The fastest growing city in Africa is Bujumbura, in Burundi. In 2020, this city had an estimated population of about one million. By 2035, the population of Bujumbura could increase by 123 percent and reach roughly 2.3 million people. Zinder, in Niger, had about half million inhabitants in 2020 and, with a growth rate of 118 percent, is Africa's second fastest growing city. In 2035, Zinder could have over one million residents.

As of 2021, the largest city in whole Africa is Lagos, in Nigeria. Other highly populated cities in Africa are Kinshasa, in Congo, Cairo, and Alexandria, both located in Egypt.

Cities ranking and mega citiesTokyo is the world’s largest city with an agglomeration of 37 million inhabitants, followed by New Delhi with 29 million, Shanghai with 26 million, and Mexico City and São Paulo, each with around 22 million inhabitants. Today, Cairo, Mumbai, Beijing and Dhaka all have close to 20 million inhabitants. By 2020, Tokyo’s population is projected to begin to decline, while Delhi is projected to continue growing and to become the most populous city in the world around 2028.By 2030, the world is projected to have 43 megacities with more than 10 million inhabitants, most of them in developing regions. However, some of the fastest-growing urban agglomerations are cities with fewer than 1 million inhabitants, many of them located in Asia and Africa. While one in eight people live in 33 megacities worldwide, close to half of the world’s urban dwellers reside in much smaller settlements with fewer than 500,000 inhabitants.About the dataThe 2018 Revision of the World Urbanization Prospects is published by the Population Division of the United Nations Department of Economic and Social Affairs (UN DESA). It has been issued regularly since 1988 with revised estimates and projections of the urban and rural populations for all countries of the world, and of their major urban agglomerations. The data set and related materials are available at: https://esa.un.org/unpd/wup/

According to Cognitive Market Research, the global smart city platforms market size was USD 192541.2 million in 2024. It will expand at a compound annual growth rate (CAGR) of 9.00% from 2024 to 2031.

North America held the major market share for more than 40% of the global revenue with a market size of USD 77016.48 million in 2024 and will grow at a compound annual growth rate (CAGR) of 7.2% from 2024 to 2031.
Europe accounted for a market share of over 30% of the global revenue with a market size of USD 57762.36 million.
Asia Pacific held a market share of around 23% of the global revenue with a market size of USD 44284.48 million in 2024 and will grow at a compound annual growth rate (CAGR) of 11.0% from 2024 to 2031.
Latin America had a market share of more than 5% of the global revenue with a market size of USD 9627.06 million in 2024 and will grow at a compound annual growth rate (CAGR) of 8.4% from 2024 to 2031.
Middle East and Africa had a market share of around 2% of the global revenue and was estimated at a market size of USD 3850.82 million in 2024 and will grow at a compound annual growth rate (CAGR) of 8.7% from 2024 to 2031.
The data management platform is the fastest growing segment of the smart city platforms industry

Market Dynamics of Smart city platforms Market

Key Drivers for Smart city platforms Market

Urbanization and population growth to drive market growth

Urbanization and population growth are key drivers of the Smart City Platforms Market, as they create the need for more efficient urban management solutions. Rapid migration to cities places immense pressure on infrastructure, transportation, energy, and public services. To address these challenges, smart city platforms enable cities to optimize resource allocation, improve traffic management, and enhance public safety through data-driven decision-making. As urban populations grow, the demand for sustainable and scalable solutions increases, leading to investments in technologies like IoT, artificial intelligence, and data analytics. These platforms allow city administrators to manage services in real time, ensuring smoother operations and better living conditions. Furthermore, governments worldwide are supporting smart city initiatives to handle the socio-economic impacts of urbanization, boosting the market's expansion.

Increased demand for efficient public services to boost market growth

The increased demand for efficient public services is a major driver of growth in the Smart City Platforms Market. As urban populations expand, cities face pressure to improve the efficiency and quality of essential services such as transportation, healthcare, energy management, and waste disposal. Smart city platforms provide a solution by integrating various urban services through the use of IoT devices, big data, and real-time analytics. By leveraging these technologies, cities can streamline operations, reduce costs, and respond more effectively to residents' needs. For example, smart traffic systems can alleviate congestion, while intelligent energy grids optimize power consumption. Citizens also expect more responsive and transparent services, pushing governments to adopt smart platforms to enhance service delivery and public engagement. This rising demand for smarter, more efficient services is a key factor driving market growth.

