10 Largest Cities In The World: The Magnificent Megacities

Krishnapriya R
18 Min Read

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The cities are persistently evolving, all day and night with high population growth rates to keep an eye on. This is applicable when stating the largest cities in the World. Are you aware of the fact that the largest urban area of the world has the same population as that of the entire Country of Canada?

Who doesn’t get Curious To know About The population Numbers that The World is running With? Let us give You a Short but Wonderful Experience About some of The Largest Cities in the World in a Nutshell.

The Largest Cities In The World: Some Insights

Largest Cities in the World
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The United Nations Census for 2018 underlines the data curation of population growth in major cities, by listing out 33 megacities with over 10 million population. The Official Website report estimated that by 2040, we would have an additional nine cities on the list. The Census also draws attention to 27 cities that are located in regions that are less densely populated. These numbers are expected an increase by 36 in 2030 as more people could be visiting these fastest-growing cities.

Interesting Facts

1. Countries

Russia

The classification of the largest cities in the world is based on the area and population of the located countries. Russia, despite being the largest country in the area covering over 17.13 million square kilometers has a relatively small population. In Moscow-the capital city of Russia, over 12,926 people share each square mile. The city is known as the Northernmost megacity on the planet.

The Official website states that the population of the country is about 146.2 million and is the most populous country in Europe, and the ninth-most populous country. It is stated that nearly 110 million of the population reside in cities and urban areas of the country.

Largest cities in the world
Image by Serge Kutuzov/ Unsplash

China

China, the most populated Country is home to many of the most populous cities on the list. With an area of 9.59 million square kilometers, China holds the World’s largest population that touched a mark of 1.44 billion of the total population.

However, these figures are expected to drop by 2020-2030 as a decline of 0.5 percent was noted on the average population growth of the country. China also holds some of the largest cities in the world, including Tokyo, Chongqing, Shangai, and Beijing along with several other cities. These large cities are the economic hubs of China.

India 

The Indian population stood at a mark of 1.38 billion, becoming the second-most populous country behind China and is home to some of the largest cities in the world. As per the estimations of the World Population Review, it is predicted that India is most likely to overtake China to become the most populous country by 2027.

The country’s population mark may touch the 1.5 billion benchmark by 2030. At an international level, India accounts for about 2.4 percent of the World’s surface but supports about 16.9 percent of the Total World’s population.

2. Cities

London

London is the capital and the largest city of England and the United Kingdom. It is one of the World’s global cities and the biggest economy in Europe. The city accounts for a total population of 9.4 million, is the third-most populous city in Europe. As one of the major financial Centres in the World, London is a hub of higher educational institutions, tourism, fashion, media, and entertainment.

Largest cities in the world
Image by Sam Trotman/ Unsplash

New York City

New York City, known as NYC is the most populous city in the United States and holds a population of over 8.8 Million residents distributed over 300.46 square miles. The city is densely populated and is the largest metropolitan area in the world by urban area. New York City has been considered the world’s most populous megacities, as the city is the cultural, financial, and media capital of the World.

A Take On The Largest Cities In The World

Growth happens in all sizes and numbers and we have made a list of the World’s 10 largest cities based upon area, population, and growth factors.

Records on World Population Review show that One out of five people worldwide lives in a major city with more than 1 million inhabitants compared to rural areas. Let’s have a look at some of the largest cities in the World.

10 Most Populous Cities: Cultural And Economic Factors

1. Tokyo, Japan- Largest City In The World

Tokyo is the capital city of Japan and the first among the biggest cities in the World. This prefecture of Japan is a mix of ultramodern and traditional cultures with skyscrapers and historic temples to light up the city. This Japanese city is a part of the Kanto region on the central Pacific coast of Honshu, which is one of Japan’s main islands.

The estimated city population is about 14.04 million according to the Official Website. The Greater Tokyo Area is the most populated city with an estimated population of 37.39 million residents. Being the largest city in the World, Tokyo is known as the economic and political center of the country as well as the seat of the national government and Emperor of Japan. Tokyo is the largest urban economy by Gross Domestic Product(GDP) and is categorized as an Alpha+ city.

2. Delhi, India

Largest cities in the world
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Delhi, officially known as the National Capital Territory of Delhi is second among the largest cities in the world and Union territory of India with New Delhi as the capital. It is located in the eastern part of Uttar Pradesh, with Harayana sharing its borders.

Delhi’s total population, including the National Capital Region (NCR), has an estimated population of about 31 million, making it the World’s second-largest populated city according to the Official website of the United Nations.

Being one of the most populous cities, Delhi is of great significance considering its impact on the historical and cultural aspects of the population of India. The capital city of Delhi is one of the oldest and largest cities in the world with about 1200 heritage buildings, and 175 monuments that are considered national heritage sites and major tourist attractions of the country.

3. Shanghai, China

Largest cities in the world
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Shanghai, the most populous urban area in China is located on the southern estuary of the Yangtze River. The city population is about 24.87 million. Being one of the most populated cities in the World, Shanghai is considered the national center for commerce, trade, transportation, and many international companies working within China.

The Shanghai Metro is the longest Metro System that is spread across the city with almost 393 stations, covering 644km. The Port of Shanghai is the World’s business container port, contributing a large part of the business in China.

Being one of The Largest Cities in The World, Shangai is an Important International city that also hosts many national and international events every year, including Chinese Grand Pix and Shanghai Fashion Week. Shanghai also contributes to the Tourism Industry of China becoming the highest-earning tourist city.

