Guangzhou, the capital of Guangdong province and one of the largest megacities globally, operates as a sub-provincial city under the Guangzhou Municipal People's Government, overseeing 11 districts with a population of 18.73 million within its administrative boundaries. The broader functional urban area, which includes the urban core and surrounding commuting zones, reaches nearly 40 million people, placing Guangzhou among the world’s largest megacities alongside Tokyo. As part of the Guangdong-Hong Kong-Macau Greater Bay Area, Guangzhou collaborates with cities like Shenzhen, Hong Kong, and Macau to enhance regional connectivity and development.
While Guangzhou did not have any rapid transit infrastructure in 1975, today 21% of its residents live near rapid transit, exceeding the average of 13% for other covered cities from the Asia-Pacific region. The city has also improved air quality, with NO₂ levels decreasing by 30%. Additionally, 38% of elected local government positions in Guangzhou are held by women, surpassing regional and global averages.
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