Jakarta has overtaken Tokyo as the world’s largest city with 41.9 million residents, according to the United Nations World Urbanization Prospects 2025 report. Dhaka follows closely with 36.6 million, while Tokyo now ranks third with 33.4 million.

The report shows that the number of megacities those with over 10 million inhabitants has grown to 33 globally, up from eight in 1975. Nineteen of them are in Asia, including New Delhi, Shanghai, Guangzhou, Manila, Kolkata, and Seoul. Cairo, with 32 million people, is the only non-Asian city in the top ten.

Dhaka’s growth has been driven by migration from rural areas and climate challenges such as flooding, while Jakarta faces threats from rising sea levels. Despite Indonesia’s plan to move its capital to Nusantara in Borneo, the UN projects Jakarta’s population will continue to rise.

The report highlights the growing challenges of urban inequality, housing, and sustainability as cities expand rapidly across Asia.

BOB POST