Greenland to see these animals in their natural environment.
Greenland has changed dramatically in recent years. The islanders are adapting to a changing climate as the ice melts, offering new opportunities and difficulties. Tourism has expanded, allowing visitors to experience Greenland’s distinct culture and stunning surroundings. Greenlandic cuisine, which uses locally obtained products such as seafood and wild game, has also achieved international admiration.
3. Falkland Islands
The Falkland Islands, also known as the Islas Malvinas, are located in the South Atlantic Ocean. The islands are a British Overseas Territory, although their sovereignty has long been a cause of contention between the UK and Argentina. The Falkland Islands are located around 300 miles (480 kilometers) off Argentina’s eastern coast and are made up of two main islands, East Falkland and West Falkland, as well as several smaller islands.
The Falkland Islands’ history is marked by European exploration and later occupation. Europeans discovered the islands in the 16th century, and the British claimed them in the 18th century. The disagreement over the sovereignty of the Falkland Islands between the United Kingdom and Argentina resulted in a brief but severe war in 1982, during which British soldiers successfully defended the islands against Argentine occupation.
The Falkland Islands now have a population of roughly 3,800 people, the majority of whom are of British heritage. The population density of the Falkland Islands is 0.29 people per square kilometer. The islands’ economy is mostly centered on fishing, with fishing licenses providing a considerable source of money. Tourism is also important to the economy because the Falkland Islands are noted for their distinctive nature, which includes penguins, seals, and other bird species.
The Falkland Islands are famous for their rough natural beauty, with huge open spaces, spectacular coastlines, and rich species. Despite their isolated position, the islands have a strong sense of community and are controlled by their local government. The ongoing sovereignty dispute between the United Kingdom and Argentina keeps sparking international interest and debate.
4. Pitcairn Islands
Pitcairn Island is one of the world’s remotest inhabited areas, with a population of roughly 50 people, most of whom are of mixed British and Polynesian ancestry. The population density of the Pitcairn Islands is 1.057 people per square kilometer.
The island’s economy is based on fishing, handicrafts, and modest tourism, with visitors drawn by the island’s unique history and natural beauty.
The Pitcairn Islands are an accumulation of four volcanic islands in the southern Pacific Ocean, roughly halfway between New Zealand and Peru. Pitcairn Island is the sole inhabited island in the group, and it is a British Overseas Territory. Henderson, Ducie, and Oeno are the other three deserted islands in the group.
Pitcairn Island is well-known for its intriguing history. It became the last refuge of the mutineers from the HMS Bounty, led by Fletcher Christian, in 1789. The mutineers, along with several Tahitian men and women, established on Pitcairn Island after seizing control of the ship from their captain, William Bligh. The island’s present population is made up of descendants of these people.
The Pitcairn Islands are famous for their breathtaking scenery, which includes lush green hills, cliffs, and clean beaches. The islands also include a wide variety of flora and wildlife, some native to the area.
Despite their small size and isolation, the Pitcairn Islands continue to captivate people all over the world, attracting visitors and researchers who are fascinated by its fascinating history and nature.
5. Tristan Da Cunha
Tristan da Cunha is a secluded volcanic island in the South Atlantic Ocean, some 2,400 kilometers south of South Africa. It is included in the British Overseas Territory of Saint Helena, Ascension, and Tristan da Cunha. The island chain is made up of several islands, the largest and only inhabited being Tristan da Cunha.
Tristan da Cunha is home to a small community of approximately 250 people, and the population density is 1.40 people per square kilometer. The majority of the inhabitants are of British and Saint Helenian heritage. Survival farming and fishing are the primary sources of income for the residents. Tristan da Cunha is one of the most remote inhabited areas on the planet due to its remoteness and challenging weather conditions.
Tristan da Cunha was discovered in 1506 by the Portuguese adventurer Tristan da Cunha. The islands, however, were uninhabited until the nineteenth century, when a small group of settlers, including some Italian and Scottish families, founded a small village on Tristan da Cunha. The population has fluctuated over time, with occasional evacuations due to volcanic eruptions and other natural disasters.
Tristan da Cunha is home to a diverse range of endemic plant and animal species. The islands also serve as a critical breeding area for seabirds such as albatrosses and penguins. The economy of the archipelago is based on crayfish fishing, which is the principal export, as well as minor tourism.
Tristan da Cunha has a small, close-knit population, and residents live a basic, self-sufficient lifestyle. The archipelago’s magnificent landscapes, abundant wildlife, and distinct cultural legacy make it an appealing destination for adventurous travelers and researchers interested in isolated and unspoiled surroundings.
6. Mongolia
Mongolia is a large landlocked country in East and Central Asia noted for its wide steppes, deserts, and steep mountains. Despite being one of the world’s largest countries in terms of land area, Mongolia has a low population density.
The population density in Mongolia is estimated to be around 2.15 persons per square kilometer. The country’s enormous area and severe climate, which includes extreme temperatures and restricted access to water sources in many regions, can be attributed to its low population density. The bulk of Mongolia’s population lives in cities, with Ulaanbaatar, the capital city, being the most densely inhabited location in the country.
