Archive · 19 Nov 2025
India Among 7 Nations Expected to Add Over 500M City Residents by 2050: UN
The United Nations says that India and six other countries will have a big increase in city residents by 2050.
This will happen because more people are moving to cities.
The UN also says that how these countries handle this change will affect how well the world does in the future.
Some cities are growing, while others are getting smaller.
The UN wants countries to plan for this change in a way that helps everyone and the environment.
India, along with six other countries, expected to add over 500 million city residents between 2025 and 2050
World's city population growth to be concentrated in India, Nigeria, Pakistan, DR Congo, Egypt, Bangladesh, Ethiopia
Success of urbanization in these countries crucial for global development and climate goals
Number of megacities quadrupled from 8 in 1975 to 33 in 2025, with 19 in Asia
Over 3,000 cities experienced population decline between 2015 and 2025, with many in China and India
- Who
- India, Nigeria, Pakistan, DR Congo, Egypt, Bangladesh, Ethiopia
- What
- Expected to add over 500 million city residents
- When
- Between 2025 and 2050
- Where
- Worldwide, with a focus on the mentioned countries
- Why
- Due to urbanization and population growth
Urbanization Advocates
Urbanization Critics
Economic Growth
Urbanization Advocates
Urbanization can boost economies through increased productivity and consumer spending.
Urbanization Critics
Rapid urbanization can lead to economic inequality and strain infrastructure.
Environmental Impact
Urbanization Advocates
Well-planned cities can reduce carbon emissions per capita and promote sustainability.
Urbanization Critics
Unplanned urbanization can lead to environmental degradation and climate change.
- Total global population in 2025
- 8.2 billion
- Percentage of global population living in cities in 2025
- 45%
- Number of megacities in 2025
- 33
- Number of megacities expected in 2050
- 37
- Percentage of global town population in India and China in 2025
- Over 40%