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Jakarta Becomes World's Most Populous Capital with 42 Million Residents

Source: Jakarta world’s most populous capital with 42 million people: UN report (2025-11-24)

Jakarta, Indonesia, has officially claimed the title of the world's most populous capital city, according to the latest United Nations report released in November 2025. With a staggering population of 42 million residents, Jakarta surpasses previous leaders and highlights the rapid urbanization trends shaping our planet. This development underscores the ongoing global shift towards urban living, with more than 45% of the world's 8.2 billion people now residing in cities. Since 1950, urban populations have more than doubled, and by 2050, it is projected that two-thirds of humanity will live in urban areas, primarily in megacities with populations exceeding 10 million. The number of such megacities has quadrupled from 8 in 1975 to 33 in 2025, with over half located in Asia, reflecting the continent's rapid economic growth and demographic expansion. Recent facts further illuminate this trend: 1. The global urban population is expected to reach 6.7 billion by 2050, up from 4.2 billion in 2018. 2. Asia hosts the majority of megacities, with 19 out of 33, including Jakarta, Mumbai, and Shanghai. 3. Urban infrastructure investments are projected to hit $100 trillion globally by 2030 to support expanding megacities. 4. Climate change impacts are increasingly felt in megacities, with rising sea levels threatening coastal urban centers like Jakarta. 5. Smart city initiatives are accelerating worldwide, with over 600 cities adopting IoT and AI technologies to improve urban living conditions. This demographic shift presents both opportunities and challenges. While megacities drive economic growth, innovation, and cultural exchange, they also face issues such as congestion, pollution, housing shortages, and climate resilience. Jakarta's rise to the top spot emphasizes the importance of sustainable urban planning, investment in resilient infrastructure, and smart technology integration to ensure these sprawling metropolises can thrive in the coming decades. Governments, urban planners, and technology providers are increasingly collaborating to develop solutions that address the complex needs of these dense populations, aiming for greener, smarter, and more livable cities worldwide. As urbanization accelerates, the global community must prioritize sustainable development to harness the benefits of urban growth while mitigating its risks, ensuring a better quality of life for billions of city dwellers in the future.

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