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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 (2025-11-27)

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 Japan’s aging demographic and low birth rates, which have contributed to stagnation and decline in some of its urban centers. Recent facts expanding on this trend include: 1. **Urban Growth in Southeast Asia:** Cities like Jakarta and Dhaka are experiencing unprecedented growth due to economic opportunities, infrastructure development, and rural migration, with Jakarta’s population increasing by approximately 1.2 million annually over the past decade. 2. **Climate Change Impact:** Jakarta faces severe challenges from rising sea levels and flooding, threatening its infrastructure and residents, prompting international aid and climate adaptation initiatives. 3. **Smart City Initiatives:** Jakarta is investing heavily in smart city technologies, including IoT-based traffic management and renewable energy projects, aiming to improve urban living conditions amid rapid growth. 4. **Economic Significance:** Indonesia’s urban centers, especially Jakarta, are becoming vital hubs for Southeast Asia’s economy, with a GDP contribution surpassing 20% of Indonesia’s total economy, attracting foreign investment. 5. **Population Projections:** By 2030, Asia is expected to host 60% of the world’s urban population, with mega-cities like Jakarta, Dhaka, and Manila leading the charge, emphasizing the need for sustainable urban planning. 6. **Global Urbanization Trends:** The shift from traditional rural lifestyles to urban living is accelerating worldwide, with developing nations accounting for most new urban residents, driven by industrialization and technological advancements. 7. **Public Health and Infrastructure:** Rapid urban growth presents challenges such as overcrowding, pollution, and strain on healthcare and transportation systems, prompting governments to prioritize sustainable development and resilient infrastructure. This demographic transformation underscores the importance of sustainable urban planning, climate resilience, and technological innovation to support the burgeoning populations in Asia’s mega-cities. As Jakarta takes the lead, policymakers worldwide are urged to adapt strategies that balance growth with environmental and social sustainability, ensuring these urban giants can thrive in the decades ahead.

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