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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 most populous city, surpassing Tokyo with an estimated 41.9 million residents. 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 report underscores the importance of sustainable urban planning amid challenges like climate change, infrastructure strain, and social inequality. Recent facts expanding on this trend include: 1. Jakarta’s population growth rate has averaged 2.3% annually over the past decade, fueled by internal migration and high birth rates. 2. Indonesia’s urbanization rate is projected to reach 70% by 2030, significantly impacting infrastructure and resource management. 3. The Indonesian government has committed over $50 billion to urban development projects aimed at improving transportation, housing, and resilience against climate impacts. 4. Tokyo’s population decline is partly due to aging demographics and low birth rates, leading to a shrinking workforce and economic challenges. 5. Climate change poses a significant threat to Jakarta, with rising sea levels increasing flood risks, prompting international aid and innovative engineering solutions. 6. The global trend of megacity growth is reshaping economic power centers, with Asian cities now dominating global GDP contributions. 7. Urban poverty remains a concern in Jakarta, with approximately 20% of residents living in informal settlements lacking basic services. 8. Technological advancements, including smart city initiatives, are being implemented in Jakarta to improve urban management and quality of life. 9. The UN’s urbanization forecasts suggest that by 2050, nearly 70% of the world’s population will reside in cities, emphasizing the need for sustainable development strategies. 10. International organizations are increasingly focusing on climate resilience, social equity, and infrastructure modernization to support the burgeoning urban populations in Asia. This demographic shift underscores the urgent need for comprehensive urban planning, sustainable development, and climate adaptation strategies to ensure these mega-cities can thrive in the coming decades.

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