MOST CROWDED Places Where People Live
MOST CROWDED Places Where People Live
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00:00Hey everyone, these are the areas that are the most crowded places on the planet.
00:04Join me as I count down 15 of the most crowded places where people live.
00:09Starting with number 15, Jalousie neighborhood in Port-au-Prince, Haiti.
00:13Jalousie, it's a densely populated neighborhood in Port-au-Prince in Haiti,
00:17and it's best known for its colorful hillside houses.
00:20But as of recent estimates, it's home to between 50,000 to 80,000 residents,
00:25meaning that the population density here is really high.
00:28More so than even the crowding seen elsewhere in Port-au-Prince.
00:32The area has grown rapidly over the past few decades,
00:35driven by rural to urban migration and the lack of affordable housing.
00:39In 2013, the Haitian government launched a project to paint the exteriors of the houses here bright colors,
00:45inspired by the work of Haitian artist Prifet Defoe.
00:48This initiative, known as Beauty vs. Poverty, aimed to improve the neighborhood's appeal.
00:52The lack of formal infrastructure here is a serious problem,
00:56as many homes are built without proper planning or access to essential services,
01:00such as clean water, sanitation, and electricity.
01:03While the community's closeness to Port-au-Prince does provide some access to jobs and services,
01:09educational facilities and healthcare services here are struggling.
01:12Schools are often overcrowded, and similarly, healthcare facilities are limited,
01:16meaning residents frequently rely on clinics and hospitals in other parts of the city.
01:21Recent troubles and disasters in the country, too, have put further pressure on every neighborhood,
01:26with Jalousie being particularly affected because of how many people there are.
01:30Residents have, though, developed a sense of solidarity and resilience in the face of these problems,
01:35often working together to address the issues and support each other.
01:44Mong Kok, a bustling neighborhood in Hong Kong and China, is known for its vibrant street life,
01:49dense population, and unusual mix of commercial and residential areas.
01:54It's located in the Yau Tsim Mong district in the Kowloon Peninsula.
01:58It's one of the most densely populated neighborhoods in the world,
02:01with an estimated population density of about 130,000 people per square kilometer.
02:06The total population of the area is approximately 200,000 residents,
02:10many of whom have been attracted to the area because of Hong Kong's status as a global urban center.
02:16The streets here are constantly teeming with people.
02:19The neighborhood is a maze of narrow streets and towering buildings,
02:22featuring a blend of modern skyscrapers and older, more traditional structures.
02:27Housing here ranges from high-rise apartments to older, subdivided flats.
02:32The high density here has led to a trend called crucible apartments,
02:36where living spaces are subdivided into extremely small units,
02:39often housing entire families in spaces as small as a few square feet.
02:43Despite this high density, though, Mong Kok is not just a residential area,
02:47it's also a major commercial hub.
02:49The streets here are lined with shops, restaurants, and entertainment venues,
02:53creating a vibrant, almost 24-hour-a-day atmosphere.
02:57Nathan Road, one of Hong Kong's busiest routes, runs through Mong Kok
03:00and serves as a central artery for both vehicles and pedestrians.
03:03The Mong Kok MTR station is one of the busiest in Hong Kong's transportation network,
03:08providing transit connections across the city.
03:10Buses and minibuses further improve connectivity,
03:13making it a bit easier for residents and visitors to navigate.
03:22Holding the title of being the most densely populated place in North America,
03:26Yorkville is a neighborhood on the Upper East Side of Manhattan in New York City.
03:30Bounded by 79th Street to the south and 96th Street to the north,
03:343rd Avenue to the west, and the East River to the east,
03:37it's got a population of approximately 80,000 people.
03:40This neighborhood is a dense residential environment
03:43which includes a mix of historic brownstones, pre-war buildings, and modern high-rise apartments.
03:48The variety in housing option attracts a diverse population here.
03:52Historically, this neighborhood was a cultural melting pot
03:55with significant populations of German, Hungarian, Irish, and Czech immigrants.
