In 2021, around **** million people were estimated to be living in the urban area of Shanghai. Shanghai was the largest city in China in 2021, followed by Beijing, with around **** million inhabitants. The rise of the new first-tier cities The past decades have seen widespread and rapid urbanization and demographic transition in China. While the four first-tier megacities, namely Beijing, Shanghai, Guangzhou, and Shenzhen, are still highly attractive to people and companies due to their strong ability to synergize the competitive economic and social resources, some lower-tier cities are already facing declining populations, especially those in the northeastern region. Below the original four first-tier cities, 15 quickly developing cities are sharing the cake of the moving population with improving business vitality and GDP growth potential. These new first-tier cities are either municipalities directly under the central government, such as Chongqing and Tianjin, or regional central cities and provincial capitals, like Chengdu and Wuhan, or open coastal cities in the economically developed eastern regions. From urbanization to metropolitanization As more and more Chinese people migrate to large cities for better opportunities and quality of life, the ongoing urbanization has further evolved into metropolitanization. Among those metropolitans, Shenzhen's population exceeded **** million in 2020, a nearly ** percent increase from a decade ago, compared to eight percent in the already densely populated Shanghai. However, with people rushing into the big-four cities, the cost of housing, and other living standards, are soaring. As of 2020, the average sales price for residential real estate in Shenzhen exceeded ****** yuan per square meter. As a result, the fast-growing and more cost-effective new first-tier cities would be more appealing in the coming years. Furthermore, Shanghai and Beijing have set plans to control the size of their population to ** and ** million, respectively, before 2035.

Chongqing is one of the four municipalities of China. The city of Chongqing is also one of the fastest growing cities in China with hundreds of skyscrapers in the downtown area. This statistic depicts the annual growth rate of value added from the construction sector at constant prices in Chongqing municipality from 2013 to 2023. In 2023, the value added from the construction sector in Chongqing increased by *** percent compared to the previous year.

Shenzhen is one of the fastest growing cities in China. Based on estimates, the population of Shenzhen is expected to reach over ** million by 2035. This rapidly growing city is attracting an increasing number of young Chinese, who want to start and grow their careers.

Development history of Shenzhen 

Shenzhen is located next to Hong Kong, one of the key financial and business centers of the world.  The city has a short history - Shenzhen wasn’t technically a city until 1979. Now, it is home to the largest economy in China’s Greater Bay Area, surpassing its neighbor Hong Kong. Shenzhen is also called China’s Silicon Valley, since many China’s tech-giants are headquartered there. As a rising financial center, Shenzhen also hosts one of the two Stock Exchanges in Mainland China. The headquarter of China’s leading insurance company Ping An Insurance is in Shenzhen as well.

Immigration to Shenzhen 

Enticed by its fast-developing economy, people from across the whole country have relocated to Shenzhen to take their chances at new job and life opportunities. In its 40-year development, countless migrant workers have contributed to this city’s construction projects and labor-intensive manufacturing production. Many young graduates have found it easier to find a job in Shenzhen compared to other first-tier cities. Promotion opportunities have attracted top talent in many sectors to come to this city. Accordingly, with the rise of population, the cost of housing in Shenzhen has also seen a drastic increase.

