Most cities grow slowly over centuries. These places took a different approach. Governments simply decided where a city should go, drew it on a map, and started building. Some became enormous successes while others still feel surprisingly unfinished today. Planned cities have become increasingly common as countries try to relieve overcrowding, move capitals, or jumpstart economic growth.
1. Brazil Built Brasília in Just Four Years
Brazil wanted a capital that was closer to the center of the country instead of crowded coastal Rio de Janeiro. Construction began in 1956 and Brasília officially became the capital in 1960 after being built in just 41 months. Today, millions of people live there.
2. China Turned Shenzhen Into A Megacity
In 1980, Shenzhen was little more than a fishing community near Hong Kong. After being designated a Special Economic Zone, growth exploded. Today, Shenzhen has become one of the world’s largest technology and manufacturing centers.
3. Pakistan Created Islamabad From Scratch
Pakistan wanted a capital that was better positioned geographically and closer to military headquarters than Karachi. Islamabad was planned during the 1960s and quickly became one of the country’s most modern cities.
4. Nigeria Built Abuja To Replace Lagos
Lagos had become overcrowded and politically sensitive because of its coastal location. Nigeria responded by creating Abuja in the center of the country and officially moving the capital there in 1991.
5. Myanmar Created Naypyidaw Almost Overnight
Construction on Naypyidaw began in 2002 and government offices started relocating just a few years later. The city became famous for its enormous roads and surprisingly small population.
6. Indonesia Is Building Nusantara Right Now
Indonesia is currently building Nusantara to eventually replace Jakarta as the country’s capital. It may become one of the largest planned-city projects of the twenty-first century.