Restraint Factor for the Smart city platforms Market

Data privacy and security concerns to limit market growth

Data privacy and security concerns pose significant challenges to the growth of the Smart City Platforms Market. As these platforms rely on massive amounts of data collected from IoT devices, sensors, and city infrastructure, they become potential targets for cyberattacks and unauthorized access. Breaches in public data can compromise critical systems, including transportation, healthcare, and public safety, leading to severe consequences. Citizens are increasingly concerned about how their personal information is being used and protected, which raises issues around trust and transparency. Furthermore, stringent regulations like GDPR and other regional data protection laws require cities to ensure robust security measures, which can increase implementation costs and complexity. The fear of potential data misuse or leaks can slow down the adoption of smart city technologies, limiting market growth despite their benefits.

Impact of Covid-19 on the Smar...

In 2025, the degree of urbanization worldwide was at 58 percent. North America, Latin America, and the Caribbean were the regions with the highest level of urbanization, with over four-fifths of the population residing in urban areas. The degree of urbanization defines the share of the population living in areas defined as "cities". On the other hand, less than half of Africa's population lives in urban settlements. Globally, China accounts for over one-quarter of the built-up areas of more than 500,000 inhabitants. The definition of a city differs across various world regions - some countries count settlements with 100 houses or more as urban, while others only include the capital of a country or provincial capitals in their count. Largest agglomerations worldwideThough North America is the most urbanized continent, no U.S. city was among the top ten urban agglomerations worldwide in 2023. Tokyo-Yokohama in Japan was the largest urban area in the world that year, with 37.7 million inhabitants. New York ranked 13th, with 21.4 million inhabitants. Eight of the 10 most populous cities are located in Asia. ConnectivityIt may be hard to imagine how the reality will look in 2050, with 70 percent of the global population living in cities, but some statistics illustrate the ways urban living differs from suburban and rural living. American urbanites may lead more “connected” (i.e., internet-connected) lives than their rural and/or suburban counterparts. As of 2021, around 89 percent of people living in urban areas owned a smartphone. Internet usage was also higher in cities than in rural areas. On the other hand, rural areas always have, and always will, attract those who want to escape the rush of the city.

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 Chad, South Sudan, Somalia, and the Central African Republic, the population increase peaks at over 3.4 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. African cities are also growing at large rates. Indeed, the continent has three megacities and is expected to add four more by 2050. Furthermore, Africa's fastest-growing cities are forecast to be Bujumbura, in Burundi, and Zinder, Nigeria, by 2035.

Smart City Platform Market Outlook

According to our latest research, the Global Smart City Platform market size was valued at $19.4 billion in 2024 and is projected to reach $83.7 billion by 2033, expanding at a robust CAGR of 17.8% during the forecast period of 2025–2033. One of the major factors fueling the growth of the Smart City Platform market globally is the rapid urbanization coupled with increasing government investments in smart infrastructure to enhance urban living standards. As cities worldwide face mounting pressures from population growth, resource constraints, and the need for sustainable development, smart city platforms are emerging as critical enablers for integrating digital technologies across transportation, energy, governance, and public safety sectors. These platforms help streamline urban operations, improve citizen engagement, and optimize resource utilization, thereby driving widespread adoption and market expansion.

Regional Outlook

North America continues to dominate the Smart City Platform market, accounting for the largest share of the global revenue in 2024, with an estimated market value exceeding $6.8 billion. This region’s leadership is underpinned by its mature technology ecosystem, early adoption of Internet of Things (IoT) solutions, and robust government initiatives such as the Smart Cities Challenge in the United States and Canada’s Smart Cities Plan. The presence of major technology companies and a strong focus on public-private partnerships have further accelerated the deployment of smart city platforms across metropolitan areas. Additionally, stringent regulations around energy efficiency, urban mobility, and public safety have encouraged cities to invest in integrated platforms, reinforcing North America’s preeminent position in the global market.

