Jakarta has officially become the most populous city in the world, according to the latest United Nations World Urbanisation Prospects 2025 report. This milestone marks a significant shift in global urban demographics and reflects the rapid population growth occurring across Asian megacities. For the first time, Indonesia’s capital has surpassed long-time global leader Tokyo, positioning itself at the forefront of global urbanisation trends.
The UN’s updated methodology designed to more consistently define and measure urban agglomerations places Jakarta’s population at nearly 42 million residents, making it the largest metropolitan area on the planet in 2025. This transformation underscores not only the remarkable scale of Jakarta’s growth but also the profound changes shaping cities across Asia.
A New Global Ranking of Megacities
The 2025 ranking offers a fresh perspective on urban population patterns. Under the UN’s revised approach, population estimates now reflect contiguous built-up areas and suburban zones, providing a clearer picture of true metropolitan scale. This adjustment has led to a reshuffling of the world’s largest cities:
| Rank (2025) | City | Country | Estimated Population (Millions) |
|---|---|---|---|
| 1 | Jakarta | Indonesia | ~42 |
| 2 | Dhaka | Bangladesh | ~37 |
| 3 | Tokyo | Japan | ~33 |
| 4 | New Delhi | India | ~30.2 |
| 5 | Shanghai | China | ~29.6 |
The results reveal a striking trend: nine of the ten largest megacities are now located in Asia, highlighting the region’s unparalleled momentum in urban expansion.
Jakarta’s Rise to the Top
Jakarta’s ascent is particularly notable. In the year 2000, the metropolitan area ranked only 25th in size. Over the next 25 years, the city experienced extraordinary population growth, driven by urban migration, economic development, and the expansion of surrounding suburban regions. By 2025, the city’s urban footprint and population density have propelled it to the number one spot globally.
Tokyo’s Changing Position
Tokyo, a long-standing global megacity and previously the world’s most populous urban area, now ranks third with a relatively stable population of around 33 million. This shift is less reflective of population decline and more due to the updated measurement approach and the rapid growth of other Asian cities that have outpaced Tokyo’s expansion.
Dhaka’s Meteoric Growth
Dhaka’s rise to second place underscores Bangladesh’s intense urbanisation. Projections indicate that by 2050, Dhaka is expected to become the most populous city on Earth, surpassing both Jakarta and Tokyo—an indication of the significant demographic changes to come.
Why Jakarta’s Growth Matters
Jakarta’s new status as the world’s most populous city brings global attention not only to its size but also to the complex challenges that accompany such rapid urban development. The city’s population boom is intertwined with environmental, infrastructural, and social pressures that are shaping its future.
1. Land Subsidence: A City That Is Sinking
One of Jakarta’s most pressing issues is land subsidence. Large portions of the city are sinking due to excessive groundwater extraction, particularly in areas where piped water infrastructure is insufficient. In some districts, the ground has sunk several meters over the past few decades. This poses severe risks, especially considering the city’s coastal location, making it increasingly vulnerable to tidal flooding and sea-level rise.
2. Recurring Flooding
Jakarta’s geographical position has made it prone to persistent and sometimes devastating floods. Seasonal monsoons, coupled with inadequate drainage systems and the effects of subsidence, have intensified the frequency and severity of these events. Floods disrupt economic activities, damage infrastructure, and place millions of residents at risk.
3. Traffic Congestion and Pollution
Jakarta is widely known for its heavy traffic congestion, which ranks among the worst in the world. Rapid urbanisation has outpaced infrastructure development, resulting in strained road networks and increased reliance on private vehicles. Consequently, air pollution levels often exceed recommended safety standards, posing significant public health concerns.
A Nation Responds: Relocating the Capital
These environmental and infrastructural pressures played a central role in the Indonesian government’s decision to relocate the country’s administrative capital to Nusantara, a new planned city in East Kalimantan on the island of Borneo.
While Jakarta will remain Indonesia’s economic and cultural hub, the relocation aims to ease population pressure, support regional development, and reduce the risks associated with maintaining the national government in a sinking, densely populated megacity. The move represents one of the most ambitious urban planning initiatives in modern history and reflects Indonesia’s long-term vision for sustainable growth.
Asia: The New Center of Global Urbanisation
The 2025 rankings underscore the broader transformation of Asia as the global epicenter of megacities. The region’s rapid urbanisation has been driven by economic expansion, migration from rural areas, and the continuous development of manufacturing and service industries.
Key megacities across Asia such as Shanghai, New Delhi, Manila, Karachi, Beijing, and Guangzhou continue to expand both in population and geographic footprint. This concentration of urban growth brings substantial economic opportunities but also heightens challenges related to sustainability, infrastructure resilience, resource management, and climate vulnerability.
Looking Ahead: The Future of Jakarta and Global Cities
The UN’s projected population trends offer valuable insights into the urban landscape of the future. As Jakarta faces mounting challenges related to its size, environmental pressures, and infrastructural limitations, the city will need comprehensive long-term strategies to manage growth and enhance livability.
At the same time, the shifting global rankings highlight the momentum of Asian cities and the importance of sustainable urban development practices. The future of megacities will depend on how effectively governments and local authorities balance population growth, economic needs, and environmental resilience.
Jakarta’s newly acquired title as the world’s most populous city is more than a statistic, it is a reflection of the dynamic forces shaping our rapidly urbanising world. As the city continues to evolve, its experiences may offer valuable lessons for other fast-growing metropolitan areas across the globe.
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