The Asian Development Outlook Report-2019, published by the Asian Development Bank (ADB), revealed striking insights about the growth of urban population in developing Asia. The number of urban inhabitants in this region has multiplied nearly five-fold since 1970. The ADB’s report utilized data from the World Urbanization Prospects report, a publication of the Department of Economic and Social Affairs of the United Nations.
Growth of Urban Population in Developing Asia: 1970 to 2017
The period between 1970 and 2017 witnessed a dramatic increase in the urban population within the Developing Asia group of countries. Over these years, the number of individuals living in urban areas escalated from 375 million to a whopping 1.84 billion. This hefty increase in urban inhabitants, led by the Developing Asia region, accounted for approximately 53% of the global increase. Intriguingly, around two-thirds of the nearly 1.5 billion additional city dwellers in Developing Asia are from India and China. To clarify, Developing Asia refers to a group of 45 countries that are active members of the ADB.
The Speed of Urbanization
The Developing Asia group demonstrated a faster pace of urbanization than the rest of the world, evident not only in terms of absolute growth numbers but also in relation to the rate of growth. The annual average increase in the urban population in this region was 3.4% from 1970 to 2017. This speed superseded the 2.6% seen in the rest of the developing world (largely Africa and Latin America) and the 1.0% in the developed world.
Sustainability and Urban Growth
Urban growth is intrinsically linked to the three dimensions of sustainable development: social, economic, and environmental. Policies managing urban growth have the crucial task of ensuring equal access to infrastructure and social services for all. They must particularly cater to the needs of the urban poor and other vulnerable groups in terms of housing, education, health care, decent work, and a safe environment.
Global Urban Population Statistics
| Country | Urban Population Increase |
|---|---|
| India | 416 million |
| China | 255 million |
| Nigeria | 189 million |
As per the World Urbanization Prospects Report-2018, more people globally reside in urban areas than in rural ones, with 55% of the world’s population living in urban areas in 2018. India, China, and Nigeria are projected to contribute 35% of the growth in the world’s urban population between 2018 and 2050.
With predictions indicating that India will add 416 million, China 255 million, and Nigeria 189 million urban dwellers.
About Asian Development Bank (ADB)
ADB is a regional development bank whose primary objective is promoting social and economic development across Asia. Established in December 1966, its headquarters are based in Manila, Philippines. Japan holds the largest proportion of shares in ADB, closely followed by the USA.