Introduction
As the world’s population continues to grow rapidly, the Top 10 Fastest Growing Cities of the Next Decade will face immense challenges to accommodate their residents. With more people living in cities now than at any other time in history, urban expansion is inevitable. However, this expansion must be coupled with innovative and sustainable solutions that address the challenges of overpopulation, pollution, and climate change. By rethinking the way we build and inhabit our cities, we can create a brighter future for urban living that benefits everyone.
Number 10: Mexico City
Mexico City, the oldest capital city in America, is currently the tenth largest city in the world with a population of 21 million people. By 2030, this number is expected to grow to 23 million, making it one of the fastest-growing megacities in the world.
While it is an important cultural and financial centre, accounting for a significant percentage of Mexico’s GDP, it also faces major challenges. Its overpopulation has led to high levels of crime, air pollution, and traffic congestion.
The air pollution problem is so severe that it causes up to 1,000 deaths and 35,000 hospitalisations every year. To address this issue, the city has implemented measures such as planting 10 million trees and encouraging the use of alternative fuels for government vehicles. Nevertheless, there is still much work to be done to make Mexico City a healthier and more sustainable place to live.
Number 9: Lagos, Nigeria
Hold on to your hats, because we’re heading to the bustling city of Lagos, Nigeria! As the largest city in sub-Saharan Africa, Lagos is currently home to a whopping 17.5 million people, and that number is set to skyrocket to 24.2 million by 2030.
The city’s booming economy is driven by its massive port, which is one of the largest and busiest on the continent. But Lagos isn’t all sunshine and rainbows. Top 10 Fastest Growing Cities of the Next Decade. The city is struggling with overpopulation, poverty, pollution, and some of the worst traffic in the world.
In fact, the average commute time for a 15-kilometre journey is nearly four hours—that’s longer than the entire Lord of the Rings movie trilogy! With all that time spent in traffic, you’d better bring some good tunes and snacks. But all jokes aside, Lagos needs serious investment in sustainable infrastructure and innovative solutions to tackle its challenges and make it a better place to live for its residents.
Number 8, Cairo, Egypt
Get ready to travel back in time as we explore the vibrant city of Cairo, Egypt! With a current population of 20 million people, the Greater Cairo area is the largest metropolitan area in Africa, the Arab world, and the Middle East and is home to some of the world’s most iconic landmarks, including the Giza pyramid complex and the ancient city of Memphis.
However, as with many megacities, Cairo is facing some major challenges in the form of pollution and traffic. But don’t let that discourage you from exploring this fascinating city—did you know that the Cairo metro is one of only two metro systems in all of Africa? And with over 1 billion passengers every year, it ranks seventh among the world’s 15 busiest metro systems.
So, hop on board and take in the sights and sounds of this historic city, and who knows, you might even make some new friends on your crowded metro ride!
Number 7: Karachi, Pakistan.
With a current population of 16.1 million people, Karachi is one of the world’s fastest-growing cities and is predicted to swell to 24.8 million by 2030. But Karachi is much more than just a growing city; it is the fashion capital of Pakistan and has hosted the popular Karachi Fashion Week every year since 2009.
Karachi is also the largest city in Pakistan and the seventh-largest city in the world, with a reputation for being Pakistan’s most cosmopolitan, linguistically, ethnically, and religiously diverse city. Top 10 Fastest Growing Cities of the Next Decade, however, Karachi also has a reputation for high rates of violent crime. But, after a controversial operation against criminals, recorded crimes fell dramatically in 2014, and it is now ranked a lowly 93rd in the world.
Despite its safety improvements, Karachi still faces the challenge of accommodating its rapidly growing population while maintaining its unique cultural identity.
Number 6: Dhaka, Bangladesh
Did you know that Dhaka, the capital of Bangladesh, is one of the world’s most densely populated cities? With a current population of 21 million and expected to rise to 27.4 million by 2030, the greater Dhaka region is home to an incredible number of people.
Dhaka is also known for its rich cultural heritage, including its Mughal and colonial architecture, art, and literature. However, the city’s rapid growth has caused significant infrastructure and environmental challenges, including high levels of air pollution and traffic congestion.
