Jakarta Overtakes Tokyo as World’s Most Populous City in 2025

Jakarta Overtakes Tokyo to Become World’s Largest Urban City in 2025

Jakarta has officially surpassed Tokyo to become the world’s most populous metropolitan region , marking a defining shift in global demographic trends. According to a recent UN-supported assessment, the Indonesian megacity and its extended metropolitan cluster now house approximately 42 million people , reflecting the extraordinary pace of urban growth across Asia.

Asia Dominates Global Population Rankings

Updated global rankings indicate that nine of the top ten largest urban agglomerations are located in Asia , emphasising the continent’s expanding economic footprint and dense settlement patterns. Dhaka ranks second with nearly 37 million residents, while Tokyo occupies third place with 33 million. Other major entrants include New Delhi, Shanghai, Guangzhou, Manila, Cairo, Seoul and Kolkata—most of them characterised by fast-paced migration and service-driven economies.

What Is Fueling the Rise of Asian Megacities

Experts attribute this population boom to rural migration, natural growth, labour-driven economies and opportunities for mobility . Rapid industrialisation and service-sector expansion continue to draw millions to urban hubs like Jakarta, Dhaka and New Delhi. However, this rapid increase has exposed stress points, from pressure on public transport and waste management to inadequate housing supply.

Growing Risks and Sustainability Challenges

Jakarta’s milestone comes with warnings. The city faces severe flooding, coastal erosion, groundwater depletion, extreme congestion and land subsidence , prompting Indonesia to initiate relocation of its administrative capital to Nusantara in East Kalimantan. Similar vulnerabilities challenge Manila, Dhaka and New Delhi, where climate risks and infrastructure deficits are expected to worsen as populations grow.

Exam Oriented Facts

• Jakarta is now the world’s most populous city with 42 million people .

• 9 of the top 10 megacities globally are in Asia .

• Rural migration and economic opportunity are major drivers of megacity expansion.

• Climate risks, pollution and infrastructure gaps threaten urban sustainability.