Asia Pacific is poised to be the fastest-growing region in the Smart City Platform market over the forecast period, projected to register an impressive CAGR of 21.2% from 2025 to 2033. This exceptional growth is attributed to rapid urbanization, significant investments in digital infrastructure, and ambitious smart city initiatives by countries such as China, India, Japan, and South Korea. Massive government funding, coupled with the proliferation of 5G networks and IoT devices, is propelling the adoption of smart city platforms across transportation, energy management, and public safety domains. Moreover, the region’s burgeoning population and rising demand for efficient urban services are driving municipalities to embrace digital transformation, making Asia Pacific a focal point for market expansion and innovation.

Emerging economies in Latin America, the Middle East, and Africa are witnessing a gradual yet steady uptake of Smart City Platform solutions, though growth is tempered by challenges such as limited funding, infrastructural bottlenecks, and regulatory uncertainties. While cities like Dubai, Riyadh, and São Paulo are making significant strides through pilot projects and regional collaborations, widespread adoption remains hindered by disparities in digital literacy, fragmented policy frameworks, and the high upfront costs associated with deploying integrated platforms. However, as international development agencies and private investors increasingly prioritize urban modernization in these regions, there is potential for accelerated growth, particularly in sectors like utilities management and environmental monitoring.

Report Scope

Tree species abundance in Georgetown GuyanaThese data represent the abundance of tree species in Georgetown Guyana. Individual trees with diameter at breast height (1.3 m) greater than 7 cm were counted in 45 transects with dimensions of 200 m in length and 60 m in width (30 m on each side). The Species column represents species identification, Abundance represents counts of each species wihtin each transect, Transect.No. represents a unique identifier for each transect, Transect.Type represents whether transects were commercial or residential, No.of.Buildings represents number of buildings within a transect, total.BA.m2 represents total basal area of all trees in a transect in square meters, total.crownArea.m2 represents the crown area of all tree species in a transect in square meters, Proportion.East.Indian represents proportion of residents of East Indian ancestry in neighborhoods containing transects, Origin.code represents the origin of tree species, Use.Acronym represents use of ...

Nigeria is the African country with the largest population, counting over 230 million people. As of 2024, the largest city in Nigeria was Lagos, which is also the largest city in sub-Saharan Africa in terms of population size. The city counts more than nine million inhabitants, whereas Kano, the second most populous city, registers around 3.6 million inhabitants. Lagos is the main financial, cultural, and educational center in the country. Where Africa’s urban population is booming The metropolitan area of Lagos is also among the largest urban agglomerations in the world. Besides Lagos, another most populated citiy in Africa is Cairo, in Egypt. However, Africa’s urban population is booming in other relatively smaller cities. For instance, the population of Bujumbura, in Burundi, could grow by 123 percent between 2020 and 2035, making it the fastest growing city in Africa and likely in the world. Similarly, Zinder, in Niger, could reach over one million inhabitants by 2035, the second fastest growing city. Demographic urban shift More than half of the world’s population lives in urban areas. In the next decades, this will increase, especially in Africa and Asia. In 2020, over 80 percent of the population in Northern America was living in urban areas, the highest share in the world. In Africa, the degree of urbanization was about 40 percent, the lowest among all continents. Meeting the needs of a fast-growing population can be a challenge, especially in low-income countries. Therefore, there will be a growing necessity to implement policies to sustainably improve people’s lives in rural and urban areas.

Smart Cities Market By Size, Trends, Opportunity, Forecast 2028, By Smart Utilities, By Smart Governance, By Smart Transportation, By Smart Citizens Service, By Region, Competition Forecast and Opportunities

Dynamic Curb Pricing Platform Market Outlook

According to our latest research, the Global Dynamic Curb Pricing Platform market size was valued at $1.2 billion in 2024 and is projected to reach $4.8 billion by 2033, expanding at a robust CAGR of 16.5% during the forecast period from 2025 to 2033. The primary factor driving the growth of the Dynamic Curb Pricing Platform market globally is the increasing urbanization and the urgent need for smarter, more efficient urban mobility solutions. Cities worldwide are grappling with congestion, limited curb space, and increasing demand for flexible parking and loading zones. Dynamic curb pricing platforms leverage advanced technologies such as IoT, AI, and real-time data analytics to optimize curb usage, reduce traffic congestion, and improve overall urban mobility. This surge in smart city initiatives and the integration of digital platforms into municipal infrastructure are anticipated to fuel sustained market growth over the coming years.