04:00The heritage is still visible today in the form of cultural institutions,
04:04restaurants, and community centers that celebrate those roots.
04:07For example, places like Schaller and Weber, a traditional German butcher shop,
04:11and the Bohemian National Hall, a Czech cultural center.
04:14The neighborhood's closeness to Central Park means it's not so affordable for communities like those anymore,
04:20and it's becoming one of the more exclusive places in the city.
04:23It's well-served by public transportation, too.
04:26It doesn't feel as crowded as you might expect from a place where so many people live,
04:30and instead, it's seen as a vibrant community.
04:33Its commercial avenues, particularly along 2nd and 3rd Avenues,
04:36are lined with a variety of shops, cafes, restaurants, and bars,
04:40meaning there's always something to do and somewhere to go.
04:48So, West Point is a neighborhood in Monrovia, which is the capital city of Liberia,
04:53and it's now one of the largest informal settlements in the city.
04:56It's a sprawling community that's on a narrow peninsula between the Atlantic Ocean and the Mesorado River,
05:02making it vulnerable to the challenges posed by overcrowding, poverty, and environmental hazards.
05:07As of recent estimates, West Point's home to approximately 75,000 to 80,000 residents,
05:12which on such a small piece of land means the population density here is really high.
05:16People live here in closely packed structures made from a variety of materials,
05:20often lacking the proper sanitation and basic infrastructure.
05:24The neighborhood does, though, have a resilient community spirit,
05:27with many inhabitants taking part in informal economic activities,
05:31such as fishing, trading, and small-scale commerce.
05:34The local markets and street vendors contribute to the amazing atmosphere of the neighborhood,
05:38showcasing the resourcefulness of those who live there.
05:41The high population density and lack of infrastructure has made West Point susceptible to public health crisis, however,
05:47and in recent years, it's been affected by outbreaks of diseases such as cholera and Ebola.
05:52Environmental challenges have also become a problem because of its position on the peninsula,
05:56which is highly vulnerable to coastal erosion and flooding.
06:00Efforts to improve living conditions in West Point have been ongoing,
06:03with various non-governmental organizations and government initiatives
06:07focusing on providing better sanitation, health care, and education.
06:11Community-led initiatives, too, have also played a critical role in addressing some of the difficulties here,
06:16with improvements taking place in recent years.
06:1911. Hillbrow, Johannesburg, South Africa
06:23Located in Johannesburg, Hillbrow is the most densely populated neighborhood in South Africa,
06:29known for its culture and high-rise buildings.
06:32Just to the north of the city's central business district,
06:34Hillbrow is home to between 74,000 and 100,000 residents,
06:38although the exact numbers can be difficult to know for sure.
06:41During the Apartheid era, it was a predominantly middle-class suburb,
06:45but following the end of segregation in the early 1990s,
06:48the neighborhood experienced rapid demographic shifts.
06:51Many residents moved out, and Hillbrow became a hub for South Africans and immigrants
06:55from other African countries seeking opportunities in Johannesburg.
06:59This period also saw an increase in informal settlements and overcrowding,
07:03and it's a place that's become known for its high crime rates,
07:06and being one of the most dangerous areas in Johannesburg.
07:09But beyond these issues, it's got a vibrant and bustling community.
07:13The high-rise buildings here, once symbols of modern architecture,
07:17now often stand in varying states of disrepair.
07:20Many of them have been subdivided into smaller units to accommodate the growing population,
07:24leading to further overcrowding and strain on infrastructure.
07:28Educational and healthcare facilities in Hillbrow have also struggled to meet the needs
07:32of its increasingly large population.
07:35But a number of initiatives are working to change this,
07:37and turn Hillbrow into a welcoming community.
07:40And it's hoped that this will all become one of the most thriving precincts in Johannesburg
07:44in the coming years.
07:46Number 10. Santa Cruz del Eslote, Colombia
07:50Santa Cruz del Eslote is just off the coast of Colombia in the Caribbean,
07:54and holds the record of being the world's most densely populated island.
