Top 10 Countries with the Highest Personal Car Ownership Rates

Monaco is located in Western Europe and boasts one of the highest rates of personal car ownership, with 912 cars per 1,000 people. The residents of Monaco have a deep passion for their cars, especially luxury and high-end models. With a mere 2 km² of land, Monaco is the second smallest country in the world (after Vatican City), yet it has an impressive population of 38,900, making it the most densely populated country in the world.

Monaco is home to some of the wealthiest citizens globally, many of whom indulge in classic and limited-edition cars as a popular hobby. Additionally, the Formula 1 Grand Prix and other car races are major sporting events in the country. The famous districts of Monte Carlo and Larvotto are home to numerous wealthy individuals, which may explain the high number of cars in the country!

Population: 38,900 people
Car ownership: 35,500 cars
Cars per 1,000 people: 912

This English-speaking nation, spanning around 270,000 km² with a population of 4.7 million, ranks fifth in the world for personal car ownership, with 897 cars per 1,000 people. This statistic is especially noticeable in Auckland, where car ownership is high, and public transport usage is among the lowest globally. A recent New Zealand Health Survey revealed that 83% of commutes are made by car, showcasing the country's heavy reliance on automobiles.

Much like Australians, New Zealanders enjoy outdoor activities and adventure. Owning a car gives them easy access to a variety of outdoor activities and hobbies. New Zealand is home to some of the most stunning scenic routes in the world, with a popular drive being from Christchurch to Queenstown through the breathtaking wonders like Lake Tekapo and Lake Pukaki. In 2015, the best-selling vehicle in New Zealand was the Ford Ranger, followed by the Toyota Corolla.

Population: 5.084 million
Car ownership: 4.559 million
Cars per 1,000 people: 897

The United States is one of the countries with the highest rates of personal car ownership. Approximately 24% of American households own three or more cars, or other light vehicles, with 3.4% having more than five vehicles. 3% own one car, 33.1% own two cars, and nearly 9% of households don’t own a car at all. Among households without cars, most members are senior citizens who are no longer in the workforce. Only 3% of working households in the U.S. lack a vehicle.

The U.S. currently has fewer than 4.1 million public vehicles, but over 290.8 million privately owned vehicles. Car ownership is notably higher in suburban areas, possibly due to urban sprawl and the need for vehicles in daily life. Ownership rates also vary significantly between states, with the largest and most populous states, such as California, Texas, and Florida, having the highest number of registered vehicles. Conversely, some of the smallest states, like Alaska, Wyoming, and Vermont, have the lowest car ownership rates.

Population: 332.4 million
Car ownership: 290.8 million
Cars per 1,000 people: 874

The automotive industry plays a significant role in Poland's economy, contributing about 11% to the country's industrial output. As of 2013, Poland was the 23rd largest car manufacturer in the world. Most Polish drivers own one car per household, with just over 30% of respondents reporting owning two cars. By December 2021, the number of registered vehicles in Poland had reached 32,280,570, a notable increase from 31,321,945 in December 2020.

Located at the crossroads of Europe, Poland boasts a highly developed economy and an extensive, modernizing transportation infrastructure. Poland ranks among the highest countries globally for car ownership, with 847 vehicles per 1,000 people. Despite its population of 38.1 million, the country has 32.28 million registered vehicles.

Population: 38.1 million
Car ownership: 32.28 million cars
Cars per 1,000 people: 847

Since Iceland officially switched to driving on the right side of the road, car ownership has surged. By 2017, Iceland had more cars than people, making driving the most popular way to get around the country. Iceland boasts a personal car ownership rate of 840 vehicles per 1,000 residents. Despite its size of just 103 km² and a population of about 376,000, Iceland is the least densely populated country in Europe. However, recent statistics show a 48% increase in new car sales, with the Skoda Octavia being the best-selling vehicle in the country.

Owning a personal car in Iceland allows residents to explore its stunning rural landscapes, offering a unique view of the country’s majestic natural scenery. Since the 1980s, upgrades to the national highways have made traveling easier. Both locals and visitors can now drive from the capital in the southwest to Akureyri in the north in under 7 hours.

