Population statistics and forecasts for three major cities between 1990 and 2000

The table illustrates the actual population figures for Sao Paulo, Jakarta, and Shanghai in 1990 and 2000, alongside the population forecasts made for 2000. Overall, the data reveals that population growth trends varied considerably across these cities, with Jakarta experiencing a much sharper increase than originally anticipated, whereas the other two cities grew more slowly than predicted.

In 1990, Sao Paulo was the most populous city at 15 million, followed by Shanghai at 13.5 million and Jakarta at 9.5 million. By 2000, Sao Paulo's population had risen to 18 million, which was notably lower than the 24 million predicted. Similarly, Shanghai experienced a decline in its population to 12.5 million by 2000, falling well below the 17 million forecast made a decade earlier.

In contrast, Jakarta demonstrated a different trend. Its population surged to 17.5 million by 2000, representing a substantial increase from its 1990 figure of 9.5 million. This actual figure significantly surpassed the 14 million predicted in 1990. Consequently, by the end of the decade, Jakarta had overtaken both Sao Paulo and Shanghai to become the most populous city among the three.