Mongolians have traditionally been nomadic people, with herding and livestock cultivation playing an important role in their way of life. Even today, a sizable section of the population remains nomadic or semi-nomadic, wandering with their herds across vast plains.
Mongolia’s low population density contributes to its distinctive and untouched natural environments, making it one of the world’s least densely populated countries. Mongolia is a popular location for vacationers looking for pristine natural beauty and a glimpse into traditional nomadic cultures due to its minimal population dispersion.
7. Western Sahara
Western Sahara’s low population density has resulted in vast, pristine desert vistas, making the region unique in terms of natural beauty. This desert region has a population density of 2.2 people per square kilometer.
However, the political situation remains complicated, and the issue of Sahrawi self-determination remains a source of international concern and diplomatic efforts. The contested status of Western Sahara, with competing territorial claims by Morocco and the Sahrawi Arab Democratic Republic (SADR), has made reliable demographic surveys difficult. This political scenario, combined with the arid climate and limited resources, adds to the region’s low population density.
Western Sahara features wide, pristine desert vistas due to its low population density, making the region distinctive in terms of natural beauty. This desert area has a population density of 2.2 individuals per square kilometer.
The political situation, however, remains complex, and the issue of Sahrawi self-determination remains a source of international concern and diplomatic efforts. Western Sahara’s contested status, with competing territorial claims by Morocco and the Sahrawi Arab Democratic Republic (SADR), has made reliable demographic surveys difficult. This political scenario, together with the region’s arid climate and limited resources, adds to the region’s low population density.
8. Namibia
Namibia, a country in southwestern Africa, is recognized for its varied landscapes, which include deserts, savannas, and coastal areas. Despite being one of the world’s least densely populated countries, Namibia’s population density varies by region. Namibia has a relatively low population density, estimated to be around 3.07 persons per square kilometer. The country has a large land area, and much of it is sparsely populated, especially in the Namib Desert and other arid areas.
Namibia’s low population density has contributed to its status as a wildlife and eco-tourism destination. The country’s flora and wildlife are diversified, featuring notable animals such as desert-adapted elephants, lions, and oryx. Namibia’s vast and sparsely populated landscapes provide travelers with rare possibilities to observe nature in its most raw and pristine form.
Efforts are ongoing to manage resources and encourage economic development sustainably, ensuring that Namibia’s population can thrive in harmony with the country’s exceptional natural environment.
9. Australia
Australia, the world’s sixth-largest country in terms of total area, is distinguished by enormous swaths of various landscapes, including deserts, rainforests, and coastal regions. Despite its massive size, Australia has a low population density. The population density of Australia is approximately 3.35 persons per square kilometer. The bulk of Australia’s population lives in coastal cities and urban areas, with large cities such as Sydney, Melbourne, Brisbane, and Perth housing significant populations.
Because of its arid and hostile circumstances, Australia’s interior, known as the Outback, is scarcely populated. The bulk of Australians live on the east and southeast coasts, where the climate is more mild and suitable for human habitation.
The low population density of Australia contrasts sharply with its immense natural resources and diversified ecosystems. The country is famous for its diverse wildlife, which includes marsupials such as kangaroos and koalas, as well as the Great Barrier Reef, the world’s biggest coral reef system. The natural beauty and biodiversity of Australia draw visitors from all over the world.
The country’s low population density has also led to a high level of living, with plenty of space and resources for citizens. Efforts are constantly being made to balance economic development and environmental protection, ensuring the preservation of Australia’s unique natural heritage for future generations.
10. French Guiana
French Guiana, a French overseas territory and region on the northeastern coast of South America, is noted for its beautiful rainforests, diversified animals, and the Guiana Space Centre, Europe’s principal spaceport.
Despite its great biodiversity and natural beauty, French Guiana has a comparatively low population density. The population density in French Guiana is about 3.60 persons per square kilometer. The majority of the population lives near the coast, particularly in and around Cayenne, the capital city, where economic activity is concentrated. The inland regions, which include extensive rainforests and the Tumuc-Humac Mountains, are still underdeveloped.
The low population density of French Guiana is impacted by its difficult geographical features, which include huge tropical forests, swamps, and rivers. The region’s poor infrastructure and access to basic services also contribute to the region’s sparse settlement patterns. The population is predominantly made up of ethnic groupings such as Creole, Maroon, Amerindian, and Hmong cultures, resulting in a diverse cultural tapestry.
French Guiana is a fascinating location due to its unique combination of varied cultures and natural beauties. Because of its low population density, it can preserve its pristine environment, home to a diverse range of flora and animals, including rare and endangered species.
Because of its biodiversity, French Guiana remains to be of scientific interest, attracting scientists and eco-tourists. Efforts are being made to balance economic development and environmental conservation, assuring the preservation of this biologically rich region while providing viable employment for its population.
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