There are approximately 7.1 billion people on the planet. New Zealand covers an area of 103,738 square miles.

By contrast, Manhattan has a population density of 70,517 people per square mile.

Calculating the hypothetical population density of New Zealand with the global population in mind (7,100,000,000 people) over its land area (103,738 sq mi) would result in a density of 68,441 people per square mile. This figure would indicate that New Zealand would actually be less densely populated than Manhattan.

It may seem surprising considering walking through Manhattan may not give the impression of being extremely dense. The bustling atmosphere of Manhattan, however, includes tourists and work commuters who don’t reside there, leading to a much higher actual population density than the reported 70,517 people per square mile. As a result, our theoretical New Zealand would feel significantly emptier than Manhattan on any given day, despite having all people present there.

While this comparison doesn’t suggest that over-population isn’t a concern—clearly, resource availability is a critical factor, not just land space—it does offer a unique perspective on population densities.

For more insights on this topic, check out additional resources.

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