25.11.2025 23:55
The new report from the United Nations reveals that the rankings of the world's most populous cities have changed. Tokyo, the capital of Japan, which has held the top spot for years, has given way to Jakarta, the capital of Indonesia. Istanbul, on the other hand, ranked 18th on the list.
The latest urbanization report published by the United Nations reveals a remarkable change in global population distribution.
"THE TITLE OF THE WORLD'S NEW MOST POPULOUS CITY HAS CHANGED HANDS" The capital of Indonesia, Jakarta, has made a significant leap in the global rankings with an estimated population of around 42 million, surpassing Tokyo to take the top spot. The city, which was ranked 33rd in the list in 2018, has achieved the most striking rise among Asia's rapidly growing mega cities.
Jakarta CITY POPULATION HAS DOUBLED Following Jakarta is Dhaka, the capital of Bangladesh, with a population approaching 36 million. The report emphasizes that with its increasing growth rate, Dhaka is expected to become the world's most populous city by 2050. Tokyo, on the other hand, is on a downward trend due to its aging population and demographic issues.
Dhaka According to the report, today, approximately half of the 8.2 billion people live in cities. The data shows that the urban population has doubled in the last 75 years. Additionally, it is noteworthy that 9 out of the 10 most populous cities in the world are located in Asia. The only exception on the list is Cairo, with a population of 25 million.
ISTANBUL IS ALSO ON THE LIST Meanwhile, Istanbul ranks 18th on the list with a population of 15 million. The mega city is projected to have a population of 16.3 million by 2050.
THE 20 MOST POPULOUS CITIES IN THE WORLD According to UN projections, the world's most populous cities based on population estimates for 2025 and 2050 are as follows:
1. Jakarta: 41.9 million in 2025 / 51.7 million in 2050
2. Dhaka: 36.5 million / 52.1 million
3. Tokyo: 33.4 million / 30.6 million
4. New Delhi: 30.2 million / 33.8 million
5. Shanghai: 29.5 million / 34.9 million
6. Guangzhou: 27.5 million / 29.2 million
7. Cairo: 25.5 million / 29.2 million
8. Manila: 24.7 million / 27.1 million
9. Kolkata: 22.5 million / 23.7 million
10. Seoul: 22.4 million / 21.2 million
11. Karachi: 21.4 million / 32.5 million
12. Mumbai: 20.2 million / 23 million
13. Sao Paulo: 18.9 million / 18.2 million
14. Bangkok: 18.1 million / 20.4 million
15. Mexico City: 17.7 million / 17.6 million
16. Beijing: 17 million / 18 million
17. Lahore: 15.1 million / 20.3 million
18. Istanbul: 15 million / 16.3 million
19. Moscow: 14.5 million / 15.5 million
20. Ho Chi Minh City: 14 million / 17.2 million