As of 2022, Cairo was the most populated city in the North African region with over *** million inhabitants. It was followed by Alexandria and Casablanca, with *** million and *** million people, respectively. Egypt is the most populous country in North Africa.

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.

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.

The below dataset shows the top 800 biggest cities in the world and their populations in the year 2024. It also tells us which country and continent each city is in, and their rank based on population size. Here are the top ten cities:

• Tokyo, Japan - in Asia, with 37,115,035 people.
• Delhi, India - in Asia, with 33,807,403 people.
• Shanghai, China - in Asia, with 29,867,918 people.
• Dhaka, Bangladesh - in Asia, with 23,935,652 people.
• Sao Paulo, Brazil - in South America, with 22,806,704 people.
• Cairo, Egypt - in Africa, with 22,623,874 people.
• Mexico City, Mexico - in North America, with 22,505,315 people.
• Beijing, China - in Asia, with 22,189,082 people.
• Mumbai, India - in Asia, with 21,673,149 people.
• Osaka, Japan - in Asia, with 18,967,459 people.

The Urban Social Disorder (USD) dataset v2.0 contains information on urban ‘social disorder’ events occurring in capitals and other major cities of the developing world for the 1960-2014 period. Version 2 of the dataset covers 103 major cities in 89 different countries, with near complete coverage of the largest cities in Sub-Saharan Africa, Central- and East Asia, the Middle East and North-Africa, and Latin America.

The dataset contains detailed information on the individual event, coded in csv format and supplied with extracts from the Keesing’s text files. The data are further organized into aggregated annual and monthly counts of violent and non-violent events per city, facilitating cross-sectional time-series analyses. An overview table for all the cities provides useful meta-data such as geographic coordinates and ID keys for conveniently linking with other city-specific datasets.

A total of 9,018 events have been recorded for these cities, of which 3,797 involved lethal casualties. The data are compiled from electronic news reports in the Keesing’s Record of World Events and cover different forms of both violent and non-violent politically motivated disorder, including: - strikes - demonstrations - rioting - terrorism - assassinations - coup d’états - warfare/battles

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Urban Planning Software Market Size 2024-2028

The Urban Planning Software Market size is estimated to grow by USD 4.05 billion at a CAGR of 7.81% between 2023 and 2028. Infrastructure development is a priority area for many governments and organizations worldwide, driven by increasing investments and a growing focus on building smart cities. This trend is fueled by several factors, including the expanding middle-class population and the need for efficient, modern infrastructure to support economic growth and improve quality of life. Infrastructure projects encompass various sectors, such as transportation, energy, water supply, and telecommunications, and require significant capital investment and advanced technology. As a result, the infrastructure industry is poised for continued growth and innovation, offering opportunities for businesses and investors alike.

What will be the size of the Market During the Forecast Period?

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Market Dynamics

The market is witnessing significant growth due to the increasing number of non-residential construction projects and infrastructure development activities in response to the growing urban population. City planners are leveraging technology to efficiently manage and design urban spaces. The market is segmented into components, which include software and services, and segments, such as the cloud-based segment and web-based segment. Government bodies are also investing in urban planning software to optimize budgets and implement smart city technologies. Emerging countries are leveraging technology advancements and cloud software to enhance construction processes and infrastructure development, with a focus on designing residential buildings, roads, bridges, and rail systems, supported by skilled professionals and real estate companies, while government agencies and service companies implement training programs and resource management solutions to optimize engineering and architectural plans. The latest trends include the integration of 5G technology and data centers to enhance the functionality and efficiency of these tools. Open-source software is gaining popularity due to its cost-effectiveness and flexibility. The United Nations (UN) has emphasized the importance of urban planning to address the challenges of urbanization and sustainability. Urban planning software plays a crucial role in this regard, enabling city planners to create harmonious and livable urban spaces. The market is expected to continue its growth trajectory in the coming years, driven by the increasing demand for efficient and technologically advanced urban planning solutions.

