“Is Singapore Overpopulated? Netizens Express Concerns About Crowding”

SINGAPORE: A recent discussion on r/askSingapore has sparked a debate among netizens regarding whether Singapore is overcrowded. Many participants shared their concerns, indicating a strong belief that the country is facing issues related to overpopulation.

User u/pinkpolkadog initiated the conversation by asking, “Is Singapore overpopulated to you?” They expressed their view that many of Singapore’s current challenges, such as healthcare shortages and housing problems, stem from this perceived overpopulation. The user elaborated, stating, “It’s hard to relax in Singapore when everywhere is so crowded. Trouble getting seats and facing long queues at food establishments. In addition, at any public space, you have to move slower because hoards of people are in your way.”

Overpopulation is defined as a situation where the population density leads to environmental degradation or diminishes the quality of life. According to statista.com, Singapore’s population density was approximately 7,485 people per square kilometer in 2021, a figure that has been on the rise amid limited land availability, leading to housing shortages and increased demand for space.

While high population density does not automatically equate to overpopulation, as some countries with advanced economies manage high densities effectively, nearly all responses to the question affirmed that Singapore feels crowded. One Redditor remarked, “Yes, in my opinion Singapore is overpopulated. Due to our small size, we are too densely populated,” while acknowledging that this is a part of living in a small island city-state.

Another user expressed frustration with the crowds during lunch hours in the Central Business District, stating, “CBD is MASSIVELY overcrowded. I sometimes wait 30-45 minutes just for my lunch to be served because it’s the nearest food court in the area. It’s a joke.”

Some comments also touched on the potential future of Singapore’s population, with one user noting, “World population might eventually start decreasing, already happening in China, and they have many empty houses. Without immigration, our population would be declining as well.”

A younger commenter reflected on their experiences, saying, “Because I’m a Gen Z, a crowded Singapore is the only Singapore I’ve ever known. The ‘less crowded’ and ‘slower paced’ Singapore my parents grew up in might as well be another country.”

Overall, the discussion highlights a collective concern among Singaporeans about the implications of high population density on daily life and the future of the nation.