Despite these challenges, Dhaka has been taking steps to improve its public transportation system, including investing in a new metro rail line that is expected to open soon.
Number 5: Beijing, China
Beijing, China, a city of over 21 million people, is set to become even more crowded as its population is expected to skyrocket to 27.7 million by 2030. As the world’s most populous capital city, Beijing faces significant challenges in managing its growing population, especially when it comes to transportation.
Beijing Capital International Airport is the world’s second busiest airport, handling more than 100 million passengers in 2018. It’s like a bustling city all its own! The Beijing Subway, the world’s longest and busiest subway system, carries nearly 4 billion passengers per year, with an average of 10 million trips per day in 2019.
But despite its impressive infrastructure, Beijing struggles with issues such as air pollution, traffic congestion, and overpopulation. However, efforts are underway to address these challenges, including promoting electric vehicles, investing in public transportation, and implementing measures to reduce traffic.
Number 4: Mumbai, India
Mumbai, India, is a massive megacity with a current population of 23.6 million people and a projected growth to 27.8 million by 2030. Mumbai is known as the financial, commerce, and entertainment capital of India and generates 6% of the country’s GDP.
The city is home to more millionaires and billionaires than any other city in India, and it is the centre of India’s Hindi and Marathi cinema industries. However, Mumbai also faces many problems, including heavy traffic and air pollution from the 22 million vehicles registered in the city, which has caused major health issues such as asthma in children.
Water pollution is also a primary concern, with 80% of households suffering from poor water quality, leading to waterborne diseases such as cholera, jaundice, and typhoid. The recent growth of Mumbai’s slums is especially concerning, with areas like the Dharavi slum lacking clean water and sanitation, leading to poor health, unemployment, and crime.
Despite these issues, the Dharavi slum has a good recycling system, with 80% of plastic waste getting recycled, which is much higher than the rest of Mumbai and the UK.
Number 3: Shanghai, China
Did you know that Shanghai was once just a small fishing village but has now transformed into a bustling economic powerhouse? With a population of over 24 million, it’s no surprise that Shanghai is the most populous urban area in China and the second most populous city in the world.
Home to the second-tallest building in the world, the Shanghai Tower, this city is a beacon of China’s booming economy. And the port of Shanghai? It’s the busiest container port in the world, with a world record of 42 million containers processed in 2018.
That’s over four times the amount processed in the biggest port in the United States! But with a projected population of 38 million by 2030, will Shanghai be able to sustain its impressive growth? Watch until the end of the video to find out!
Number 2: Delhi, India
Are you curious about the world’s most polluted city? Look no further than Delhi, India. With a population of 29 million, this city is not only one of the wealthiest in India but also home to the world’s highest death rate from chronic respiratory diseases and asthma.
That’s not all: almost 50% of inhabitants in Delhi live in slums, where basic facilities are scarce and open defecation is a daily occurrence. Top 10 Fastest Growing Cities of the Next Decade,the smell is said to be unbearable! If that’s not enough, Delhi is infamous for its air pollution, which is thought to kill an estimated two million people every year.
In 2017, the great smog of Delhi was so bad that the air quality index went up to more than 10 times the safe limit. Watch this video to learn more about the challenges facing this megacity and the efforts being made to tackle them.
Number 1. Tokyo, Japan
Introducing the world’s most populous city: Tokyo, Japan! With a staggering 38.1 million inhabitants, Tokyo is the ultimate city of the future. But did you know that despite its massive size, Tokyo is also one of the safest cities in the world? Originally a small fishing village, Tokyo has transformed into a bustling metropolis and political center, fueling Japan’s largest urban economy.
Although Tokyo’s population is predicted to fall by 2032, it still remains the most populous metropolitan area in the world, with around 30% of all Japan’s inhabitants calling it home. But Tokyo’s growth comes at a cost, as young people continue to migrate to cities in search of work, causing a decline in the population in rural areas.
So there you have it, the Top 10 Fastest Growing Cities of the Next Decade! Each city has its own unique characteristics, challenges, and opportunities.
