MOST CROWDED Places Where People Live

Transcript

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.

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