Key Market Driver

One of the key factors driving the market growth is the growing middle-class population. The increasing middle-class population in developing countries in APAC, South America, and MEA is expected to significantly contribute to the market growth. In addition, there is an increase in per capita income due to the rapidly increasing economic activities in developing economies such as China, India, Argentina, Indonesia, and South Africa.

Moreover, the rise in the gross domestic product (GDP) per capita in these countries is also fuelling the rise in the disposable income of the population. In addition, a majority of the population is opting for long-term investment opportunities due to factors such as rapid industrial, manufacturing, and economic developments in these countries, fuelled by urbanization. As a result, there is an increasing adoption of software for different real-estate projects. Hence, such factors are positively impacting the market which, in turn, will drive the growth during the forecast period.

Significant Market Trend

A key factor shaping the market growth is the use of blockchain technology in software. There is a rapid advancement in technologies that can resolve the challenges associated with the openness of data and procedures in the market. The advent of blockchain technology enables transparency at all levels of activity in urban planning making it effective.

Moreover, the main advantage of using blockchain in urban planning is that there is a reduction in fraud and transaction duplication as every record is encrypted. Furthermore, the implementation of blockchain offers smooth and quick transactions by doing away with the necessity for a middleman. Hence, such factors are positively impacting the market trends which in turn will drive the market growth during the forecast period.

Major Market Challenge

The threat of open-source urban planning software is one of the key challenges hindering growth. There is a growing popularity for open-source software which poses a significant threat to the market. There is an increasing preference for open-source software as it is widely available on the Internet and can be downloaded easily.

Moreover, open-source software provides cost be

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Smart City Information And Communication Technologies Infrastructure Market Size 2024-2028

The smart city information and communication technologies (ICT) infrastructure market size is forecast to increase by USD 138.6 billion at a CAGR of 23.74% between 2023 and 2028.

The market is experiencing significant growth due to several key trends and factors. Firstly, the increasing investments in smart cities worldwide are driving market expansion. Secondly, the proliferation of smart city projects in emerging economies is creating new opportunities for market growth. Thirdly, the growing adoption of Machine-to-Machine (M2M) communication in various industries, including transportation, energy, and healthcare, is fueling the demand for advanced ICT infrastructure. Additionally, the integration of Internet of Things (IoT) technologies and the implementation of 5G networks are expected to further boost market growth. Overall, the Smart City ICT infrastructure market is poised for strong growth In the coming years as more cities embrace digital transformation to enhance their livability, sustainability, and efficiency.

What will be the Size of the Smart City Information And Communication Technologies (ICT) Infrastructure Market During the Forecast Period?

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The market encompasses innovative technology solutions for various sectors including Smart Grid, Smart Water Network, Smart Healthcare, Smart Education, Smart Security, Smart Transport, Express Industry, Digital Infrastructure, and more. Population expansion in urban areas, driven by the Smart Cities Mission, necessitates operational efficiency and citizens' welfare. Silicon Valleys and Intellectual Metropolis serve as hubs for technological advancements, propelling the market forward. Smart Grid ensures efficient energy management, while Smart Water Network promotes water conservation. Smart Healthcare facilitates remote patient monitoring and telemedicine services. Smart Education offers digital learning solutions, and Smart Security ensures public safety.
Smart Transportation eases commuting, and Smart Governance enhances city management. Smart Buildings optimize energy usage, and Smart Transportation and Smart Energy contribute to sustainable development. Urban practitioners prioritize the importance of Smart Security, Smart Transport, and Smart Residents in enhancing urban landscapes. Overall, the market is expected to grow significantly, driven by the need for operational efficiency and citizens' welfare In the context of urbanization and sustainable development.

How is this Smart City Information And Communication Technologies (ICT) Infrastructure Industry segmented and which is the largest segment?

The industry research report provides comprehensive data (region-wise segment analysis), with forecasts and estimates in 'USD billion' for the period 2024-2028, as well as historical data from 2018-2022 for the following segments.

