2075 Megacities

By 2075, the world’s megacities—urban areas with populations exceeding 20 million—have evolved into sprawling, interconnected hubs that reflect dramatic shifts in population trends and city histories. While traditional giants like Tokyo, Shanghai, and Mumbai remain influential, cities such as Lagos, Jakarta, and Kinshasa have surged ahead, propelled by rapid population growth, urban migration, and youthful demographics. African and South Asian megacities now dominate the list, often surpassing 50 million residents, whereas some older megacities in Europe and East Asia have stabilized or even declined due to aging populations and advanced automation. Many of these newer megacities have histories marked by colonialism, post-independence booms, and recent technological leaps, which contrast with the centuries-old urban traditions of cities like London or Beijing. The megacities of 2075 are defined not just by their sheer size, but by their resilience in adapting to climate change, their integration of green infrastructure, and their roles as centers of innovation and cultural fusion, reflecting both the challenges and opportunities of a rapidly urbanizing planet.

Data from UN World Urbanization Prospects