But If population density is a factor the why have Hong Kong done so well?
Highly populous country (administrative region) people living on top of each other but locked down harsh and early and very few deaths.
Not suggesting any of them are 100% standalone reasons for better or worse current results but there will be combinations of factors that will help or hinder. As you’ve highlighted with HK strict lockdown, negating the high density, SK - looser lockdown but excellent (almost oppressive) tech track and track. Might be that different combos work better for different nations depending on various factors, cultures etc