Jakarta, Indonesia – In a significant demographic shift, Jakarta has surpassed Tokyo to become the world’s most populous city, according to recent findings released by the United Nations. This change reflects an evolving methodology that better assesses urban populations amid rapid globalization and urbanization.

With a staggering population of approximately 42 million, Jakarta’s growth outpaces that of the Bangladeshi capital, Dhaka, which now stands at around 37 million. Tokyo, previously recognized as the largest city, ranks third with a population of about 33 million when considering its broader metropolitan area, which encompasses several surrounding prefectures. This marks a notable departure from earlier UN reports that had placed Tokyo at the forefront of urban populations.

The UN’s latest report on World Urbanization Prospects utilizes a new framework that categorizes urban, suburban, and rural areas more uniformly. Patrick Gerland, who heads the UN population estimates section, emphasized that this consistency allows for a more accurate comparison of urban areas worldwide. The prior assessments, he noted, were influenced by inconsistent definitions across different countries that often favored Tokyo.

The growth of urban populations has been dramatic since 1950, when only one-fifth of the global population resided in urban areas. Today, nearly half of the world’s estimated 8.2 billion people live in cities. Projections suggest that by 2050, urban centers will account for two-thirds of global population growth, underscoring the importance of managing urbanization effectively.

As urban migration intensifies, the number of megacities—defined as cities with populations over 10 million—has increased significantly. There are currently 33 megacities, quadrupling from just eight in 1975. Notably, nine of the ten most populous cities are located in Asia, which include New Delhi, Shanghai, and Seoul, alongside Jakarta, Dhaka, and Tokyo.

Li Junhua, the UN undersecretary-general for economic and social affairs, highlighted urbanization as a pivotal force of our era. He urged that if managed wisely, it could lead to climate action, economic growth, and social improvements.

Metro Tokyo, which currently houses 33 million people, extends across a vast area that encompasses nearby prefectures such as Saitama, Chiba, and Kanagawa. While the overall population in Japan has begun to decline, Tokyo proper has experienced a slight uptick in residents—moving from 13.2 million to over 14 million in the past decade.

Although net migration to Tokyo slowed during the COVID-19 pandemic, recent trends indicate a resurgence, particularly among young adults drawn by job opportunities and educational prospects. According to local authorities, this revival in population growth contrasts with broader national trends.

As Jakarta stands at the forefront of urban population growth, this shift emphasizes the challenges and opportunities cities face in adapting to their expanding populations. The ongoing evolution of urban landscapes will play a critical role in shaping social, economic, and environmental strategies in the years to come.