ObjectiveMen who have sex with men (MSM) and heterosexuals are the populations with the fastest growing HIV infection rates in China. We characterize the epidemic growth and age patterns between these two routes from 2004 to 2015 in Chongqing and Shenzhen, China.Design and methodsData were downloaded from the National HIV/ AIDS Comprehensive Response Information Management System. For the new HIV diagnoses of heterosexuals and MSM in both cities, we estimated the growth rates by fitting different sub-exponential models. Heat maps are used to show their age patterns. We used histograms to compare these patterns by birth cohort.ResultsThe MSM epidemics grew significantly in both cities. Chongqing experienced quadratic growth in HIV reported cases with an estimated growth rate of 0.086 per week and a “deceleration rate” of 0.673. HIV reported cases of MSM in Shenzhen grew even more drastically with a growth rate of 0.033 per week and “deceleration rate” of 0.794. The new infections are mainly affecting the ages of 18 to 30 in Chongqing and ages of 20 to 35 in Shenzhen. They peaked in early 1990’s and mid-1990’s birth cohorts in Chongqing and Shenzhen respectively. The HIV epidemic among heterosexuals grew rapidly in both cities. The growth rates were estimated as 0.02 and 0.028 in Chongqing and Shenzhen respectively whereas the “deceleration rates” were 0.878 and 0.790 in these two places. It affected mostly aged 18 to 75 in males and 18 to 65 in females in Chongqing and aged 18 to 45 in males and 18 to 50 in females in Shenzhen in 2015. In Chongqing, the heterosexual female epidemics display two peaks in HIV diagnoses in the birth cohorts of early 1950’s and early 1980’s, with heterosexual male epidemics peaked in early 1940’s and early 1960’s. The heterosexual male and female epidemics display higher rates in the birth cohort 1940-1960, than the birth cohort 1960-1990. It peaked in birth cohorts of 1950’s and 1980’s in Shenzhen.ConclusionsWe revealed striking differences in epidemic growth and age patterns of the HIV epidemics in these two cities. Our results may be used to inform age-targeted public health policies to curb their epidemic growth.

By the end of 2023, around ***** million people were employed in Guangdong's capital Guangzhou, ranking second among all cities in Guangdong after Shenzhen. Shenzhen is not only the fastest growing city in Guangdong province, but also among the fastest developing cities of China.

Nigeria has the largest population in Africa. As of 2024, the country counted over 232.6 million individuals, whereas Ethiopia, which ranked second, has around 132 million inhabitants. Egypt registered the largest population in North Africa, reaching nearly 116 million people. In terms of inhabitants per square kilometer, Nigeria only ranks seventh, while Mauritius has the highest population density on the whole African continent. The fastest-growing world region Africa is the second most populous continent in the world, after Asia. Nevertheless, Africa records the highest growth rate worldwide, with figures rising by over two percent every year. In some countries, such as Niger, the Democratic Republic of Congo, and Chad, the population increase peaks at over three percent. With so many births, Africa is also the youngest continent in the world. However, this coincides with a low life expectancy. African cities on the rise The last decades have seen high urbanization rates in Asia, mainly in China and India. However, African cities are currently growing at larger rates. Indeed, most of the fastest-growing cities in the world are located in Sub-Saharan Africa. Gwagwalada, in Nigeria, and Kabinda, in the Democratic Republic of the Congo, ranked first worldwide. By 2035, instead, Africa's fastest-growing cities are forecast to be Bujumbura, in Burundi, and Zinder, Nigeria.

Chongqing is one of the four municipalities of China. The city of Chongqing is also one of the fastest growing cities in China with hundreds of skyscrapers in the downtown area. The value added from the service sector in Chongqing municipality grew fast from 2014 to 2024. In 2024, the value added from the tertiary sector in Chongqing amounted to around **** trillion yuan.

In March 2024, about 53 percent of China's mobile internet users lived in the third-tier cites and below. AI content generation (AIGC), life services, and mobile banking were the fastest-growing segments, each recorded over 60 million new users compared to a year ago.

The global Smart City Business Analytics Software market is experiencing robust growth, driven by the increasing adoption of smart city initiatives worldwide and the need for efficient city management. The market, valued at approximately $15 billion in 2025, is projected to witness a Compound Annual Growth Rate (CAGR) of 18% from 2025 to 2033. This expansion is fueled by several key factors. Firstly, the proliferation of IoT devices and the subsequent generation of vast amounts of data are creating a critical need for sophisticated analytics solutions to optimize resource allocation, improve public services, and enhance citizen engagement. Secondly, governments across the globe are increasingly investing in smart city infrastructure, providing a fertile ground for the growth of this market. Finally, the rising demand for enhanced security and predictive capabilities in areas like public safety, transportation, and economic development is further boosting adoption. The market is segmented by deployment (on-premises and cloud-based) and application (public safety, economic development, transportation, customer service, and government administration). Cloud-based solutions are gaining traction due to their scalability, cost-effectiveness, and accessibility. The major players in this market include IBM, SAP, Microsoft, SAS, Oracle, Tableau, Salesforce, and Intel, constantly innovating to offer advanced analytics tools and services. While data privacy concerns and the need for robust cybersecurity measures represent potential restraints, the overall market outlook remains strongly positive, indicating substantial growth opportunities in the coming years. The key application segments demonstrate varying growth rates, with public safety and transportation exhibiting particularly strong growth due to the critical need for real-time data analysis and predictive modelling in these areas. North America currently holds a significant market share due to early adoption and advanced technological infrastructure. However, the Asia-Pacific region is expected to experience the fastest growth due to rapid urbanization and increasing government investments in smart city projects across countries like China and India. Competitive dynamics are intense, with major players focusing on strategic partnerships, acquisitions, and product innovation to maintain market leadership. The focus is shifting toward AI-powered analytics and the integration of big data technologies to extract actionable insights from complex datasets, improving decision-making and resource management across various smart city applications.

