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Jakarta Overtakes Tokyo as World’s Largest City in UN Report

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

A groundbreaking United Nations report has officially crowned Jakarta, Indonesia, as the world’s largest city, surpassing Tokyo with a population of 41.9 million residents. This shift marks a significant milestone in global urban demographics, highlighting the rapid growth of Asian megacities. Jakarta’s rise from second place to the top spot underscores the ongoing urbanization trends in Southeast Asia, driven by economic development, rural-to-urban migration, and demographic shifts. Meanwhile, Tokyo’s population has stabilized at around 33.4 million, reflecting Japan’s aging population and low birth rates. The report also projects that by 2050, Dhaka, Bangladesh, will become the world’s largest city, with an estimated population of over 50 million, emphasizing the continued demographic surge in South Asia. In addition to these changes, recent data reveals that nine of the top ten mega-cities globally are located in Asia, with cities like Mumbai, Manila, and Seoul ranking high on the list. The urban population growth is fueling infrastructure development, environmental challenges, and economic opportunities across the continent. Notably, Jakarta’s population growth is partly attributed to internal migration from rural areas seeking employment and better living standards, which has led to increased pressure on housing, transportation, and public services. The city’s government is actively investing in infrastructure projects, including mass transit systems and flood control measures, to accommodate its expanding population. Globally, urbanization continues to accelerate, with the United Nations estimating that by 2050, nearly 70% of the world’s population will reside in cities. This demographic shift presents both opportunities and challenges: while cities can drive economic growth, they also face issues such as pollution, congestion, and social inequality. Governments worldwide are adopting smart city initiatives, leveraging technology to improve urban living conditions, and promoting sustainable development practices. Recent advancements in urban planning and technology are transforming megacities into more resilient and efficient spaces. For example, Jakarta is implementing innovative flood management systems using IoT sensors and data analytics to mitigate flooding, a major concern due to climate change. Similarly, Tokyo is investing in green infrastructure and renewable energy to reduce its carbon footprint. These efforts are crucial as cities grapple with the impacts of climate change, population density, and resource management. Furthermore, demographic trends indicate that the population growth in Asian megacities is not solely due to natural increase but also significantly influenced by international migration. Cities like Jakarta and Dhaka are becoming multicultural hubs, attracting expatriates and migrant workers, which enriches their cultural fabric but also necessitates inclusive urban policies. The rise of these mega-cities is reshaping global economic centers, with Asia solidifying its dominance in the urban landscape. In conclusion, the UN’s latest report underscores a pivotal moment in global urbanization, with Jakarta now leading as the world’s largest city. This development reflects broader demographic, economic, and environmental trends that will shape the future of urban living. As cities continue to grow, innovative solutions and sustainable practices will be essential to ensure they remain livable, resilient, and inclusive for future generations. The ongoing transformation of Asia’s mega-cities exemplifies the dynamic nature of global urbanization and highlights the importance of strategic planning and international cooperation in managing this unprecedented growth.

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