A few years ago, when satellite mapping became highly advanced and accessible to the public, a few researchers embarked on an intriguing project. They wanted to determine the smallest circle on Earth that contained over half of the world's population.
The task proved much harder than expected, taking several months of meticulous calculations. But when they finally got their answer, it was nothing short of astonishing.
At the heart of that circle: Yuxi, China
Yuxi is located in Southwest China, near Kunming, and it sits at the center of the world's most densely populated region with more than half of the world population 4.32 billion living inside a 4,000 km radius circle.
This circle is nothing less than a goldmine for businesses worldwide and I'll explain why.
Access to a massive consumer market
With over half the world's population residing within the Yuxi Circle, businesses have an opportunity to tap into a diverse and growing market. The demand for consumer goods, technology, healthcare, and financial services is continuously expanding, making this region a goldmine for businesses looking to scale rapidly.
For business executives aiming for global dominance, this is a Eureka moment. Just as gold prospectors once shouted "Eureka!" when striking gold, this circle represents the modern-day equivalent of discovering immense untapped wealth. The economic potential here is amazing.
Diverse and skilled workforce
The Yuxi Circle is home to some of the world's most dynamic economies and labor forces. Countries like China, India, and Indonesia have vast pools of highly skilled professionals in sectors such as manufacturing, technology, finance, and engineering. Companies that set up operations in this region can benefit from a competitive workforce at various skill levels.
Strategic trade and logistics hub
Being at the intersection of key global economies, the Yuxi Circle offers unparalleled advantages for logistics and supply chain management. The region has major seaports, airports, and transport infrastructure, facilitating seamless trade between Asia, Europe, and the rest of the world. Notably, over half of the world's population is within a 6-hour flight from Kunming International Airport—a dream scenario for global businesses.
Innovation, technological and financial hub
Many countries within the Yuxi Circle are leading in tech innovation, with cities such as Shenzhen, Bengaluru, and Tokyo emerging as global leaders in AI, fintech, and e-commerce.
Moreover, Hong Kong, one of the world's leading financial hubs, is strategically positioned within the Yuxi Circle. As a global center for finance, trade, and investment, Hong Kong serves as a gateway between Western capital markets and Asian economies, making it an indispensable location for multinational corporations looking to tap into this potential.
The rise of the consumer class
Finally, beyond population size, this is where the money is — and where even more money is going to be. Reports say that more people in the Yuxi Circle will be joining the consumer class in the next six years than exist in North America and Europe combined. The red-hot growth of the middle class in Asia means higher disposable incomes, greater demand for goods and services, and rapid digital adoption.
Reports say that more people in the Yuxi Circle will be joining the consumer class in the next six years than exist in North America and Europe combined.
If I was a business owner, I cannot think of a good reason not to be in the Yuxi Circle.