Single-family Detached Home Business Market Outlook

The global single-family detached home business market size is estimated to be valued at approximately USD 4.2 trillion in 2023 and is projected to reach USD 6.3 trillion by 2032, growing at a compound annual growth rate (CAGR) of 4.5% during the forecast period. The growth of this market is driven by a combination of factors including urbanization, increasing disposable incomes, and a growing preference for single-family living among the global population.

One of the primary growth factors for the single-family detached home market is urbanization. As cities expand and more people migrate to urban areas in search of better opportunities, the demand for housing, particularly single-family homes, has surged. This trend is particularly noticeable in developing countries where rapid urbanization is accompanied by increased economic activity, leading to a rise in disposable incomes and a higher standard of living. Consequently, individuals and families are aspiring to own single-family detached homes, which offer more space, privacy, and comfort compared to multi-family units.

Another significant driver is the increase in disposable incomes and economic growth across various regions. As economies grow, the purchasing power of individuals increases, allowing more people to invest in single-family homes. This trend is not limited to developed countries; emerging economies are also experiencing a similar pattern. The rise in middle-class populations in countries like China, India, and Brazil has led to increased investments in real estate, fueling the demand for single-family homes.

The growing preference for single-family living is another major factor contributing to the market's growth. In the wake of the COVID-19 pandemic, there has been a noticeable shift in lifestyle preferences, with many individuals prioritizing space and privacy. Single-family detached homes provide an ideal solution as they offer more living space, outdoor areas, and a sense of independence. This shift is expected to have a long-term impact on the real estate market, driving sustained demand for single-family homes.

Regional outlook for the single-family detached home market shows significant variations across different parts of the world. North America remains one of the largest markets due to its established real estate sector and high demand for single-family living. The Asia Pacific region is expected to witness the fastest growth due to rapid urbanization and economic development in countries like China and India. Europe, with its diverse real estate market, also presents substantial opportunities, particularly in countries like Germany and the UK where housing demand remains high. Latin America and the Middle East & Africa are emerging markets where increasing urbanization and economic development are expected to drive future growth.

Type Analysis

When analyzing the market by type, the single-family detached home business can be segmented into luxury homes, mid-range homes, and affordable homes. Each of these segments caters to different consumer demographics and has unique growth drivers. Luxury homes, for instance, are characterized by high-end features, premium materials, and exclusive locations. These homes are targeted towards high-net-worth individuals and are often seen as a status symbol. The demand for luxury homes is driven by factors such as rising wealth among individuals, a desire for exclusivity, and investment potential.

Mid-range homes, on the other hand, cater to the middle-income demographic and are characterized by a balance of affordability and quality. These homes are often located in suburban areas and offer essential amenities that cater to the needs of families. The demand for mid-range homes is driven by factors such as rising disposable incomes, growing middle-class populations, and the preference for family-oriented living spaces. This segment is particularly strong in developing countries where the middle class is expanding rapidly.

Affordable homes are designed to cater to low-income families and individuals. These homes are usually smaller in size and located in less expensive areas. The demand for affordable homes is driven by factors such as government housing schemes, subsidies, and the need to provide housing solutions for low-income groups. Many governments across the world are focusing on affordable housing initiatives to address the housing shortage and improve living conditions for their citizens. This segment is crucial for social stability and econ

Chongqing is one of the four municipalities of China. The city of Chongqing is also one of the fastest growing cities in China with hundreds of skyscrapers in the downtown area. On average, each resident living in Chongqing municipality spent around ***** yuan on housing in 2023.

