In 2025, Jakarta, the capital of Indonesia, earned the title of the world's most populated city. According to the annual UN report, it surpassed the previous leader, Tokyo, with an estimated population of around 42 million people.
In the 2018 ranking, Jakarta held the 33rd position in terms of population.
Currently in second place is Dhaka, with 36 million residents, and experts predict it could become the next leader by mid-century.
The report "World Urbanization Prospects 2025" highlights that nearly half of the global population, which stands at 8.2 billion, lives in urban areas. Nine out of ten of the world's most populous cities are located in Asia.
Cairo, with a population of 25 million, ranks seventh, more than double the population of New York City.
The top ten most populous cities also include New Delhi (30.2 million), Shanghai (29.6 million), Guangzhou (27.6 million), Manila (24.7 million), Kolkata (22.5 million), and Seoul (22.5 million).
"Urbanization is a defining force of our time. With comprehensive and strategic management, it can unlock transformative pathways to combat climate change, drive economic growth, and promote social equity," said UN Deputy Secretary-General for Economic and Social Affairs, Liu Zhenmin.
In 1975, there were only eight megacities, defined as cities with 10 million or more inhabitants. By 2025, this number has risen to 33, with 19 located in Asia. Los Angeles and New York City are the only two megacities in the United States.