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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 ongoing urbanization trends, with nine of the top ten mega-cities now located in Asia. The report also projects that Dhaka, Bangladesh, will become the world’s largest city by 2050, reaching an estimated population of over 50 million. In addition to these demographic shifts, recent data reveals that Jakarta’s population growth is driven by rural-to-urban migration, economic opportunities, and natural population increase. The city faces challenges such as flooding, traffic congestion, and infrastructure strain, but its expanding population also signifies Indonesia’s economic development and urbanization momentum. Meanwhile, Tokyo’s population has remained relatively steady at around 33.4 million, reflecting Japan’s aging population and low birth rates, which contrast sharply with Indonesia’s youthful demographic profile. Recent facts further contextualize this demographic evolution: 1. Jakarta’s population growth rate is approximately 2.3% annually, one of the highest among major global cities. 2. Indonesia’s urban population is expected to reach 70% by 2030, fueling continued expansion of Jakarta and other cities. 3. Dhaka’s population density exceeds 50,000 people per square kilometer, making it one of the most densely populated cities worldwide. 4. The UN’s urbanization forecast indicates that by 2050, nearly 70% of the global population will reside in cities, with Asia leading this trend. 5. Infrastructure investments in Jakarta are projected to reach $50 billion over the next decade to accommodate its growing population and mitigate environmental risks. This demographic shift has profound implications for global economics, urban planning, and environmental sustainability. Jakarta’s rise as the world’s largest city emphasizes the importance of resilient infrastructure, sustainable development, and innovative urban policies. As Asia continues to dominate global urban growth, policymakers worldwide are increasingly focusing on managing megacity challenges through smart city initiatives, green technology, and inclusive urban planning. The UN’s latest findings serve as a wake-up call for governments to adapt to the rapid urbanization trends shaping the 21st century, ensuring that these sprawling metropolises can thrive sustainably while improving quality of life for their residents.

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