Indonesia’s capital Jakarta has emerged as the world’s most populated capital city, with nearly 42 million residents, according to the United Nations’ World Urbanization Prospects 2025 report released by the UN Department of Economic and Social Affairs.
According to a new UN report, Jakarta is now the world’s most populous city, with nearly 42 million inhabitants.
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The report highlights the accelerating pace of global urbanisation, noting that cities now accommodate 45% of the world’s 8.2 billion people. This marks a dramatic shift from 1950, when only 20% of the global population lived in urban areas. The UN projects that by 2050, two-thirds of global population growth will occur in cities, reinforcing the growing centrality of urban centres in shaping economic, social, and environmental outcomes.
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The number of megacities — urban areas with populations exceeding 10 million — has quadrupled from eight in 1975 to 33 in 2025, with more than half located in Asia. Following Jakarta, Dhaka ranks second with nearly 40 million residents, while Tokyo stands third with approximately 33 million.
Indonesia’s total population now stands at 286 million, making it the fourth most populous country worldwide. In response to Jakarta’s mounting congestion and environmental pressures, the government announced plans in 2019 to relocate the capital to Nusantara, a purpose-built city currently under construction. The $32 billion project, initially scheduled for inauguration in 2024, is now expected to be realized in 2028.
Urban planners and policymakers are increasingly focusing on sustainable development strategies to manage the challenges and opportunities presented by rapid urban growth.
