Monaco is the world's most densely populated sovereign state.
The principality combines a population of roughly 39,000 people with only about 2.08 square kilometres of land. That produces a population density of tens of thousands of people per square kilometre, far higher than that of other independent countries. The exact figure changes as population estimates and land measurements are updated.
Monaco's density is linked to its location on valuable Mediterranean coastline, its prosperous economy and extensive high-rise construction. Land reclamation has also added territory, including the area associated with Port Hercules and newer development projects. Residential buildings rise dramatically from the narrow coastal strip toward the hills.
Singapore is also exceptionally dense, but it has a much larger land area and population. Vatican City has fewer residents but an even smaller territory, so comparisons depend on how areas and populations are counted. Standard country rankings identify Monaco as the most densely populated sovereign state.