Application

  Communication
  Transportation
  Express
  Governement
  Education


Component

  Smart utilities
  Smart transport
  Smart home and building
  Others


Geography

  Europe

    Germany
    UK
    Spain


  North America

    US


  APAC

    Japan


  Middle East and Africa



  South America

By Application Insights

The communication segment is estimated to witness significant growth during the forecast period. The communication segment of the global smart city ICT infrastructure market plays a pivotal role in facilitating seamless interaction between cities and their stakeholders. This segment comprises various technologies and solutions, such as wireless networks and broadband infrastructure. Wireless networks, including 5G networks and fiber-optic internet, serve as the foundation for smart city communications, enabling citizens and businesses to access essential services and information anywhere withIn the city. High-speed broadband connectivity is essential for several smart city applications, such as smart transportation, smart buildings, and smart energy. Additionally, this infrastructure supports the implementation of smart grid, smart water networks, smart healthcare, smart education, smart security, and other innovative technologies that contribute to operational efficiency, citizens' welfare, and sustainable development.

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The communication segment was valued at USD 14.20 billion in 2018 and showed a gradual increase during the forecast period.

Regional Analysis

Europe is estimated to contribute 44% to the growth of the global market during the forecast period. Technavio's analysts have elaborately explained the regional trends and drivers that shape the market during the forecast period. The market is experiencing significant growth due to urbanization and industrial transformation worldwide.

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.

The projected revenue from smart city technologies, products, and service generated by major companies located in Europe is forecast to reach **** billion U.S. dollars in 2021. Companies from North America are expected to reach revenues from smart city of about ** billions U.S. dollars in the same year.

This revenue includes all revenue that companies generate by offering technologies and products that use information and data technologies to create more value within the public city environment. This includes companies that provide the necessary infrastructure (e.g. cloud computing and connectivity technologies) for cities to be able to use these technologies. Smart home products are not included. All companies considered here were headquartered in Europe, Asia, or North America. Therefore no revenue is shown for South America, Australia, and Africa.

As of 2023, South Africa's population increased and counted approximately 62.3 million inhabitants in total, of which the majority inhabited Gauteng, KwaZulu-Natal, and the Western-Eastern Cape. Gauteng (includes Johannesburg) is the smallest province in South Africa, though highly urbanized with a population of over 16 million people according to the estimates. Cape Town, on the other hand, is the largest city in South Africa with nearly 3.43 million inhabitants in the same year, whereas Durban counted 3.12 million citizens. However, looking at cities including municipalities, Johannesburg ranks first. High rate of young population South Africa has a substantial population of young people. In 2024, approximately 34.3 percent of the people were aged 19 years or younger. Those aged 60 or older, on the other hand, made-up over 10 percent of the total population. Distributing South African citizens by marital status, approximately half of the males and females were classified as single in 2021. Furthermore, 29.1 percent of the men were registered as married, whereas nearly 27 percent of the women walked down the aisle. Youth unemployment Youth unemployment fluctuated heavily between 2003 and 2022. In 2003, the unemployment rate stood at 36 percent, followed by a significant increase to 45.5 percent in 2010. However, it fluctuated again and as of 2022, over 51 percent of the youth were registered as unemployed. Furthermore, based on a survey conducted on the worries of South Africans, some 64 percent reported being worried about employment and the job market situation.

The two countries with the greatest shares of the world's Jewish population are the United States and Israel. The United States had been a hub of Jewish immigration since the nineteenth century, as Jewish people sought to escape persecution in Europe by emigrating across the Atlantic. The Jewish population in the U.S. is largely congregated in major urban areas, such as New York, Los Angeles, and Chicago, with the New York metropolitan area being the city with the second largest Jewish population worldwide, after Tel Aviv, Israel. Israel is the world's only officially Jewish state, having been founded in 1948 following the first Arab-Israeli War. While Jews had been emigrating to the holy lands since the nineteenth century, when they were controlled by the Ottoman Empire, immigration increased rapidly following the establishment of the state of Israel. Jewish communities in Eastern Europe who had survived the Holocaust saw Israel as a haven from persecution, while the state encouraged immigration from Jewish communities in other regions, notably the Middle East & North Africa. Smaller Jewish communities remain in Europe in countries such as France, the UK, and Germany, and in other countries which were hotspots for Jewish migration in the twentieth century, such as Canada and Argentina.