Tokyo the capital of Japan, holds the title of the largest cities in the world with population of approximately 37.1 million people followed by the capital of India “Delhi”. Read about the biggest city in the world in this article.
Largest Cities in the World
As per the United Nations the world population has now over 8 billion. UN has predicted the world’s population to be grow approx 2 billion by 2050 and could be reach to 10.4 billion till 2080. The world’s largest city in the world is Tokyo with 37.1 million population. Tokyo is a hub for finance, technology and culture. Delhi is the second biggest city in the world hosting 33.8 million followed by Shanghai which is home to 24.8 million people.
The two big reasons for the biggest city in the world is globalization and urbanisation People are moving towards urbanized cities where advancements in Healthcare, sanitation and living conditions. The most populated cities in the world are in the most populated country in the world China and India.
According to the World Population Review, The largest cities in the world by population is listed below.
| Rank | City | Country | Population in 2024 | Population in 2023 | Growth Rate |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| 1 | Tokyo | Japan | 37,115,035 | 37,194,105 | -0.21% |
| 2 | Delhi | India | 33,807,403 | 32,941,309 | 2.63% |
| 3 | Shanghai | China | 29,867,918 | 29,210,808 | 2.25% |
| 4 | Dhaka | Bangladesh | 23,935,652 | 23,209,616 | 3.13% |
| 5 | Sao Paulo | Brazil | 22,806,704 | 22,619,736 | 0.83% |
| 6 | Cairo | Egypt | 22,623,874 | 22,183,201 | 1.99% |
| 7 | Mexico City | Mexico | 22,505,315 | 22,281,442 | 1% |
| 8 | Beijing | China | 22,189,082 | 21,766,214 | 1.94% |
| 9 | Mumbai | India | 21,673,149 | 21,296,517 | 1.77% |
| 10 | Osaka | Japan | 18,967,459 | 19,013,434 | -0.24% |
Here’s a look at the top 10 largest cities in the world by population and what make them extraordinary.
1. Tokyo, Japan
Tokyo, Japan is the Largest Cities in the World with a population of 37.1 million in its metropolitan area. Tokyo is known for finance, technology and vibrant culture.
2. Delhi, India
The capital of India, New Delhi is the home of 33.8 million people with a growth rate of 2.63%. The capital of India is known for political, economic and cultural activity in India,
3. Shanghai, China
Shanghai is the third largest city in the world with 29.8 million people. Shanghai is the centre for finance, business and economics, manufacturing. The Shanghai is the world’s busiest container port.
4. Dhaka, Bangladesh
Dhaka, the capital of Bangladesh is one of the fastest growing cities in the world by publishing industries with the population of about 23.9 million. It is the centre of garment industries and cultural life.
5. Sao Paulo, Brazil
Sao Paulo is the largest city of Brazil hosting 22.8 million. It is the symbol of a country’s economic power. It is the home to monuments, parks and museums such as the Latin American Memorial, Ibirapuera Park, São Paulo Museum of Art.
6. Cairo, Egypt
Cairo situation along the Nile river with 22.6 million of population. It is known for historical and culture such as pyramid of Giza.
7. Mexico City, Mexico
Mexico city is one of the oldest city in Latin America with 22.5 million people. It has a significant culture and economic hub. It is known for landmarks like Zocalo and Chapultepec Park.
8. Beijing, China
Beijing is China’s second largest city and also the oldest city in the world. It is known for the country of biggest business. Beijing is a centre of politics, culture and technology development.
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9. Mumbai, India
Mumbai is a home of 21.7 million people and India’s financial capital. Mumbai is known for film industry, the stock exchange and a driving business environment.
10. Osaka, Japan
With a population of 18.9 million, it is the second-largest Metropolitan area of Japan.
FAQs on Largest Cities in the World
What is the largest city in the world by population
Tokyo, Japan is the largest city in the world with the population of 37.1 million people.
What are Top 5 largest cities in the world?
The top five largest cities in the world are Tokyo, Delhi, Shanghai, Dhaka, Sao Paulo.
Which city has the second largest population?
India’s capital Delhi holds the second spot with 33.8 million people.
What makes a city one of the largest city in the world?
A city’s population size is determined by its metropolitan area, which includes not only the central urban area but also the surrounding towns, suburbs, and commuter areas.
What are the fastest-growing cities in the world?
Cities in developing countries, such as Dhaka, Bangladesh, and Lagos, Nigeria, are among the fastest-growing due to rapid urbanization, migration, and population growth.