Car ownership can have a profound impact on society, the economy, and individuals, from social dynamics and economic growth to personal freedom and lifestyle choices.
Car ownership rates across the globe can also be an indicator of a country's economic development and the high purchasing power of its citizens. This means car ownership rates in each country depend on the citizens' income level as it takes a lot more to own and maintain a car.
Among different countries surveyed, car ownership is markedly lowest in Africa compared to the rest of the world.
In developed countries such as Canada and New Zealand, the car ownership rate is between 30-50 cars per 100 people. In China, there are 15 cars per 100 people.
The World Bank puts the global average car ownership rate at 190 passenger cars per 1,000 people.
There are however, decreasing figures in the number of cars in more developed countries due to the introduction and interest of citizens in shared ownership or rental services.
According to data published by the International Organization of Motor Vehicle Manufacturers (OICA), Libya had the highest car ownership rate in Africa with 490 vehicles per 1000 people. This was followed by Algeria, then Morocco.
The table below ranks the top six African countries based on the number of registered vehicles in use per 1,000 people based on data from OICA
| 1 | LIBYA | 490 |
| 2 | SOUTH AFRICA | 176 |
| 3 | ALGERIA | 144 |
| 4 | MOROCCO | 112 |
| 5 | EGYPT | 64 |
| 6 | NIGERIA | 56 |
According to the data, New Zealand leads the way globally with the highest vehicle ownership rate, boasting 869 vehicles per 1000 people.
The United States closely follows in second place with 980 cars per 1000 people. In Europe, Poland takes third spot with 761 cars per 1000 people, while Japan follows with 612.
Libya leads the way in Africa with 490 vehicles per 1000 people. Meanwhile, the UAE and Argentina trail behind with 343 and 311 vehicles per 1000 people, respectively.
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