Jakarta Surpasses Dhaka and Tokyo as the World’s Most Populous City
A New Leader in Population Rankings
In a significant demographic shift, Indonesia’s capital, Jakarta, has been crowned the most populous city in the world. According to a recent United Nations report, Jakarta takes the lead with an estimated population of nearly 42 million, surpassing Bangladesh’s Dhaka and Japan’s Tokyo. This marks a dramatic rise for Jakarta, which previously ranked 33rd in global city populations just five years ago.
The Race for Population Growth
Following Jakarta, Dhaka comes in as the second most populated city with approximately 36 million inhabitants. The report suggests that Dhaka is on track to become the largest city globally by the mid-century mark. This emerging trend showcases the rapid urbanization that has taken hold, especially in Asia, where nine of the ten most populated cities are located.
Urbanization Trends Around the Globe
The findings from the “World Urbanization Prospects 2025” report indicate that nearly half of the world’s 8.2 billion residents now live in urban settings. Over the past 75 years, the number of urban dwellers has doubled, illustrating an unprecedented shift toward metropolitan living.
Cairo stands out as the only major city outside Asia in the top ten, ranking seventh with a population of 25 million—more than double that of New York City.
The Expanding List of Megacities
Jakarta’s emergence as the most populous city is part of larger urbanization trends. The report highlights that while there were only eight megacities—cities with populations exceeding 10 million—back in 1975, that number has surged to 33 by 2025, with 19 of these located in Asia. The United States is home to two megacities: Los Angeles and New York City.
The Challenges of Urbanization
As urbanization accelerates, experts caution that it must be managed effectively. Li Junhua, the United Nations Under-Secretary-General for Economic and Social Affairs, states, “Urbanization is a defining force of our time. When managed inclusively and strategically, it can unlock transformative pathways for climate action, economic growth, and social equity.”
The challenges faced by rapidly growing cities like Jakarta include overcrowding, pollution, and vulnerability to natural disasters. Jakarta is particularly noted for its susceptibility to earthquakes and flooding, as well as its alarming rate of sinking.
Policy Recommendations for Sustainable Growth
To navigate the complexities of urbanization effectively, Li Junhua emphasizes the need for integrated national policies that harmonize housing, land use, mobility, and public services across both urban and rural areas. This holistic approach is vital for fostering balanced territorial development.
Looking ahead, the UN predicts that by 2050, the world could see over 15,000 cities, most of which will boast populations under 250,000. However, the projections also show that Dhaka is likely to reach 52.1 million residents by mid-century, while Tokyo may experience a decline of 2.7 million residents due to Japan’s aging population.
The Future of Jakarta
Jakarta’s rapid growth has prompted concerns about sustainability and livability. In 2019, former Indonesian President Joko Widodo announced plans to relocate the capital to Nusantara in Borneo, about 1,200 miles away, to address the challenges facing Jakarta. This new location boasts some of the world’s highest biodiversity levels.
However, the planned move has encountered various obstacles such as construction delays, a need for foreign investment, and issues related to land and management, making the future trajectory of Jakarta uncertain.
The shifting dynamics of urban populations underscore the importance of strategic planning to ensure the resilience and vitality of the world’s megacities.
