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TEMPO.CO, Jakarta - The largest cities in the world by population is a topic that sparks curiosity year after year. As populations shift and change, some cities continue to dominate the ranks and hold on to their titles.
Tokyo, Delhi, and Shanghai remain the unstoppable giants, according to U.S. News and World Population Review, each with a population surpassing 30 million and showing no signs of slowing down.
List of the 10 Largest Cities in the World by Population
For more cities with similar impressive reputations, keep reading to explore the rest of the list.
1. Tokyo, Japan - Population: 37.03 Million
Japan’s capital, Tokyo is the largest city in the world by population. Originally a small fishing village, Tokyo has transformed into a megacity known as the country’s largest industrial, commercial, and financial hub. The city accounts for roughly a third of Japan's entire population.
2. Delhi, India - Population: 34.66 Million
Delhi is home to an incredible mix of ancient history and modern urban life. As the capital of India, it has experienced rapid population growth, particularly since 1947, when Hindu and Sikh refugees from predominantly Muslim Pakistan arrived following India’s independence and the partition of the country. Delhi’s status as a major industrial hub further drives its population growth.
3. Shanghai, China - Population: 30.48 Million
Not only is Shanghai one of the world's most populous cities, it is also home to one of the world's largest seaports. Originally a fishing village dating back to the fifth to seventh centuries, Shanghai transformed into China’s primary industrial hub by 1949. Today, the city’s booming population comes with significant challenges, including air, water, and noise pollution.
4. Dhaka, Bangladesh - Population: 24.65 Million
Bangladesh’s largest city, Dhaka has experienced some of the fastest population growth in the world. Highly industrialized, the city also serves as the destination for over 400,000 low-income migrants each year. Many of these people are displaced due to factors such as flooding, shifting rainfall patterns, and other natural disasters.
5. Cairo, Egypt - Population: 23.07 Million
Cairo is a city steeped in history and home to the ancient landmarks of the Pyramids of Giza and the Sphinx. While its urban development began in the 1830s, significant growth was not observed until after the 1950s. Today, Cairo serves as Egypt's main financial and economic hub, with a wide range of major banks, hotels, and entertainment venues.
6. São Paulo, Brazil - Population: 22.99 Million
São Paulo is undeniably one of the largest cities in the world. Standing as Brazil’s financial heart, the city owes much of its early growth to the rise of coffee as its vital export crop in the late 19th century. As one of the world’s fastest-growing metropolitan populations, São Paulo continues to expand and diversify from migration.
7. Mexico City, Mexico - Population: 22.75 Million
Historically, Mexico City has always been synonymous with a skyrocketed population. Ever since the second half of the 20th century, the city saw further rapid expansion driven by internal migration—growing from 3.1 million in 1950 to 14 million by 1980. Mexico City is not only the political and economic center of the country but also a symbol of Mexico’s cultural, social, and historical struggles.
8. Beijing, China - Population: 22.59 Million
Beijing, another city in China, is sure to take a place among the world’s largest cities by population. Since the fall of the Qing Dynasty in 1912, Beijing has seen significant population growth. Its expansion accelerated as it became the national capital. Today, it stands as one of China’s most important industrial cities.
9. Mumbai, India - Population: 22.08 Million
Located on Maharashtra’s coast, Mumbai is another Indian city with one of the highest populations globally. Once the country’s main hub for the cotton textile industry, Mumbai has since evolved into a diversified manufacturing center, particularly in the IT sector. It also serves as India’s financial hub, with commercial and financial institutions on every corner.
10. Osaka, Japan - Population: 18.9 Million
Osaka, Japan’s third-largest city, is a thriving urban hub that blends modern innovation with rich cultural history. Dating back to the 5th century, it was Japan’s economic and political center, consistently welcoming travelers and traders from across Asia. Today, Osaka continues to maintain a robust economy and is home to millions of people.
These largest cities in the world are more than just sprawling urban landscapes; they are the beating hearts of their respective nations, full of culture, opportunities, and challenges. If you are up for more exploration, check out the most stressful popular cities here.
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