Our world is growing at an unprecedented rate, with more and more people choosing to live in massive urban hubs. These sprawling metropolises are home to millions, offering vibrant cultures, bustling economies, and unique challenges. In this post, we’ll explore the 14 largest cities on Earth, taking a closer look at what it’s like to live in them.
To put things into perspective, the population of Greater London, UK, is 8.9 million, and New York City, USA, is approximately 8 million. Now, let’s take a look at the biggest cities in the world based on population.
Top 14 Most Populated Cities in the World
| Rank | City | Country | Population (millions) |
|---|---|---|---|
| 1 | Tokyo | Japan | 37.4 |
| 2 | Delhi | India | 29.3 |
| 3 | Shanghai | China | 26.3 |
| 4 | São Paulo | Brazil | 21.8 |
| 5 | Mexico City | Mexico | 21.6 |
| 6 | Cairo | Egypt | 20.4 |
| 7 | Dhaka | Bangladesh | 20.2 |
| 8 | Mumbai | India | 20.1 |
| 9 | Beijing | China | 19.4 |
| 10 | Osaka | Japan | 19.2 |
| 11 | Chongqing | China | 17.8 |
| 12 | Karachi | Pakistan | 17.6 |
| 13 | Kinshasa | Democratic Republic of the Congo | 17.0 |
| 14 | Lagos | Nigeria | 16.5 |
Urbanization and Growth Trends
The global population is currently at eight billion and growing at a rate of 0.87% per year—about 71 million people annually. Some studies suggest that global population growth may peak at 8.8 billion by mid-century before declining, while others, such as the United Nations, predict it could reach 9.7 billion by 2050 and 10.9 billion by 2100.
By 2050, it is estimated that 66% of the world’s population will be living in cities. The number of megacities—those with populations over 10 million—is expected to rise from 31 today to 43 by 2030.
Life in the World’s Largest Cities
14. Lagos, Nigeria (16.5 million people)
Lagos is a vibrant, energetic city known for its rich cultural heritage, bustling markets, and beaches. However, overcrowding and pollution have become significant issues. The Makoko area, one of the largest floating slums in the world, faces extreme sanitation challenges, while new urban developments like Eko Atlantic City aim to ease housing pressures.
13. Kinshasa, Democratic Republic of the Congo (17 million people)
Kinshasa is Africa’s second-largest city and one of the fastest-growing urban centers. The city experiences extreme contrasts, with luxury villas and high-rise apartments standing alongside vast squatter settlements. Political instability and rapid urban growth have led to significant food supply issues.
12. Karachi, Pakistan (17.6 million people)
Pakistan’s economic hub, Karachi, has grown rapidly due to rural migration and the arrival of Afghan refugees. While it remains a vital port city, it struggles with infrastructure problems, crime, and extreme weather events, including deadly heatwaves.
11. Chongqing, China (17.8 million people)
Known as the “Mountain City,” Chongqing has nearly doubled in size due to migration. Efforts are now being made to transform it into a ‘zero-waste’ city, with advanced waste management and recycling systems.
10. Osaka, Japan (19.2 million people)
Osaka is Japan’s third-largest city and a major financial hub. It is known for its food culture and modern architecture, but housing shortages and traffic congestion remain serious challenges.
9. Beijing, China (19.4 million people)
China’s capital is one of the world’s oldest cities and a global economic powerhouse. However, it struggles with pollution, overcrowding, and heavy traffic congestion.
8. Mumbai, India (20.1 million people)
Mumbai, the commercial capital of India, is home to Bollywood and a thriving business sector. However, rapid urbanization has led to severe housing shortages and some of the most congested roads in the world.
7. Dhaka, Bangladesh (20.2 million people)
One of the fastest-growing cities, Dhaka is a cultural and political center but suffers from frequent flooding due to its location on the Ganges Delta.
6. Cairo, Egypt (20.4 million people)
Famous for its historical landmarks, Cairo is home to 11% of Egypt’s population. Infrastructure projects, including a monorail, aim to reduce traffic congestion in this bustling city.
5. Mexico City, Mexico (21.6 million people)
Mexico’s capital has seen explosive growth over the past century. It faces housing challenges and heavy pollution but remains a major economic and cultural center.
4. São Paulo, Brazil (21.8 million people)
Brazil’s largest city features stark contrasts between wealth and poverty. Efforts to improve water supply and reduce crime have made progress in recent years.
3. Shanghai, China (26.3 million people)
Once a small fishing village, Shanghai has transformed into one of the world’s biggest commercial hubs, known for its bustling shopping districts and towering skyline.
2. Delhi, India (29.3 million people)
The capital of India is rich in history but faces severe pollution, traffic congestion, and housing shortages, with over 50% of its residents living in substandard conditions.
1. Tokyo, Japan (37.4 million people)
Tokyo is the world’s largest city, home to 37.4 million people. While it boasts an efficient transportation system and advanced infrastructure, it struggles with housing shortages, high costs, and overcrowding.
Final Thoughts
These megacities highlight the challenges and opportunities of rapid urbanization. As populations continue to grow, city planners and governments must find sustainable solutions to improve living conditions, transportation, and environmental impacts. What does the future hold for our global cities? Only time will tell, but one thing is certain—urban life is here to stay.
