Ap Lei Chau Is One of the Most Densely Populated Islands in the World

Hong Kong is often cited in discussions pertaining to extreme population density, and for good reason. As of 2026, Hong Kong remains the fourth most densely populated region in the world—even if it doesn’t rank quite as high when compared strictly to individual cities. However, when taking a closer look at Hong Kong’s 263 islands, one readily stands out: Ap Lei Chau, located just southwest of Hong Kong Island.

Relative to Hong Kong Island, Ap Lei Chau boasts a much more modest size, measuring barely 1.3 square kilometres (0.5 square miles). Likewise, whereas its larger neighbour houses 1.27 million residents, Ap Lei Chau is home to only 79,700 inhabitants. Yet, due to its limited landmass, this equates to a staggering population density of over 61,000 inhabitants per square kilometre (158,000 inhabitants per square mile). To put that number into perspective, Manhattan Island in New York City records a population density of “only” 28,000 people per square kilometre (72,000 people per square mile).

Ap Lei Chau’s population density is so high, in fact, that the island ranks among the ten most densely populated islands in the world. Yet, the 61,000 inhabitants per square kilometre recorded on Ap Lei Chau still remain a far cry from the 1.25 to 1.9 million inhabitants per square kilometre (3.25 to 5 million inhabitants per square mile) recorded in the Kowloon Walled City before its demolition in 1993—which was, remarkably, also located in Hong Kong.