Overpopulated cities are urban areas that have more people than they can sustainably support. Overpopulation can lead to various environmental, economic, and social challenges that affect the quality of life of the residents and the future of the city. Some of the factors that contribute to overpopulation are high birth rates, low death rates, rural-urban migration, and lack of family planning.
Some examples of overpopulated cities are:
- Dhaka, Bangladesh: Dhaka is the most overpopulated city in the world and the capital of Bangladesh. It has a population of 17.4 million and a population density of 47,400 people per square kilometer. Dhaka faces problems such as air pollution, water scarcity, waste management, and traffic congestion. Dhaka also suffers from poverty, slums, crime, and social unrest.
- Mumbai, India: Mumbai is the largest city in India and the fourth most overpopulated city in the world. It has a population of 23.3 million and a population density of 26,400 people per square kilometer. Mumbai is known for its film industry, but also for its environmental degradation, urban sprawl, and social inequality. Mumbai struggles with issues such as flooding, sanitation, housing, and health care.
- Karachi, Pakistan: Karachi is the largest city in Pakistan and the third most overpopulated city in the world. It has a population of 13 million and a population density of 24,900 people per square kilometer. Karachi is a major economic and cultural center, but also a hotspot for violence, corruption, and terrorism. Karachi faces challenges such as power outages, water shortages, and pollution.
- Istanbul, Turkey: Istanbul is the largest city in Turkey and the second most overpopulated city in the world. It has a population of 13.9 milion and a population density of 27,000 people per square kilometer. Istanbul is a historic and cosmopolitan city, but also a crowded and chaotic one. Istanbul deals with problems such as urbanization, immigration, and infrastructure.
- Shanghai, China: Shanghai is the largest city in China and the most overpopulated city in the world. It has a population of 17.8 million and a population density of 37,800 people per square kilometer. Shanghai is a global financial and commercial hub, but also a source of environmental and social stress. Shanghai confronts issues such as land reclamation, climate change, and aging population.
These are some of the examples of overpopulated cities that illustrate the need for sustainable and inclusive urban development. Overpopulated cities can benefit from policies and practices that promote family planning, education, health care, urban planning, green development, and social justice.