Regional Outlook

North America currently holds the largest share of the Dynamic Curb Pricing Platform market, accounting for nearly 42% of global revenue in 2024. The region’s dominance is attributed to its mature urban infrastructure, high adoption rates of smart city technologies, and proactive government policies supporting sustainable urban mobility. Major metropolitan areas in the United States and Canada have been early adopters of dynamic curb management solutions, integrating them into broader transportation and urban planning strategies. The presence of leading technology providers, robust funding for innovation, and strong collaboration between public and private sectors have further cemented North America’s leadership in this market. These factors, combined with a growing emphasis on reducing traffic congestion and emissions, are expected to sustain the region’s market share throughout the forecast period.

Asia Pacific is anticipated to be the fastest-growing region in the Dynamic Curb Pricing Platform market, projected to register a CAGR of 20.3% from 2025 to 2033. Rapid urbanization, increasing vehicle ownership, and the proliferation of smart city projects in countries such as China, India, Japan, and South Korea are fueling demand for advanced curb management solutions. Governments across the region are investing heavily in digital infrastructure and transportation modernization to address mounting urban mobility challenges. The influx of venture capital, expansion of local technology startups, and strategic partnerships with global solution providers are further accelerating market growth in Asia Pacific. As cities strive to balance economic growth with sustainability, the adoption of dynamic curb pricing platforms is set to rise sharply, positioning the region as a key growth engine for the global market.

Emerging economies in Latin America, the Middle East, and Africa are gradually embracing dynamic curb pricing platforms, albeit at a slower pace due to challenges such as limited digital infrastructure, regulatory complexities, and budget constraints. However, pilot projects in major cities like São Paulo, Dubai, and Cape Town are demonstrating the potential benefits of these platforms for improving urban mobility and reducing congestion. Localized demand is being driven by the need to manage rapid urban population growth and increasing commercial vehicle activity. Policy reforms aimed at modernizing transportation systems and fostering public-private partnerships are gradually paving the way for broader adoption. Despite these positive trends, market penetration remains uneven, and overcoming barriers related to funding, technical expertise, and public awareness will be critical for sustained growth in these regions.

Report Scope

City Pass Market Outlook

According to our latest research, the global city pass market size reached USD 2.48 billion in 2024, reflecting the rapid adoption of bundled travel and tourism solutions worldwide. The market is expected to grow at a CAGR of 11.2% from 2025 to 2033, reaching a forecasted value of USD 6.37 billion by 2033. This robust growth is primarily driven by the increasing demand for convenient, cost-effective sightseeing options among international tourists, urban explorers, and local residents. As per our analysis, digital transformation in the travel industry and the rising preference for contactless ticketing are further accelerating the expansion of the city pass market globally.

One of the most significant growth factors for the city pass market is the evolving travel behavior of consumers, who increasingly seek personalized and seamless experiences. The proliferation of smartphones and mobile applications has made it easier for travelers to access, purchase, and utilize city passes, eliminating the need for paper tickets and reducing wait times at attractions. Additionally, the growing awareness of bundled savings and value-added services, such as skip-the-line entry and exclusive discounts, is encouraging both tourists and local residents to opt for city passes over traditional single-entry tickets. The integration of real-time updates, interactive maps, and multi-language support within digital passes further enhances user experience, making city passes an attractive proposition for tech-savvy travelers.

The expansion of urban tourism and the rise in international travel are also fueling the demand for city passes. Major cities across Europe, North America, and Asia Pacific are investing in tourism infrastructure and collaborating with private operators to offer comprehensive city pass packages. These passes often grant access to a diverse range of attractions, including museums, historical landmarks, public transportation, and entertainment venues, thereby simplifying itinerary planning for visitors. Additionally, themed passes and attraction-specific passes are gaining popularity among niche traveler segments, such as families, students, and business travelers, who seek tailored experiences. The increasing focus on sustainable tourism and crowd management by city authorities is further contributing to the adoption of city passes, as they help distribute visitor flow more evenly across attractions.

The regional outlook for the city pass market is marked by strong growth in Europe and North America, which together account for more than 65% of the global market share in 2024. These regions benefit from well-established tourism ecosystems, high tourist footfall, and a mature digital infrastructure. In contrast, the Asia Pacific region is emerging as the fastest-growing market, driven by rising disposable incomes, increasing urbanization, and the growing popularity of domestic and intra-regional travel. Latin America and the Middle East & Africa are also witnessing steady growth, supported by government initiatives to boost tourism and the introduction of innovative city pass products tailored to local preferences. The competitive landscape is characterized by the presence of both global and regional players, each vying to capture a larger share through product differentiation and strategic partnerships.