07:58This tiny piece of land, which is part of the San Bernardo archipelago,
08:01measures just two and a half acres,
08:04but it's home to an estimated 1,200 to 1,300 people.
08:08This gives an average of around 124,000 people per square kilometer,
08:12making Santa Cruz del Eslote a truly unique place.
08:15The limited space here means that every inch of land is used.
08:19The island is crisscrossed by narrow pathways with houses packed closely together,
08:24creating a maze-like network of buildings.
08:27The homes are typically small and made from materials such as wood and concrete,
08:30and despite the cramped conditions,
08:32the community has managed to create a functional living space,
08:35which includes a school, restaurant, a few shops, and even a small plaza where residents gather.
08:41Due to the lack of space for agriculture, though,
08:43residents rely heavily on fishing as their main source of food and income.
08:47Fish are plentiful in the surrounding waters, and fishing trips are a daily duty for most.
08:52There's a lack of some resources that means it can't be self-sufficient, though,
08:56such as a scarcity of fresh water, which means it must be transported from the mainland.
09:00Electricity, though, is mainly provided by generators and solar panels,
09:04with limited space for disposal and recycling.
09:07Despite all the challenges, though, the residents here have developed a strong sense of community,
09:11and if given the chance, most wouldn't want to live anywhere else.
09:159. Bacilevler in Istanbul, Turkey
09:20Bacilevler is a bustling district in the European side of Istanbul in Turkey.
09:25It's one of the city's main residential and commercial hubs, known for its urban life.
09:29Covering an area of approximately 6.4 square miles,
09:32it's home to a number of residents, with recent estimates suggesting there's around 600,000 people.
09:38The name translates to houses with gardens,
09:41after originally being a suburban area with single-family homes with gardens.
09:46Over time, though, it's transformed into a densely populated urban area.
09:50This rapid change has been driven by Istanbul's overall growth and the district's useful location.
09:56This district is divided into several neighborhoods, each with its own unique character and features,
10:00meaning they're somewhere suitable for just about anyone.
10:04Transportation here is well-developed and gives residents easy access to other parts of Istanbul.
10:09The district is served by a network of buses, minibuses, and the Metrobus rapid transit system,
10:14which runs along the D100 highway.
10:17Now, despite the huge population, it also has surprisingly good educational and healthcare facilities,
10:22with a number of public and private schools and higher education institutions.
10:27Healthcare services are pretty good, too, with several hospitals and clinics providing medical care to residents,
10:32and parks and green spaces provide residents with areas for relaxation and outdoor activities,
10:37and a number of cultural events and festivals are held in the district, making it a visitor destination, too.
10:44Number 8. Mali, the Maldives.
10:47Mali is the capital of the Maldives, and it's located on its own island at the southern edge of the North Malai Atoll.
10:54As the political, economic, and cultural heart of the Maldives, it's got a population of over 200,000 residents,
11:00which is around one-third of the entire population of the Maldives,
11:03but it's contained in an area that's less than 2.3 square miles.
11:07The city's population density is one of the highest in the world,
11:10which has led to significant challenges in terms of housing, infrastructure, and public services,
11:16and it's increasingly covered with high-rise buildings, which have become necessary to accommodate the growing population.
11:22The city's population growth has been caused by both natural population increase and migration from other islands in the Maldives,
11:29with people moving to Mali in search of better employment opportunities.
11:33The government has long recognized the challenges posed by the high population density,
11:37and has undertaken initiatives to address it.
11:40Efforts have been made to expand the housing and improve in public services,
11:43and they've started looking at radical solutions, too,
11:46one of which is the development of Hulhu Mali, an artificial island being built to ease the population pressure.
11:52Still, though, there's no other place quite like it in the world,
11:55where traditional Maldivian customs coexist with influences from around the world.
12:00The bustling fish market and busy ports are an amazing welcome to the country,
12:04and the coastal city has several historical sites,
12:06such as the 17th-century Friday Mosque and the Maldives National Museum,
12:11which offers a glimpse into the rich history and heritage of the nation.
