The world’s inhabitants increasingly face a choice between a quiet rural life and the faster pace of urban living. But for the vast majority, the pull of city life is likely to be strongest. The world is fast becoming more urban, with up to 70 per cent of the planet predicted to be living in cities in the coming decades.
What is driving this global urban swell? One answer to this question is young people. Recent census data from the United States revealed that well-educated, ambitious young adults are increasingly choosing to call urban areas home. And this trend is not limited to the developed world.
These are the fastest growing cities in emerging markets that are leading the pack for urbanisation, with an increasing number of young people relocating from rural areas in search of better work opportunities.
1. Karachi, Pakistan
- Current population: About 13 million
- Projected population: 22 million by 2030
Karachi is one of the world’s fastest growing mega-cities (defined as cities with more than 10 million inhabitants). Even giving up the title of Pakistan’s capital to Islamabad has not halted Karachi’s population boom, as an increasing number of rural Pakistanis relocate to the city.
2. Jakarta, Indonesia
- Current population: About 22 million
- Projected population: 37 million by 2030
Jakarta is not just the most populous city in Indonesia: it is home to the most people of any city in the southeast Asian region and ranks among the most populous urban areas in the world. It’s enormous population growth is fuelled by the shift away from an agricultural society, with many young people leaving farm life behind to find better employment opportunities in the city.
3. Manila, Philippines
- Current population: About 20 million
- Projected population: 34 million by 2030
As the country’s cultural centre and a major shopping hub, it is easy to see why an increasing number of young Filipinos are migrating to the Metro Manila area in search of greener pastures. The city itself is a tight squeeze: it is one of the most densely populated urban areas in the world, with 43,079 inhabitants per km2.
4. Mexico City, Mexico
- Current population: About 18 million
- Projected population: 21 million by 2030
The country’s capital and economic centre, Mexico City has always been a drawcard for young, upwardly-mobile adults. Like with many other fast-growing cities, this rapid urbanisation has occurred as Mexico’s focus shifted from agriculture to industry. In total, about 80% of Mexicans now life in urban areas.
5. Dhaka, Bangladesh
- Current population: About 10 million
- Projected population: 17 million by 2030
Employment – particularly in the garment industry in Bangladesh’s capital city – is one of the main drivers of Dhaka’s rapid urbanisation. Known as the City of Mosques, Dhaka is the country’s commercial centre and is home to a fast growing middle class.
Source: Demographia’s World Urban Area Population Projections
