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Jakarta Overtakes Tokyo as World's Largest City in 2025

Source: Jakarta is now the world's largest city, beating out Tokyo in new U.N. report (2025-11-26)

Jakarta, Indonesia, has officially become the world's largest city, surpassing Tokyo, Japan, according to a recent United Nations report. With an estimated population of nearly 42 million residents, Jakarta has experienced rapid urban growth, rising from 33rd place to the top spot. This shift highlights the ongoing demographic and economic transformations across Asia, driven by rural-to-urban migration, economic development, and infrastructure expansion. In addition to Jakarta's rise, several other Asian cities are experiencing significant population increases, including Delhi, Manila, and Seoul, which are projected to continue growing over the next decade. The global urban landscape is shifting, with more than 60% of the world's population expected to live in cities by 2030, emphasizing the importance of sustainable urban planning. Recent facts that deepen understanding of this trend include: 1. Jakarta's population growth rate has averaged around 2.5% annually over the past five years, fueled by internal migration and high birth rates. 2. The city faces challenges related to overpopulation, including traffic congestion, pollution, and inadequate infrastructure, prompting government initiatives for smart city development. 3. Indonesia's urbanization is part of a broader regional trend, with Southeast Asia experiencing some of the fastest urban growth rates globally. 4. The UN report indicates that urban populations in Asia are expected to double by 2050, making sustainable development critical for future growth. 5. Jakarta's rise to the top spot underscores the shifting economic power in Asia, with Indonesia emerging as a key player in the global economy, driven by manufacturing, digital innovation, and natural resources. This demographic milestone not only reshapes global city rankings but also signals a need for innovative urban solutions to manage the challenges and opportunities of megacity growth. As Jakarta continues to expand, it exemplifies the dynamic changes occurring across the world's urban centers, emphasizing the importance of sustainable development, infrastructure resilience, and inclusive growth strategies to ensure a high quality of life for its burgeoning population.

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