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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 global urban dynamics, with nine of the top ten mega-cities now in Asia, and projections indicating Dhaka, Bangladesh, will be the largest city by 2050. The report underscores the importance of sustainable urban planning amid challenges like climate change, infrastructure development, and social inequality. Recent facts expanding on this trend include: 1. **Urban Growth Acceleration:** Jakarta’s population has increased by over 10 million in the past decade, fueled by internal migration and high birth rates. 2. **Climate Vulnerability:** As a low-lying coastal city, Jakarta faces severe risks from rising sea levels and flooding, prompting urgent climate adaptation measures. 3. **Infrastructure Development:** Indonesia is investing heavily in urban infrastructure, including mass transit systems and flood control projects, to support its expanding population. 4. **Economic Impact:** Jakarta now ranks among the top 20 global financial centers, attracting foreign investment and fostering a burgeoning tech industry. 5. **Regional Influence:** Indonesia’s demographic shift enhances its geopolitical influence in Southeast Asia, with urban centers becoming hubs for innovation and diplomacy. 6. **Population Trends:** While Tokyo’s population remains relatively stable, aging demographics and low birth rates contribute to its decline, contrasting with Jakarta’s youthful, growing population. 7. **Sustainable Urbanization:** Indonesia is adopting smart city initiatives, integrating technology to improve urban living conditions and reduce environmental impact. 8. **Global Urbanization Patterns:** The rise of mega-cities like Jakarta reflects a worldwide trend where urban populations are expanding faster than rural areas, reshaping global demographics. 9. **Future Projections:** By 2030, Asia is expected to host over 60% of the world’s urban population, emphasizing the continent’s central role in future global development. 10. **Policy Implications:** Governments are increasingly focusing on sustainable urban policies, infrastructure resilience, and social inclusion to manage the rapid growth of mega-cities. This demographic milestone not only marks a significant shift in global urban hierarchy but also underscores the urgent need for innovative urban planning, climate resilience, and inclusive economic policies to ensure sustainable growth in these sprawling metropolises. As Jakarta takes center stage, it exemplifies both the opportunities and challenges of 21st-century urbanization, shaping the future of global cities.

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