The report released by the United Nations in 2025 revealed that Jakarta has surpassed all other competitors in the world to become the most populous city in the world, with an estimated population of almost 42 megacities. This is a drastic change in demography as Jakarta overtakes Tokyo and Dhaka as a leader. The surge is an indication of rapid urbanisation, with over 45 per cent of the 8.2 billion people in the world today living in urban areas. The trend points to the increasing significance – and pressure – of mega-cities in a shifting global context, the problem of infrastructure, housing, transport, and sustainable urban development in one of the fastest-growing urban areas in the world.
Jakarta Surpasses All Cities to Become the World’s Largest in 2025
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It is projected that in 2025, Jakarta will officially be the most populous city in the world with more than 42 million people.
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Outsmarts its previous leaders, Tokyo and Dhaka, in terms of urban population.
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High rates of urbanisation, migration and economic opportunities.
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Families have a great problem with housing, transportation, healthcare, and sanitation.
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Illustrates the pressure on resources and infrastructure, as well as on the services provided to the people.
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Signifies the international tendency of megacity growth.
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Highlights the necessity of sustainable urban planning and smart cities.
Exam-Related Questions Asked
| Exam | Year | Question Asked | Correct Answer |
|---|---|---|---|
| UPSC Prelims | 2023 | Which of the following cities is predicted by the UN to remain among the world’s largest megacities by 2035? (Delhi, Tokyo, Dhaka, Shanghai) | Delhi, Dhaka, Shanghai |
| SSC CGL | 2023 | According to the UN World Urbanisation Report, which region will host the highest number of megacities? | Asia |
| RAS Prelims | 2022 | Which Indian city is projected to become the world’s largest megacity by 2030? | Delhi |
| UPPCS | 2023 | A megacity is defined as a city with a population above: | 10 million |
| SSC CHSL | 2024 | Which country announced shifting its capital from Jakarta to Nusantara? | Indonesia |
| CAPF AC | 2023 | Why is Jakarta facing the risk of sinking? | Over-extraction of groundwater + rising sea levels |
Expected Question for Upcoming Exams
Which major global city did Jakarta surpass to become the most populous city in 2025?
a) Tokyo
b) Mumbai
c) Shanghai
d) New York
Answer: a) Tokyo
Jakarta is located on which island of Indonesia?
a) Sumatra
b) Java
c) Bali
d) Kalimantan
Answer: b) Java
Assertion (A): Jakarta becoming the most populous city in 2025 highlights global demographic shifts.
Reason (R): Economic opportunities in Jakarta attract large-scale migration from rural areas.
a) Both A and R are true, and R is the correct explanation of A.
b) Both A and R are true, but R is not the correct explanation of A.
c) A is true, R is false.
d) A is false, R is true.
Answer: a) Both A and R are true, and R is the correct explanation of A.
Conclusion
The growth of the metropolis purpose of making Jakarta the most populated city in the world in 2025, is a sign of the rapid urbanisation and demographic changes in Southeast Asia. It has both benefits, such as the prospects of economic growth, but it is also associated with other challenges, such as the strained infrastructure, environmental pressures, and social inequality. It requires proper planning and sustainable development to control its population and further growth.
