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Jakarta Overtakes Tokyo as World’s Largest City in 2025

Source: Indonesia’s Jakarta now the world’s largest city, Tokyo falls to third: UN (2025-11-26)

A groundbreaking United Nations report confirms Jakarta, Indonesia, has become the world’s largest city, surpassing Tokyo with a population of 41.9 million. This shift highlights rapid urbanization in Asia, driven by economic growth, rural-to-urban migration, and demographic trends. Jakarta’s rise reflects broader regional patterns, with nine of the top ten mega-cities located in Asia, and projections indicating Dhaka, Bangladesh, will be the largest city globally by 2050. The decline of Tokyo’s population to 33.4 million underscores demographic shifts in developed nations, where aging populations and low birth rates are causing declines. Recent facts expanding on this trend include: 1. **Urban Growth in Asia Accelerates**: Asia’s mega-cities are expanding faster than ever, with infrastructure development and smart city initiatives aiming to accommodate surging populations. 2. **Climate Change Impact**: Jakarta faces severe challenges from rising sea levels, with experts warning that much of the city could be submerged by 2050 without significant flood defenses. 3. **Economic Powerhouses**: Jakarta’s economic growth has been fueled by a burgeoning tech sector, manufacturing, and a rising middle class, making it a key player in Southeast Asia’s economy. 4. **Migration Patterns**: Rural populations in Indonesia and neighboring countries continue migrating to urban centers, driven by job opportunities and better services, further fueling city growth. 5. **Urban Planning Challenges**: Rapid growth has strained Jakarta’s infrastructure, leading to traffic congestion, pollution, and housing shortages, prompting government initiatives for sustainable urban development. 6. **Global Urbanization Trends**: By 2030, over 60% of the world’s population is expected to live in cities, emphasizing the importance of resilient urban planning and sustainable development strategies. 7. **Technological Innovations**: Cities like Jakarta are adopting smart city technologies, including IoT-based traffic management and renewable energy solutions, to improve quality of life amid rapid growth. 8. **Health and Social Services**: The expansion of mega-cities necessitates improved healthcare, education, and social services to support diverse and growing populations. 9. **Environmental Concerns**: Urban expansion in Jakarta and other mega-cities raises concerns about air quality, waste management, and green space preservation, prompting international cooperation. 10. **Future Projections**: Experts predict that by 2050, Asia will host 70% of the world’s mega-cities, with urban populations reaching unprecedented levels, requiring innovative governance and infrastructure solutions. This demographic shift underscores the urgent need for sustainable urban planning, climate resilience, and inclusive economic policies to ensure these mega-cities can thrive amid global challenges. As Jakarta takes its place as the world’s largest city, it exemplifies both the opportunities and complexities of rapid urbanization in the 21st century.

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