Jakarta Overtakes Tokyo as World’s Largest City with 42 Million Residents

Jakarta, Indonesia, has made a remarkable ascent in urban population rankings, surpassing Tokyo to become the world’s largest city. As of November 2023, Jakarta’s population has reached an estimated 42 million residents, a striking increase from its position as the 33rd largest city just seven years ago. This shift highlights the significant trends in global urbanization, as nearly half of the world’s population now resides in urban areas.

The latest figures are detailed in the 2025 World Urbanization Prospects, a report by the United Nations that analyzes population estimates and urban growth across 237 countries and regions. The report indicates that the number of megacities—defined as urban areas with populations exceeding 10 million—has surged from fewer than ten just half a century ago to over 30 today.

Growth of Urban Centers and Future Projections

According to the U.N. report, the world’s largest cities now include Jakarta, followed closely by Dhaka, Bangladesh, with nearly 40 million residents, and Tokyo, which has approximately 33 million. The only city outside of Asia to appear in the top ten is Cairo, Egypt.

The rapid growth of megacities illustrates a broader trend in global demographics. In 1975, there were only eight megacities, a number that has quadrupled to 33 by 2025, with projections suggesting this could rise to 37 by 2050. Cities in Ethiopia, Tanzania, India, and Malaysia are expected to join the ranks of those with over 10 million residents, reflecting the ongoing movement of populations toward urban centers.

Despite the prominence of these large cities, the U.N. report also emphasizes that small- and medium-sized urban areas are home to a greater number of people than megacities. In fact, 81% of the cities analyzed have populations under 250,000, and many of these smaller cities are experiencing rapid growth, particularly in regions such as Africa and Asia.

Urbanization and Climate Change Challenges

The implications of urbanization extend beyond demographics. Researchers at the U.N. have linked their findings to global efforts to combat climate change, particularly in light of discussions held during the recent COP30 meeting that brought together representatives from 170 countries.

Li Juhua, U.N. Under-Secretary-General for Economic and Social Affairs, stated, “Urbanization is a defining force of our time. When managed inclusively and strategically, it can unlock transformative development, economic growth, and social equity.” Juhua further emphasized the need for integrated national policies that align housing, land use, mobility, and public services across both urban and rural areas to achieve balanced territorial development.

As the world continues to urbanize, the challenges and opportunities presented by this demographic shift will require significant attention from policymakers. The data from the 2025 World Urbanization Prospects serves as a crucial tool for understanding these changes and guiding future urban planning and development strategies.