City Sightseeing has become an integral part of the urban tourism experience, offering a unique way for travelers to explore major cities around the world. These tours provide a comprehensive overview of a city's landmarks and attractions, often including guided commentary that enriches the visitor's understanding of the local culture and history. The convenience of having a structured itinerary, coupled with the flexibility to explore at one's own pace, makes City Sightseeing an attractive option for both first-time visitors and seasoned travelers. As cities continue to expand their tourism offerings, the integration of City Sightseeing tours with city passes enhances the overall value proposition, providing tourists with seamless access to a wide range of experiences. This synergy not only boosts the appeal of city passes but also supports local economies by driving foot traffic to key attractions and businesses.

Turkey experienced the highest annual change in house prices in 2025, followed by North Macedonia and Portugal. In the second quarter of the year, the nominal house price in Turkey grew by **** percent, while in North Macedonia and Portugal, the increase was **** and **** percent, respectively. Meanwhile, some countries saw prices fall throughout the year. That has to do with an overall cooling of the global housing market that started in 2022. When accounting for inflation, house price growth was slower, and even more countries saw the market shrink.

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.

This statistic shows the 25 largest counties in the United States in 2022, by population. In 2022, about 9.72 million people were estimated to be living in Los Angeles County, California.

Additional information on urbanization in the United States

Urbanization is defined as the process by which cities grow or by which societies become more urban. Rural to urban migration in the United States, and around the world, is often undertaken in the search for employment or to enjoy greater access to services such as healthcare. The largest cities in the United States are steadily growing. Given their size, incremental increases yield considerable numerical gains as seen by New York increasing by 69,777 people in 2011, the most of any city. However in terms of percentage growth, smaller cities outside the main centers are growing the fastest, such as Georgetown city and Leander city in Texas.

Urbanization has increased slowly in the United States, rising from 80.77 percent of the population living in urban areas in 2010 to 82.66 percent in 2020. In 2018, the United States ranked 14th in a ranking of countries based on their degree of urbanization. Unlike fully urbanized countries such as Singapore and Hong Kong, the United States maintains a sizeable agricultural industry. Although technological developments have reduced demands for rural labor, labor in the industry and supporting services are still required.

Parking Barrier Market Outlook

The global parking barrier market size in 2023 has been estimated at approximately USD 1.5 billion and is projected to reach USD 2.8 billion by 2032, growing at a compound annual growth rate (CAGR) of around 6.9% during the forecast period. Growth in this market is primarily driven by increasing urbanization, the rising number of vehicles, and the subsequent need for effective parking management solutions. Parking barriers have become an essential part of modern infrastructure, facilitating efficient traffic flow and ensuring security in both residential and commercial settings. As cities continue to expand and car ownership increases, the demand for robust parking management systems, including parking barriers, is expected to significantly grow.

The burgeoning trend of smart city development across the globe is a pivotal growth factor for the parking barrier market. Smart cities aim to integrate advanced technologies to improve urban living, with efficient traffic management systems being a core component. The incorporation of automated parking systems, which frequently utilize parking barriers, is increasingly being viewed as an essential part of infrastructure development. This trend is further supported by governmental initiatives and investments aimed at developing smart urban spaces. Moreover, the integration of IoT and AI in parking solutions to enhance real-time monitoring and management is expected to bolster the adoption of parking barriers, especially automatic ones, over the forecast period.

Another significant growth driver is the rise in vehicular theft and vandalism, which has heightened the need for enhanced security measures in parking areas. Parking barriers serve as a deterrent to unauthorized access, thereby providing a layer of security in both residential and commercial zones. The increasing emphasis on safety and security in urban planning is anticipated to drive the demand for advanced parking barriers. Additionally, technological advancements in barrier systems, such as the development of high-strength materials and more reliable operation mechanisms, are likely to contribute to market growth by offering enhanced performance and durability, meeting the evolving needs of end-users.

