This sprawling metropolis in Southeast Asia overtakes Tokyo as the world's largest city

For years, Japan’s capital Tokyo has been the largest city in the world, but it’s finally been overtaken. According to the United Nations, Jakarta, Indonesia’s capital, is now the world’s most populous city, with nearly 42 million inhabitants. Surprisingly, Tokyo isn’t even second on the list – that’s Dhaka in Bangladesh, with 37 million. Tokyo is now third on the list, with 33 million inhabitants.

This is due to a combination of factors – changing definitions of cities, the migration of residents to urban areas, ageing populations, and rapid urban growth. Jakarta might begin to face challenges in expanding access to services and employment, managing housing affordability, and investing in transport infrastructure to ease urban congestion. 

But Jakarta’s growing population and the influx of younger people looking for opportunities in the city also means that it’s a young and diverse city, and a creative and cultural hub that’s both traditional and incredibly modern. 

You’ll find night markets offering local bites and international cuisine between sprawling malls full of luxury brands. There are dive bars and rooftop clubs alike, and an astonishing number of impressive fine dining spots. Check out M Bloc for contemporary art spaces, local music, boutiques, and trendy eateries, and be sure to check out some of the restaurants serving elevated local food from other regions of the country – Indonesian cuisine is far more than nasi goreng.

And if you’re looking for a brief escape from the city, you can check out the coastal township of Pantai Indah Kapuk, specifically the Chinese-inspired food district of Pantjoran PIK. There’s a white sand beach and a lighthouse, as well as all of Jakarta’s favourite cuisines in one spot. You can also kayak through mangrove swamps and observe local wildlife. Or you could head to Thousand Islands, where you can stay in tropical bungalows among beautiful clear waters.

Outside of Jakarta, Asia is booming – nine out of ten of the world’s largest cities are in Asia, and over half of the world’s megacities (cities with 10 million inhabitants or more) are in Asia. Dhaka is expected to be the world’s largest city by 2050, while Tokyo will likely fall in the rank due to its shrinking population. Sustainable growth will be key for cities like Jakarta that are experiencing rapid expansion, and urban policies will become ever more important in relieving pressure on these cities.

The most populous cities in the world in 2025:

1. Jakarta, Indonesia – 41.9 million
2. Dhaka, Bangladesh – 36.6 million
3. Tokyo, Japan – 33.4 million
4. New Delhi, India – 30.2 million
5. Shanghai, China – 29.6 million
6. Guangzhou, China – 27.6 million
7. Al-Qahirah (Cairo), Egypt – 25.6 million
8. Manila, Philippines – 24.7 million
9. Kolkata, India – 22.5 million
10. Seoul, South Korea – 22.5 million

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