Bengaluru in India leads the list as the fastest-developing city globally, followed by Ho Chi Minh City, Vietnam. Vietnam has two cities in the top 15, with Ho Chi Minh City benefiting from the rapid rise of high-income families and Hanoi thriving due to its growing middle class and increasing personal wealth.
Cities around the world are expanding at a record pace. Currently, about 55% of the global population lives in urban areas a number expected to grow to 68% by 2050. According to the United Nations, nearly 2.5 billion more people will live in cities by mid-century, with 90% of this growth happening in Asia and Africa.
Asia Dominates the Fastest-Developing Cities
Asia is now at the center of this global urban transformation. Savills Growth Hub’s list of the fastest-developing cities features 14 out of the top 15 cities from Asia. Countries such as Vietnam, India, and the Philippines are witnessing a surge in personal wealth, fueling a rapidly expanding middle class. Many households in these nations are projected to earn over $70,000 annually in the coming years.
Bengaluru Tops the Global List of the Fastest-Developing Cities
Bengaluru, India, ranks as the world’s fastest-developing city, followed closely by Ho Chi Minh City, Vietnam. Vietnam features twice in the top 15 with Ho Chi Minh City benefiting from a rise in high-income families, and Hanoi thriving due to growing middle-class wealth and improved living standards.
China Five Cities in Fastest-Developing Cities List
Despite a slowing economy, China still has five cities among the top 15: Shenzhen, Guangzhou, Suzhou, Wuhan, and Dongguan. These cities continue to thrive, supported by large-scale infrastructure development and strong connectivity networks that attract new industries and workers.
India’s Urban Future
In India, about 35% of the population currently lives in cities a figure expected to rise sharply in the coming decades. The country has five cities featured among the global top 15 growth hubs. New Delhi is projected to become the world’s most populous city by 2030, driven by migration from Tier-2 and Tier-3 cities.
Economic Growth of India
India’s vibrant services sector, including banking, finance, and technology, is set to power cities like Bengaluru, Mumbai, and Hyderabad. These cities are expected to post the highest GDP growth per capita over the next decade, reinforcing their status as key drivers of global economic growth.
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