12:15Moving on to number seven,
12:17Santo Antonio, Macau, in China.
12:20Santo Antonio is one of the oldest districts in Macau,
12:24and it's famous for its charm.
12:26With a population exceeding 100,000 people within its relatively small area,
12:31it's got a diverse demographic,
12:33with a mix of Chinese, Portuguese, and other communities,
12:36which is a result of the area's rich history.
12:38The high population density here is a product of both historical developments and modern urbanization.
12:43As one of the earliest settled areas in Macau, it's long been a residential and commercial hub,
12:48and over the years, it's evolved,
12:50with many of its traditional buildings giving way to high-rise residential complexes.
12:54It is an amazing place to be,
12:56where the streets are bustling with activity from local markets and small shops to larger commercial stores.
13:02Still, with an old layout, it's got narrow, winding streets,
13:05often crowded with pedestrians, vehicles, and bikes,
13:08but this is occasionally broken up with parks and recreational areas that are vital communal spaces.
13:14Housing in the district varies from older, traditional homes to modern high-rise apartments.
13:19The district's government has made efforts to manage this issue
13:22by encouraging urban renewal projects and improving infrastructure,
13:26but this is a continual battle.
13:28The district is home to several significant historical sites,
13:31including the ruins of St. Paul's, a UNESCO World Heritage Site,
13:35which stands as a memory of the district's colonial past.
13:38There's no doubt that this district is the beating heart of Macau,
13:41with a mix of traditional business and modern companies,
13:44local markets, restaurants, and shops,
13:47they all offer a wide selection of goods and services,
13:50catering to both residents and visitors.
13:57Mathare North is a densely populated neighborhood in Kenya's capital city of Nairobi,
14:03and it's part of the larger Mathare Valley slum,
14:05which is one of the oldest informal settlements in the region.
14:09It's home to an estimated 80,000 to 100,000 people within its tiny area.
14:14The structures here are packed closely together,
14:16with narrow, unpaved pathways weaving throughout the community,
14:19and it's this limited space and high population that have led to significant challenges,
14:23including poor housing, sanitation issues, and limited access to clean water and healthcare.
14:29Despite the economic hardships, though, the community here is known for its resourcefulness,
14:33with some residents setting up businesses, such as small shops, food stalls, and markets,
14:38to provide essential goods and services to the local population.
14:42This high population density here has heightened several social issues,
14:45including crime, unemployment, and access to education.
14:49Schools in the area are often overcrowded, with nowhere near enough resources to meet all the needs.
14:54The local government and various non-governmental organizations have been working
14:58to improve these problems through various programs and initiatives,
15:01and it seems to have made some headway in recent years.
15:05Public services, though, and infrastructure do remain strained,
15:08with one of the biggest challenges being access to clean water and proper sanitation facilities.
15:13This, in turn, can lead to further health problems,
15:16and is arguably the most important thing that needs to be solved.
15:24San Andreas is a district in the city of Manila in the Philippines,
15:28and while it only takes up a relatively small space,
15:30it is the most densely populated region within the city,
15:33and with an estimated 144,000 people.
15:37There's good reason why people want to live here, too,
15:39as the neighborhood is a great position within the city,
15:42and with its grid-like layout of streets,
15:44it's usually filled with a constant stream of pedestrians, jeepneys, tricycles, and other forms of transportation.
15:50Residents live in a mix of housing types, ranging from traditional behe cubo,
15:54which are native huts, to modern apartments and condominiums.
15:58With the closely packed houses and limited open space,
16:01you never have to go far to find street vendors selling a variety of goods,
16:05from fresh produce to household items and local eateries offering Filipino delicacies.
16:10San Andreas also plays an important role in Manila's education and religion,
16:14with a number of schools, both including public and private institutions,
16:18as well as churches and religious centers that are scattered throughout.
