Special Report: world's fastest growing cities are in Asia and Africa

Printer-friendly versionPDF version

Author:Countries and Consumers

Date published:2 Mar 2010

The world is undergoing the largest wave of urban growth in history. In 2007, for the first time, more than half of the world's population were living in cities. In the 2000s, the fastest and largest urban growth took place in Asia and Africa, creating huge opportunities for investors and marketers of consumer goods and services, but also increasing risks of environmental and social hazards.

Key points

Cities in the developing world

Slow growth in Europe and North America

In Europe and North America, fast-growing cities are rare and present the greatest business potential amid general population stagnation:

Opportunities for businesses

Yet rapid urban growth also creates risks:

Consumption patterns depend on the drivers of growth

Prospects

Asia and Africa will continue to lead the world's urbanisation trend:

Countries and Consumers

News Source : Special Report: world's fastest growing cities are in Asia and Africa