Population: 376,000
Car ownership: 315,000 cars
Cars per 1,000 people: 840

Finland is one of the countries with the highest rates of personal car ownership. Since the late 1990s, annual car sales in Finland have ranged from 95,000 to 165,000 units. The market peaked in 2005 with over 163,000 cars sold, then declined to below 100,000 in 2009. Following a recovery above 135,000 units in the next two years, sales decreased again in the following two years. A five-year growth streak from 2014 to 2018 was interrupted in 2019, with sales returning to the average level of the past two decades.

Finns’ preference for car ownership, especially for new personal vehicles, can be explained by several factors: first, the average salary in Finland is significantly higher than in many other European countries. Second, Finland’s tax system imposes heavy taxes on used cars, meaning that older cars are taxed more. As a result, Finnish citizens can easily afford to buy new cars, with Toyota being the most popular brand, while Tesla ranks lower in the market.

Population: 5.531 million
Car ownership: 4.369 million cars
Cars per 1,000 people: 790

Known for its historic architecture and stunning landscapes, Malta is a small island nation with an area of just 316 km², much smaller than many other island nations listed earlier. With a population of around 525,300, Malta has one of the highest population densities in the world, with 1,410 people per square kilometer. Car ownership in Malta is exceptionally high due to the island’s small size, with an impressive rate of 786 cars per 1,000 people.

Among the adult population in Malta, men on average own 1 car, while women own about 0.2 cars. Divorced, legally separated, or annulled women own an average of 0.7 cars, compared to the 0.2 cars owned by married women. People with tertiary education have an average car ownership rate of 0.8, while those who attended special schools own around 0.2 cars. These ownership rates are significantly higher than in many other developed nations.

Population: 525,300
Car ownership: 419,000 cars
Cars per 1,000 people: 786

The country with the highest personal car ownership rate in the world today is San Marino, a small mountainous enclave completely surrounded by Italy in central-northern Europe. According to the World Health Organization's Global Status Report on Road Safety, San Marino has 44,300 registered vehicles, despite having a population of only 34,100. Its land area is comparable to Manhattan, but its vehicle registration numbers are nearly equivalent to Belize, a nation 400 times larger with a population more than ten times bigger. Between 2007 and 2016, the number of cars in San Marino increased by about 3,000, or 6%.

This tiny tax haven is separate from the European Union and doesn't enforce the 22% VAT tax that Italy does. Instead, vehicle taxes in San Marino range from % to 7%, depending on the type of vehicle. As a result, the official number of registered cars doesn't reflect how many actually stay in San Marino, as people from across Italy and Europe often flock to this microstate for major purchases, such as cars, and then take them across borders to their home countries.

Population: 34,100
Car ownership: 44,300 cars
Cars per 1,000 people: 1,299

Andorra is a tiny principality nestled on the Iberian Peninsula atop the Pyrenees Mountains, which form a natural border between France and Spain. The image of Andorra is closely tied to cars, with an increasing number of people buying and selling vehicles to experience the thrill of driving some of the best car brands in the world. On the streets of Avenida Meritxell in Andorra, luxury sports cars can often be spotted.

Andorra boasts one of the highest personal car ownership rates globally. With a population of just 77,500, there are 81,000 cars registered, a ratio higher than any developed country. This Pyrenean country, which can only be accessed by road, is known for its residents' preference for high-end vehicles. Andorra lacks highways, but its capital, Andorra la Vella, has two main roads: CG-1 leading to the Spanish border and CG-2 heading to France through the Envalira Tunnel.

Population: 77,500
Car ownership: 81,000 cars
Cars per 1,000 people: 1,045

Liechtenstein, a tiny country roughly the size of New York's Staten Island, is the sixth smallest nation in the world. Nestled in the Alps between Austria and Switzerland, it is one of only two countries that do not have coastlines, meaning its neighbors also lack direct access to the sea. Known for its mountainous terrain, Liechtenstein boasts a range of scenic hiking trails. This small principality is also one of the wealthiest nations globally.

The GDP per capita in Liechtenstein is among the highest in the world, making its citizens some of the wealthiest people on the planet. This affluence, combined with its status as a tax haven and relaxed banking laws, has attracted many wealthy individuals. As the economy has flourished, the car market in Liechtenstein has also grown in recent years. For travelers seeking a peaceful and tranquil alpine retreat, Liechtenstein is an ideal destination, largely unaffected by large tourist crowds, and can be visited in nearly any season.

Population: 38,300
Car ownership: 36,400
Cars per 1,000 people: 950