2000 Megacities

In the year 2000, the world’s megacities—urban areas with populations exceeding 10 million—were emblematic of rapid urbanization and shifting demographic trends. Tokyo was the largest, with over 26 million people in its metropolitan area, reflecting Japan’s postwar economic boom and efficient urban planning. Other Asian giants like Mumbai, Shanghai, and Beijing were experiencing explosive growth due to rural-to-urban migration and economic liberalization, while Latin American megacities such as Mexico City and São Paulo grappled with sprawling informal settlements and infrastructure challenges rooted in earlier waves of industrialization. New York, one of the earliest megacities, showcased a long history of immigration and economic transformation, while Los Angeles grew rapidly in the 20th century with the rise of the automobile and entertainment industries. In contrast, cities like Cairo and Jakarta saw their populations swell due to high birth rates and rural migration, often outpacing the capacity of urban services. Overall, the megacities of 2000 were diverse in their histories and urban forms, but all faced common challenges of congestion, pollution, and social inequality, signaling the need for innovative urban planning as the 21st century began.

Data from UN World Urbanization Prospects