Concrete Forming Machine Market Outlook

The global concrete forming machine market size was valued at approximately USD 3 billion in 2023 and is projected to reach around USD 4.5 billion by 2032, registering a CAGR of 5% during the forecast period. This growth is driven by the increasing demand for efficient and cost-effective construction solutions, particularly in rapidly urbanizing regions. The growing investment in infrastructure development also fuels this market's expansion, as concrete forming machines offer enhanced precision and speed in construction projects.

One of the primary growth factors for the concrete forming machine market is the surging demand for high-rise buildings in urban areas. As cities continue to expand vertically due to limited horizontal space, the construction industry requires advanced machinery to expedite and improve the quality of construction processes. Concrete forming machines play a crucial role in this context by enabling the creation of complex structures with high precision, thereby reducing labor costs and construction time.

Additionally, government initiatives aimed at modernizing infrastructure are significantly contributing to market growth. Many countries are investing heavily in the development of their roads, bridges, and public transportation systems. These projects often require substantial concrete work, for which forming machines are indispensable. This trend is particularly notable in emerging economies where infrastructure development is a priority for economic growth and social stability.

The adoption of automation in construction processes is another key driver for the concrete forming machine market. With the advent of Industry 4.0, construction companies are increasingly integrating smart technologies into their operations. Automated concrete forming machines not only enhance efficiency but also improve safety by minimizing human intervention in potentially hazardous tasks. This technological advancement is expected to propel market growth further.

The introduction of Automatic Construction Machine technology is revolutionizing the construction industry by significantly enhancing productivity and precision. These machines are equipped with advanced sensors and control systems that allow for real-time adjustments and monitoring, ensuring optimal performance even in complex construction environments. The automation of construction tasks not only reduces the reliance on manual labor but also minimizes human errors, leading to higher quality outcomes. As the industry continues to embrace digital transformation, the demand for automatic construction machines is expected to rise, driven by the need for efficient and sustainable building practices. This shift towards automation is also aligned with the global trend of smart city development, where intelligent infrastructure plays a crucial role.

From a regional perspective, Asia Pacific is anticipated to be the fastest-growing market, driven by rapid urbanization and significant infrastructure investments in countries like China and India. North America and Europe are also expected to exhibit substantial growth, owing to the ongoing renovation and modernization of aging infrastructure. The Middle East & Africa and Latin America regions are likely to see moderate growth, supported by various infrastructure projects and economic development plans.

Product Type Analysis

The concrete forming machine market is segmented into three primary product types: automatic, semi-automatic, and manual machines. Automatic machines represent a significant portion of the market due to their high efficiency and capability to handle large-scale projects. These machines incorporate advanced technologies such as robotics and AI, which enhance precision and reduce the need for manual labor. The initial investment for automatic machines is higher, but their long-term benefits, including reduced operational costs and faster project completion times, make them a preferred choice for large construction companies.

Semi-automatic concrete forming machines are also gaining traction, especially among medium-sized construction firms. These machines offer a balance between cost and functionality, making them suitable for a wide range of construction applications. They provide a degree of automation that enhances productivity while still requiring some level of manual intervention, which can be advantageous for projects

In 2024, the real gross domestic product (GDP) of Shanghai municipality in China increased by around *** percent from the previous year. Shanghai is the most populous city in China and has the largest GDP of all Chinese cities. It is located in Eastern China on the southern estuary at the mouth of the Yangtze river. Development of GDP growth in Shanghai As a bridgehead to global markets and a forerunner in market opening, Shanghai experienced a decades long economic boom, which massively changed the shape of the city. Economic growth rates had double digits for more than two decades since 1992 and were well above the Chinese national average. This changed fundamentally with the global financial crisis. In 2008, the growth rate fell below ten percent and gradually declined thereafter. Growth rates now got closer to the national average of GDP growth. While the economic development in Shanghai has already reached a high level, other regions in China are catching up, and growth rates in many inland regions of China are now higher than in Shanghai. This is especially true on a city level, with many lower-tier cities experiencing higher growth rates than Shanghai. Sector distribution of GDP growth Upon closer examination of the distribution of GDP across economic sectors, it becomes obvious that the service sector of the economy exhibited the highest growth rates in most of the recent years. In 2024, services already accounted for more than ** percent of the value added to the GDP, which is far above the national average. In contrast, the industrial sector, which had once been of great importance to Shanghai's economy, is losing momentum and its share in total economic output is shrinking constantly. Financial intermediation and information industries were branches in the service sector that displayed the fastest growth rates in recent years.