16:22Despite challenges, though, posed by its high population,
16:24San Andreas has managed to maintain a strong sense of community,
16:28as it can be seen in local events and festivals that take place throughout the year,
16:31which bring together residents and help create a sense of belonging and solidarity.
16:41Zaveri Bazaar, which can be found in the center of Mumbai in India,
16:44is one of the country's most well-known commercial districts,
16:47and it's famous for its jewelry market.
16:50The marketplace area is home to headquarters of virtually all the major jewelry organizations in India,
16:55and it's said that 65% of all gold trading and dealing in the country originates here.
17:01Zaveri Bazaar's history dates back to the 19th century,
17:04and it's since evolved into the premier destination for gold, diamonds, and other precious stones in Mumbai.
17:09The density of shops here is matched only by the density of people,
17:13which has created a vibrant atmosphere.
17:16The population density in and around Zaveri Bazaar is the highest in Mumbai.
17:20The area falls under the Sea Ward of Mumbai, which is one of the most densely populated wards in the city.
17:26According to the 2011 census of India,
17:28there are hundreds of thousands of people living in the surrounding districts.
17:32On any given day, the streets see a huge influx of people.
17:35This includes not only the shop owners and their employees,
17:38but also a vast number of customers, suppliers, and tourists.
17:41The streets are often packed with people navigating the narrow lanes,
17:45adding to the area's lively and chaotic vibe.
17:48There are also some challenges, though,
17:50particularly in terms of infrastructure, traffic congestion, and maintaining security,
17:54given the high value of goods traded in the market.
17:57Constant developments are underway to try to accommodate so many people,
18:00but there's a balance to be struck.
18:02The bazaar has been like this for so long
18:04that the atmosphere there just as important as the homes and the products for sale,
18:08and it's vital that improvements don't affect that.
18:12Number 3. Ajeromi Ifelden, Lagos, Nigeria.
18:16Ajeromi Ifelden, which is in Lagos state in Nigeria,
18:20is the most densely populated and dynamic local government area in the country.
18:24This vibrant district, whose name means land of wealth in Yoruba,
18:28has an important place in the economy of Lagos,
18:31which is Nigeria's largest city and economic center.
18:34It's in the southwestern part of the city,
18:36bordered by the Lagos Lagoon to the north,
18:38and the Appa Industrial Area to the south.
18:41The region covers several neighborhoods,
18:43which is perhaps the most famous and culturally significant,
18:46which is known for its rich cultural diversity,
18:48drawing people from various backgrounds across Nigeria and West Africa.
18:52And it's known for its vibrant music scene,
18:54being the birthplace of the popular Ejeguno music style,
18:57which blends reggae, dancehall, and local Nigerian rhythms.
19:01According to the 2006 national census,
19:03it had a population of over 684,000 people,
19:07but given the rapid urbanization and population growth of Lagos,
19:10more recent estimates suggest the population has significantly increased,
19:14with figures often claimed to be over 1.5 million residents as of the early 2020s.
19:20This all makes sense once you see the densely packed residential buildings,
19:23bustling markets, and countless small businesses,
19:26with most residents living in closely-knit communities,
19:28often in crowded conditions.
19:30And this, of course, leads to issues such as difficulties in accessing basic amenities,
19:34such as water, sanitation, and healthcare.
19:37Educational and healthcare services here do face significant demand due to the large population,
19:42but there are lots of public and private schools in the area.
19:45While overcrowding in the schools is a common issue,
19:47there are ongoing efforts by the government to improve educational infrastructure and quality,
19:52and with the healthcare services being similarly stretched,
19:54there's real concern about the continued increasing numbers of people.
19:58Many residents find that there's more provision there than in the rural areas that they've come from,
20:03so they really do see this as a major improvement.
20:06But with such strong musical lengths,
20:08many famous Nigerian musicians and athletes, too, have roots here,
20:12and it's seen as a real breeding ground for talent,
20:15making it one of the places to be if you're in Lagos.
20:23Labatana is one of the oldest and largest neighborhoods in Dhaka,
20:27the capital city of Bangladesh.
