Jakarta Becomes World’s Most Populous City In 2025

Jakarta has overtaken Tokyo to become the world’s most populous urban agglomeration, marking a major shift in global demographic patterns. A new UN-backed assessment places the Indonesian capital and its surrounding metropolitan region at 42 million residents, illustrating the accelerating scale of Asian urbanisation.

Asia Dominates Global Urban Rankings

The latest rankings show that nine of the world’s ten most populated cities are now in Asia. Following Jakarta are Dhaka at 37 million and Tokyo at 33 million. Other major Asian centres in the top tier include New Delhi, Shanghai, Guangzhou, Cairo, Manila, Kolkata and Seoul. This concentration reflects rapid economic growth, high-density settlements and long-term demographic momentum across South and Southeast Asia.

Drivers Behind Megacity Expansion

Urban specialists attribute the rise of these megacities to sustained rural-to-urban migration, expanding employment opportunities, and natural population increase. South Asia and Southeast Asia, in particular, are witnessing record urbanisation rates. Indian cities such as New Delhi and Kolkata continue to absorb millions seeking jobs, services and social mobility, putting their infrastructure under persistent strain.

Challenges Facing Jakarta And Other Megacities

Jakarta’s new status highlights severe vulnerabilities already facing the region. The city contends with frequent flooding, groundwater depletion, land subsidence, congestion and mounting pressure on housing and sanitation. Such challenges were key factors behind Indonesia’s decision to begin relocating administrative functions to the new capital, Nusantara, in Borneo. Similar stresses affect Dhaka, Manila and New Delhi, where climate risks and pollution add further complexity.

Exam Oriented Facts

• Jakarta has become the world’s most populous city with an estimated 42 million residents.
• Nine of the top ten most populated cities in the world are now in Asia.
• Key drivers of megacity growth include migration, economic opportunity and demographic momentum.
• Infrastructure gaps and climate vulnerabilities threaten long-term sustainability in major Asian urban centres.

Regional Implications For Urban Planning

The concentration of megacities in Asia underscores the urgent need for stronger planning, resilient infrastructure and sustainable growth policies. Without coordinated investment in public transport, housing, water systems and climate adaptation, expanding populations may overwhelm local capacities. The new urban rankings signal a critical moment for governments to align development strategies with the realities of an increasingly urban century.