Jakarta has officially surpassed Tokyo to become the world's most populous city, according to a recent United Nations study. The report, part of the World Urbanisation Prospects 2025, reveals that the Indonesian capital is home to approximately 42 million residents, reflecting significant urban growth trends in megacities.

Population Rankings
The UN's findings indicate that Jakarta now leads the global population rankings, followed closely by Dhaka, Bangladesh, with 37 million inhabitants. Tokyo, which includes surrounding prefectures in its population count, has dropped to third place with an estimated 33 million people. This marks a significant shift from the UN's 2018 report, which listed Tokyo as the most populous city with a population of 37 million.

Methodological Changes
The change in rankings is attributed to a new methodology employed by the UN that provides a more standardized approach to defining urban areas. Patrick Gerland, head of the population estimates and projections section at the UN, noted that earlier assessments were inconsistent due to varying national definitions. The updated criteria aim to create a more comparable delineation of urban spaces based on consistent population and geographic factors.

Global Urbanization Trends
The report highlights that the number of urban dwellers has more than doubled since 1950, with nearly half of the global population now living in cities. By 2050, it is projected that two-thirds of global population growth will occur in urban areas, while the remaining third will be in towns. The number of megacities, defined as cities with at least 10 million inhabitants, has quadrupled from eight in 1975 to 33 in 2025, with most of these cities located in Asia.

Implications of Urbanization
Li Junhia, the UN undersecretary-general for economic and social affairs, emphasized that urbanization is a critical force shaping contemporary society. He stated that when managed effectively, urban growth can foster opportunities for climate action, economic development, and social equity. The report serves as a call to action for governments and urban planners to adopt inclusive strategies to harness the benefits of urbanization.

Tokyo's Population Dynamics
Despite the overall decline in Japan's population, Tokyo is experiencing a unique trend. The population of the 23 special wards and 26 smaller cities that make up the core of Tokyo has grown to over 14 million, up from 13.2 million. This growth contrasts with the broader demographic shifts observed across Japan, where many regions are facing population declines.

Wrap-up
Jakarta's rise to the status of the world's most populous city underscores the rapid urbanization trends affecting global demographics. As cities continue to grow, the need for sustainable urban planning and development becomes increasingly vital to address the challenges and opportunities presented by this transformation.

Sources
theguardian.com

@hoju-korean.com Editorial Team