4. Sao Paulo, Brazil

Largest cities in the world
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Sao Paulo is a city located in the Southeast Region of Brazil and is listed as an alpha global city. It is ranked 4th among the largest cities in the World, as it exerts strong International influence in entertainment, business, commerce, and arts. The city is the capital of the state of Sao Paulo- the wealthiest state in Brazil with a high population.

Almost 30 million inhabitants reside in the metropolitan areas of the city, making Sao Paulo one of the urban areas with the highest population in Brazil. This metropolis is home to 63% of the established multinationals in Brazil and is considered the Economic core of the Country.

Being Brazil’s largest city, Sao Paulo is the home to major tourist spots in Brazil

  • Museum of Ipiranga
  • The Latin American Memorial
  • The Sao Paulo Museum of Art
  • The Museum of the Portuguese language.

This metropolitan area is also famous for its astonishing architecture and tallest skyscrapers, such as the Mirante do Vale and North Tower.

5. Mexico City, Mexico

largest cities in the world
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Mexico City, the capital and largest city of Mexico is the most populous city in North America. the city is located in the Valley of Mexico in the high Plateaus at an altitude of 2,240 meters. The city constitutes a land area of 1,485 square kilometers. Greater Mexico City has a population of 21,918,936 and is the second-largest Metropolitan area in the Western Hemisphere and one of the largest cities in the world.

Greater Mexico City is one of the most productive urban areas and has a GDP of $411 billion. It is one of the most important economic hubs of Latin America and is ranked as the 30th largest economy and the eighth richest country in the World with a high population.

The City’s best tourist attractions and popular things to do are in the historic city center, which is a UNESCO World Heritage Site with more than 1400 important buildings. It is a major tourist destination for many foreign tourists.

6. Cairo, Egypt

Largest cities in the world
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Cairo is the capital of Egypt and one of the largest cities in Egypt. The Cairo metropolitan area is the largest metropolitan area and the sixth-largest country The city’s population is about 21.32 million. The city is located near the Nile Delta and is considered a city with a ” Beta+ classification.

The city is spread over 453 square kilometers and holds a population of over 9 million and the metro system of Cairo is one of the fifteen busiest metro systems in the world. the city is one of the oldest in the Arab world and accounts for about 11% of Egypt’s population along with 22% of its economy.

7. Mumbai, India

Largest cities in the world
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Mumbai, also known as Bombay is the capital of Maharashtra and the most populous city in the country with a population of roughly 21 million, becoming the second-largest city in India by population. Mumbai is the center of the Mumbai Metropolitan Region and seventh among the largest cities in the World.

Mumbai is located on the west coast of India, also known as the Konkon coast. Mumbai is circumscribed by the Arabian Sea on the west coast and was pronounced as an alpha city in 2008. It has the highest number of millionaires and billionaires considering the whole country.

Also known as the “City of Seven Islands”, Mumbai contributes about 6.165 of India’s GDP and is also one of the World’s top ten centers of commerce in terms of global financial flow. Mumbai is one of the major tourist spots in the country that houses India’s biggest film industry.

8. Beijing, China

Largest cities in the world
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Beijing is the capital of the People’s Republic of China and the world’s most populous national Capital city. The Capital covers an area of 16,807.8 square kilometers with a population of over 20 million residents, becoming one of the largest cities in the World. It is located in Northern China and is considered to be a global city.

Beijing serves as the headquarters of most of China’s state-owned companies and houses the largest number of Fortune Global 500 companies. Beijing contributes to about 3.45% of the country’s GDP and is classified as an Alpha+ city, making it one of the world’s top cities.

Beijing is the transport hub of Nothern China, as it includes the busiest and longest subway network. The city’s economy is led and dominated by the services sector- wholesale, commercial real estate, retail, and information technology.

9. Dhaka, Bangladesh

Largest cities in the world
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Dhaka is the capital and largest city of Bangladesh, and the fourth most densely populated region, with a large population of 10 million residents just within the city limits. It is the tenth-largest city in the World, and also one of the largest cities in the Bengal region.

Dhaka is the economic, political, and cultural center of Bangladesh and is one of the largest cities in the World among OIC countries. Being a major city in South Asia, Dhaka is the financial capital of Bangladesh and accounts for up to 35% of the Country’s economy.

Dhaka has architectural infrastructures from the Mughal and colonial periods that serve as major tourist attractions of the city. Places like Ahsan Manzil, Lalbagh Fort, and Star Mosque serve as some of the major historical tourist spots in Dhaka.

10. Osaka, Japan

Largest cities in the world
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Osaka is the capital and largest city of Japan. Osaka Prefecture is an Urban Prefecture in Japan that includes Osaka City and has a population of about 8.8 million,  with a geographical area of 1,905 square kilometers. This Japanese city is located in the Kansai region of Honshu. According to the official website, It is one of the largest cities in the World and is the second-most densely populated city In Japan after Tokyo.

The city represents 7% of the country’s entire population and over 10% of all non-Japanese residents live in Osaka. The city is a hub of many companies- real estate, chemical, automobile, and pharmaceutical industries and significantly contributes to the GDP of the country.

With rising population and development around the world, urban megacities have taken a new form. The term ‘megacity’ was found to be used by the University of Texas around the 1900s. Before major changes took place in the development of countries around the globe, 3% of the population was recorded to live in megacities. With the development of architecture and technology, megacities have become habitats for over a billion people.

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