20:29Officially a part of the Dhaka South City Corporation,
20:32it's home to the famous Labafort,
20:34an incomplete but iconic 17th-century Mughal fort complex.
20:38While this is what it's best known for,
20:40the area's primarily residential and a commercial hub,
20:43and it's got a huge population within the boundaries.
20:45According to the Bangladesh Bureau of Statistics,
20:47the population here is approximately 200,000 people,
20:51which is not too much of a surprise in Dhaka,
20:53which is one of the world's most densely populated cities.
20:56In terms of the local economy,
20:58it's a mixed area with both residential and commercial zones.
21:01It's mainly small businesses, retail shops, and services to cater to residents and tourists,
21:06and the streets are usually bustling with activity,
21:08with vendors selling everything from fresh produce to clothing and electronics.
21:12Even with such a huge number of people,
21:14facilities are much better in comparable places,
21:17with several schools, colleges, and madrasas,
21:19which cater to educational needs of the local population.
21:23Institutions like Labagh Government Model School and College are well known,
21:27and play a critical role in providing quality education to the youth in the area.
21:31Healthcare facilities are good there too,
21:33with numerous clinics, pharmacies, and hospitals.
21:35The presence of both government and private healthcare providers
21:38ensures that residents have options when it comes to medical care.
21:41But it hasn't always been this way,
21:43with major improvements in recent years to the infrastructure.
21:46Some challenges remain,
21:47and issues such as traffic congestion, inadequate waste management,
21:50and occasional flooding during the monsoon season
21:53are persistent problems that still need to be tackled.
22:00Located in northern Giza, close to the ancient pyramids,
22:04M'Baba is a district in the Giza Governorate of Egypt,
22:07and it currently holds the record for being the most densely populated city subdivision
22:11on the planet.
22:12Cairo itself is one of the largest cities in Africa,
22:15but with an area of just 3.2 square miles,
22:18M'Baba has a population of almost 1.5 million people,
22:21which is the equivalent to around 460,000 per square mile.
22:26This has created an amazing community,
22:28made up of people from all sorts of different backgrounds,
22:31with a mixture of long-established families and newer residents
22:34who have moved to the area in search of employment and better living conditions.
22:38This influx of people, though, has led to a complex social fabric,
22:41where different cultural and social traditions coexist.
22:44Most residents rely on small business, street vending, and various forms of trade.
22:49The local markets in M'Baba are always teeming with activity,
22:52offering a huge range of goods from fresh produce to clothing.
22:56The markets here are not only critical for the local economy,
22:58but also serve as social hubs where residents interact and strengthen community bonds.
23:03There's no doubt, though,
23:05that such a huge population in a small area has strained
23:08what might elsewhere be seen as basic provisions.
23:11With existing infrastructure issues,
23:13from traffic congestion and poor waste management,
23:16to lack of public transportation and nowhere near enough housing,
23:19residents are commonly forced to live in densely packed formal settlements,
23:23which can be precarious.
23:24Education here is a mixed landscape, too,
23:27and while there are several public and private schools serving the district,
23:30the quality of the education can vary significantly.
23:33Overcrowding in schools is common,
23:35but there are ongoing efforts by the government to improve educational outcomes
23:39and provide better opportunities for the youth of M'Baba.
23:42In a similar way, public services such as the water supply, electricity, and sanitation
23:47are available in the district,
23:49but the quality and reliability of these services can be inconsistent.
23:53Efforts to upgrade and expand the infrastructure are ongoing,
23:56but the rapid population growth often outpaces these improvements,
24:00leading to persistent delivery issues.
24:02While investment continues,
24:04overcrowding like this is one of the reasons that Egypt's government
24:07has decided to build a whole new city to become the new capital,
24:10and it's hoped that once that's complete,
24:12residents from places like M'Baba will be some of the first to make the move.
24:18Thanks for watching, guys. I'll see you next time.
24:21Thank you to our channel members.