Signal Nine of ten future megacities expected in the developing world

Summary

The Megatrends 2040 report expects nine out of ten future megacities, defined as cities of more than 10 million people, to be located in the developing world. These regions are projected to account for 90% to 95% of urban expansion over the coming decades. Most urban population growth is expected in Asia, Africa and Latin America. The report contrasts this with some Asian and European cities that have recently lost population because of low fertility, economic contraction, migration or natural disasters. The shift suggests that the challenges and opportunities of large-scale urbanisation will be concentrated outside the advanced economies.