FFF: Fastest Growing Metropolitan Regions in the World

A very comprehensive report by The Brookings Institute reveals just how rapidly the cities of the developing world are growing. In the midst of the largest human migration from the countryside to cities, the report portends a rise in living standards for millions as well as highlights the challenges in sustainably providing energy and food for the inhabitants of these thriving metropolises.

The Brookings report analyzed “per capita GDP (income) and employment changes in the 2010 to 2011 period for 200 of the world’s largest metropolitan economies, which account for nearly one-half (48 percent) of global output but contain only 14 percent of world population and employment.” The study reveals that, 

• Ninety (90) percent of the fastest-growing metropolitan economies among the 200 largest worldwide were located outside North America and Western Europe.
• By contrast, 95 percent of the slowest-growing metro economies were in the United States, Western Europe, and earthquake-damaged Japan.
• Dallas and Houston, Texas were the only two cities in North America to make the top 40.
• The highest per capita GDP of all the metro areas studied was found in Hartford, CT.
• 10 of the top 40 cities are found in China, including Shanghai, the fastest growing metropolitan region in the world in 2011