The chart compares the proportion of people living in urban areas worldwide and across six regions in 1975, 2020, and 2050. Overall, all regions experienced significant urban growth and this trend is expected to continue. North America and Latin America were and will remain the most urbanised, while Africa and Asia started from far lower levels but are projected to grow most rapidly.
Globally, the share of the urban population rose from about 38% in 1975 to roughly 56% by 2020 and is forecast to reach close to 70% in 2050. A similar steady pattern appears in Europe, where urban residency increased from approximately 66% to just over 75% and is predicted to exceed 80% by mid-century. North America recorded the highest figures throughout, climbing from around 74% in 1975 to about 82% in 2020, with an anticipated rise to nearly 90%.
Latin America followed closely, growing from around 62% to roughly 80% and projected to rise slightly further. In contrast, Africa and Asia had far smaller urban populations in 1975, at about one-quarter each. However, both regions saw sharp increases to around 43% and 51% respectively in 2020, with forecasts of roughly 55% and 65% by 2050. Oceania showed more modest but steady growth, from about 70% to slightly above 70%, with only a marginal future rise expected.
Overall, the data indicate that although currently less urbanised regions will expand fastest, the highest urban shares will remain concentrated in more developed regions.