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A Southeast Asian nation has leapt from 33rd place in 2018 to become the world’s most populous city, surpassing Tokyo and Dhaka with a staggering population of almost 42 million in 2025

Jakarta, the capital of Indonesia, has soared 32 places to become the world’s most populous city, with more than 40 million residents. The Southeast Asian metropolis has jumped from 33rd place in 2018 to the top spot in a new United Nations report ranking the world’s most populous cities.

Overtaking Dhaka, the capital of Bangladesh (in second place with nearly 37 million people) and Tokyo, Japan (third with 33 million), Jakarta boasts an impressive population of almost 42 million in 2025. Intriguingly, all but one of the top ten cities are in Asia, with Cairo, the capital of Egypt, being the exception at seventh place.

The report also emphasises that more than half of the world’s 33 megacities (defined as having 10 million or more inhabitants) are located in Asia. The other cities making up the top ten include New Delhi, the capital of India (with 30.2 million), Shanghai, China (29.6m), Guangzhou, China (27.6m), Manila, Philippines (24.7m), Kolkata, India (22.5m), and Seoul, South Korea (22.5m), according to NBC News.

So where exactly is Jakarta?

Jakarta is the capital of Indonesia, a sprawling Southeast Asian nation nestled between the Indian and Pacific Oceans, made up of thousands of unique islands – reportedly more than 17,000 in total.

Indeed, Indonesia boasts so many islands that authorities have never managed to count them all or assign names to each one, according to the BBC. The capital, Jakarta, sits on Java, the world’s most populous island with an extraordinary 150 million inhabitants.

The Ring of Fire

Located between Sumatra to the east and the tourist hotspot of Bali to the west, Java is dotted with 129 active volcanoes across the Indonesian archipelago, according to Sky News.

Indonesia sits within the Pacific Ring of Fire, a series of volcanoes and areas of seismic activity that line the Pacific Ocean. Java’s Mount Semeru actually erupted just this month.

Life in the capital

A bustling metropolis in Java’s west, Jakarta is “sometimes overlooked” by visitors exploring the island’s stunning historical sites, according to Lonely Planet, but they’re “missing out”.

The travel guide praised the capital’s food scene and coffee, its museums, art galleries and historic quarter, describing it as offering “exciting” nightlife and some of the “best shopping” across Southeast Asia.

Highlights include Old Jakarta, featuring the cobblestone square of Taman Fatahillah, Merdeka Square, the Museum Nasional, Glodok (the city’s Chinatown), and more than 150 shopping malls.

What’s the weather like?

It also noted that the city suffers from congested roads and smog and is both hot and humid throughout the year. Average temperatures reportedly range from 23°C to 33°C.

What type of food can I expect?

The menu boasts traditional Indonesian dishes, such as the fried rice dish nasi goreng, alongside more localised meals — perhaps babi guling (a roast pig dish from Bali) or seafood inspired by the island of Sulawesi.

Migrationology notes two common types of street food: Warung (small restaurants) and Pedagang kaki lima (street vendors).

Other culinary delights spotlighted by the website include Nasi uduk (rice cooked in coconut milk), a soup called Soto Betawi, Woku, Sop kaki kambing (a soup made with goat), and the grilled fish dish Ikan bakar.

Norwich is a historic city that offers a quieter, yet equally enchanting, winter escape compared to the likes of Bath, London, Oxford, Edinburgh or York

As the festive season approaches, many Brits’ thoughts turn to staycations in bustling cities like Bath, London, Oxford, Edinburgh or York, all renowned for their Christmas markets and historic charm. But for those seeking a quieter, cosier winter retreat, Norwich is a hidden gem.

The city was even listed among the top UK staycation destinations for 2024 by StressFreeCarRental.com. John Charnock, CEO of StressFreeCarRental.com, said: “As the nights draw in and the temperatures plummet, it’s inevitable that many of us start to feel a little down at this time of year.”

He highlighted Norwich’s unique appeal as the only British city located within a national park.

John explained: “The picturesque Broads National Park has miles and miles of footpaths for visitors to truly feel at one with nature and help to keep active. Norwich is a great city to connect with the outdoors and practice ecotherapy.”

Norwich Cathedral, a medieval architectural marvel, continues to be the city’s main attraction, drawing in countless tourists, reports the Express.

One visitor wrote on TripAdvisor: “Norwich Cathedral is a beautiful building, which we had said we would visit. Over the years, we have visited many of the major cathedrals in the UK and some in Europe, but we have never been to our local cathedral. After 75 plus years, that time had come. We had coffee in the very modern cafe, and overall, the afternoon was most enjoyable.”

Another added: “This a brilliant place to go whatever the occasion even if your not religious. Light a candle for a lost loved one, sing a hymn, look at the amazing architecture or pray. There are also family events in the summer holidays to occupy the kids.”

Throughout the festive period, the cathedral hosts Christmas services, concerts and a stunning light display, whilst Norwich’s own ‘Winter Wonderland’ is situated conveniently nearby.

Following a day of sightseeing, popping into one of Norwich’s numerous historic pubs, complete with a crackling fire, provides the ideal way to get cosy.

Whilst it might not feature one enormous Christmas market, Norwich comes alive with a selection of smaller, more personal festive gatherings that showcase local creativity.

Norwich is packed with independent retailers and well-known high street names, providing a range of distinctive gifts, keepsakes, and much more.

The city features a bustling marketplace, multiple Christmas markets, the Norwich Lanes, and thriving shopping centres.

There are also late-night shopping Thursdays in the lead-up to Christmas. The city is buzzing with festive spirit, boasting stunning Christmas lights and seasonal events at historic venues like The Assembly House and The Maids Head Hotel.

Elsewhere in Norwich, there’s a wealth of charming walks and cosy pubs to discover.

Norwich Lanes glisten with festive decorations during the winter months, perfect for a tranquil wander. Embark on a riverside walk from Norwich Rail Station along the River Wensum.

You’ll stumble upon historical treasures including Pull’s Ferry, Cow Tower, and Norwich Cathedral, with chances to nip into traditional pubs like the Compleat Angler and The Red Lion for a drink.

For a walk steeped in history, take on the city’s circular route, which follows the banks of the River Wensum and crosses several ancient bridges.

You’ll spot medieval city walls, the towering castle, and various churches, while Norwich’s oldest pub, The Adam and Eve, conveniently sits along the route.