Chongqing is one of the four municipalities of China. The city of Chongqing is also one of the fastest growing cities in China with hundreds of skyscrapers in the downtown area. The value of goods exported from Chongqing municipality amounted to around ***** billion yuan in 2024, up by *** percent compared to the previous year.

By 2035, over 34 million people are projected to call Shanghai home. To reduce this number, the Chinese Government implemented population controls for the city in 2017 which aimed to limit the population living in the administrative area of Shanghai municipality to just around 25 million people in 2035.

Megacity – Shanghai

As China’s cities become increasingly urbanized, the demographic of this megacity has also changed considerably over the years, with more and more Chinese locals and foreigners opting to dwell in Shanghai for work and cultural opportunities. A huge proportion of residents in the city originate from other regions in China. Over 39 percent of the city’s residents are long-term migrants and Shanghai host’s many foreigners and expats.

A global financial hub as well as the largest city by population, Shanghai is located on China’s central coast, making it an ideal location to accommodate the world’s busiest container port. The economic contribution of the city to China is significant - Shanghai’s gross domestic product contribution amounted to almost 4.7 trillion yuan in 2023. Despite recent restrictions to land made available for construction, the value of investment in real estate development in Shanghai has continued to increase. To mitigate the effects of its high population, the city has stated it will intensify environmental protection measures.

Chongqing is one of the four municipalities of China. The city of Chongqing is also one of the fastest growing cities in China with hundreds of skyscrapers in the downtown area. The value of goods imported to Chongqing municipality amounted to around 208.1 billion yuan in 2024, down from 235.5 billion yuan in the previous year.

Nigeria has the largest population in Africa. As of 2025, the country counted over 237.5 million individuals, whereas Ethiopia, which ranked second, has around 135.5 million inhabitants. Egypt registered the largest population in North Africa, reaching nearly 118.4 million people. In terms of inhabitants per square kilometer, Nigeria only ranked seventh, while Mauritius had the highest population density on the whole African continent in 2023. The fastest-growing world region Africa is the second most populous continent in the world, after Asia. Nevertheless, Africa records the highest growth rate worldwide, with figures rising by over two percent every year. In some countries, such as Niger, the Democratic Republic of Congo, and Chad, the population increase peaks at over three percent. With so many births, Africa is also the youngest continent in the world. However, this coincides with a low life expectancy. African cities on the rise The last decades have seen high urbanization rates in Asia, mainly in China and India. However, African cities are currently growing at larger rates. Indeed, most of the fastest-growing cities in the world are located in Sub-Saharan Africa. Gwagwalada, in Nigeria, and Kabinda, in the Democratic Republic of the Congo, ranked first worldwide. By 2035, instead, Africa's fastest-growing cities are forecast to be Bujumbura, in Burundi, and Zinder, Nigeria.

In 2022, the utilized foreign direct investment (FDI) in the Guangdong - Hong Kong - Macao Greater Bay Area amounted to ****** billion U.S. dollars. That year, FDI of around ***** billion U.S. dollars were utilized in Shenzhen, one of the fastest developing cities in the Greater Bay Area.

In 2023, China recorded a sales revenue of around *** billion yuan for gold jewelry. The gold jewelry market in third and lower tier cities was the fastest growing one, achieving a CAGR of **** percent between 2018 and 2023. It was estimated that the sales revenue of gold jewelry in China would reach approximately *** billion yuan in 2028.

In 2020, the value added of the information industry in Shanghai municipality in China amounted to around ***** billion yuan. The information industry is one of the fastest growing economic sectors of the city.