The expansion of infrastructure in emerging economies, particularly in Asia Pacific and Latin America, presents substantial opportunities for market growth. Rapid urbanization in countries like China and India has led to a surge in the construction of commercial complexes, residential areas, and public infrastructure projects, all of which require efficient parking solutions. The growing middle class in these regions is purchasing more vehicles, thereby increasing the need for parking management systems. Moreover, the adoption of advanced barrier technologies in these regions is facilitated by an increasing focus on infrastructural modernization, aligning with global standards.

The integration of a Restricted-Access Barrier System is becoming increasingly crucial in the context of modern parking solutions. These systems are designed to provide enhanced security by allowing only authorized vehicles to enter specific areas, thereby reducing the risk of unauthorized access. In commercial and residential settings, restricted-access barriers are often integrated with advanced access control technologies, such as RFID and biometric systems, to ensure that only permitted individuals can gain entry. This not only enhances security but also streamlines traffic flow by minimizing congestion at entry and exit points. As urban areas continue to grow, the demand for such sophisticated barrier systems is expected to rise, driven by the need for improved safety and efficiency in parking management.

Regionally, the parking barrier market shows a varied outlook. North America is expected to maintain a significant market share, driven by the presence of a robust automotive industry and stringent regulations regarding parking management. Europe is also anticipated to exhibit strong growth due to high vehicle density and well-established infrastructure, alongside a growing focus on smart city development. Asia Pacific is projected to be the fastest-growing region due to rapid urbanization, increasing vehicle sales, and significant government initiatives towards infrastructure development. Meanwhile, the Middle East & Africa and Latin America are also expected to witness moderate growth, driven by infrastructural advancements and increasing urbanization.

In 2022, ****** was home to the highest number of millionaires, followed by India’s capital New Delhi, and the IT capital - Bengaluru. This comes as no surprise since all three cities have the largest share of high net worth households along with a booming economic outlook. Overall, India had around *** billionaires as of March 2023, and ranked third globally in terms of its ultra-net-worth individuals. A growing wealth gap Despite this, India also has a very high wealth inequality with millions of people living below the poverty line. In fact, according to the last census, the state of Maharashtra (with Mumbai as its capital city) had the highest number of slums across the country with over *** million households. Furthermore, according to a 2015 study on the geography of the super-rich, Bangalore was ranked first in terms of the inequality between its rich and poor, with the wealth of the city’s billionaires being ******* times that of the average per capita GDP in the city. Mumbai came second in this listing, while Delhi was ranked fifth. It's a rich man's world As of 2018, the richest ** percent of Indians owned **** percent of the country’s wealth. The Indian economy was also seen to be one of the fastest growing economies across the world. This indicates the level of unequal distribution of wealth in the country. This is a matter of grave concern and has several implications in terms of the country’s development and progress.

Cairo, in Egypt, ranked as the most populated city in Africa as of 2025, with an estimated population of over 23 million inhabitants living in Greater Cairo. Kinshasa, in Congo, and Lagos, in Nigeria, followed with some 17.8 million and 17.2 million, respectively. Among the 15 largest cities in the continent, another one, Kano, was located in Nigeria, the most populous country in Africa. Population density trends in Africa As of 2023, Africa exhibited a population density of 50.1 individuals per square kilometer. Since 2000, the population density across the continent has been experiencing a consistent annual increment. Projections indicated that the average population residing within each square kilometer would rise to approximately 58.5 by the year 2030. Moreover, Mauritius stood out as the African nation with the most elevated population density, exceeding 627 individuals per square kilometre. Mauritius possesses one of the most compact territories on the continent, a factor that significantly influences its high population density. Urbanization dynamics in Africa The urbanization rate in Africa was anticipated to reach close to 45.5 percent in 2024. Urbanization across the continent has consistently risen since 2000, with urban areas accommodating only around a third of the total population then. This trajectory is projected to continue its rise in the years ahead. Nevertheless, the distribution between rural and urban populations shows remarkable diversity throughout the continent. In 2024, Gabon and Libya stood out as Africa’s most urbanized nations, each surpassing 80 percent urbanization. As of the same year, Africa's population was estimated to expand by 2.27 percent compared to the preceding year. Since 2000, the population growth rate across the continent has consistently exceeded 2.3 percent, reaching its pinnacle at 2.63 percent in 2013. Although the growth rate has experienced a deceleration, Africa's population will persistently grow significantly in the forthcoming years.