The 20 Largest Cities – When Millions of People in One Place Feels Unreal

When millions gather in one place, unique patterns of culture, life, and movement emerge. It’s truly thought-provoking how urban development shapes our world.

#1 Tokyo, Japan

• Population: Approx. 37.2 million
• The world’s largest city by population. Famous for its technology, culture, and economic influence.

#2 Delhi, India

• Population: Approx. 32.3 million
• One of the fastest-growing cities and a major political and cultural hub in India.

#3 Shanghai, China

• Population: Approx. 29.9 million
• China’s economic powerhouse and one of the world’s busiest port cities.

#4 São Paulo, Brazil

• Population: Approx. 22.8 million
• South America’s largest city, known for its industry and cultural scene.

#5 Mexico City, Mexico

• Population: Approx. 22.3 million
• The capital and cultural heart of Mexico, rich in historical roots.

#6 Dhaka, Bangladesh

• Population: Approx. 22.1 million
• One of the most densely populated cities in the world and a key economic hub in South Asia.

#7 Cairo, Egypt

• Population: Approx. 21.8 million
• Africa’s largest city, famed for the pyramids and deep historical significance.

#8 Beijing, China

• Population: Approx. 21.7 million
• The capital of China and political center, with numerous historical landmarks.

#9 Mumbai, India

• Population: Approx. 21.6 million
• India’s financial capital and home to the Bollywood film industry.

#10 Osaka, Japan

• Population: Approx. 19.0 million
• An important industrial city in Japan, known for its food culture and commerce.

#11 Karachi, Pakistan

• Population: Approx. 17.8 million
• Pakistan’s largest city and a major economic hub.

#12 Chongqing, China

• Population: Approx. 17.5 million
• A booming metropolis in central China experiencing rapid growth.

#13 Istanbul, Turkey

• Population: Approx. 16.7 million
• The city that bridges Europe and Asia, rich in culture and history.

#14 Buenos Aires, Argentina

• Population: Approx. 15.6 million
• South America’s second-largest city and the birthplace of tango.

#15 Kolkata, India

• Population: Approx. 15.3 million
• Former colonial capital and a vibrant cultural center.

#16 Lagos, Nigeria

• Population: Approx. 15.2 million
• Africa’s fastest-growing megacity and a vital economic hub.

#17 Kinshasa, DR Congo

• Population: Approx. 15.0 million
• Africa’s second-largest city, with booming urban growth.

#18 Manila, Philippines

• Population: Approx. 14.9 million
• Densely populated and the political and economic center of the country.

#19 Rio de Janeiro, Brazil

• Population: Approx. 13.7 million
• Globally known for its carnival, beaches, and mountainous landscape.

#20 Guangzhou, China

• Population: Approx. 13.5 million
• One of China’s key commercial cities with major economic importance.