The list of the largest cities in the world depends on the criterion by which this rating is formed. For example, the CITYMAYORS analytical center takes into account only the population living in urban areas.
But the DEMOGRAPHIA WORLD URBAN AREAS rating is formed annually taking into account people living both in the city and in the suburbs. Recently, the cities of the world have long been intertwined with the surrounding territories, forming an agglomeration. Thus, the largest agglomerations in the world as of 2019 are:
1. Tokyo - 37.5 million people
The largest agglomeration in the world, which includes not only the densely populated territory of Tokyo, but also 87 adjacent cities associated with it. Many industrial, financial, and cultural centers throughout the country are concentrated here. It is located in the southeastern part of the island of Honshu.
2. Jakarta, 34 million people
Jakarta is the capital and largest city of Indonesia, the second largest city in the world by population, with about 32 million people. It is located on the northwestern coast of the island of Java. Jakarta's population is growing rapidly - it has increased almost 17 times since 1930.
3. Delhi, 27 million people
A city located in northern India on the banks of the Jumna River with a population of more than 27 million people. Delhi is a cosmopolitan city, home to a wide variety of ethnic groups and cultures, as well as a wealth of monuments, ancient architecture and cultural heritage sites.
4. Manila, 25 million people
The capital of the Philippines is one of the largest cities in the world and ranks 4th in the ranking. 25 million people live here. Manila is the most populous city with the highest population density in the world.
5. Seoul, 24 million people
The capital of South Korea, Seoul, ranks fifth in terms of the number of people living. The Seoul-Incheon agglomeration is home to about 23.5 million people. The city is located on the Han River and is the main political, economic and cultural center of the Republic of Korea, and one of the leading financial centers in East Asia.
6. Mumbai 23 million people
Mumbai is a major link in international communication routes. The city has a deep natural harbor and is the largest port in western India. Mumbai is one of the most important economic and cultural centers in India. This is a city of great contrasts, with a population of about 23 million people.
7. Shanghai, 22 million people
The largest city and financial center of China and the largest seaport on the planet. Shanghai is a vibrant, dynamic city, with many events, conferences, and festivals constantly taking place here. The population of Shanghai by 2019 is 22 million people.
8. New York, 21.5 million people
A city known throughout the world for its financial, economic, political, architectural, and cultural centers. Its territory is home to 21.5 million people. Population density is 10,654 people/km²
9. Sao Paulo, 21 million people
The capital of Brazil, São Paulo, is Brazil's main economic, corporate, transport and financial center and the country's richest city. The city hosts numerous representative offices of the world's leading corporations.
A modern large city with a large number of business centers and skyscrapers. The population of Sao Paulo is ethnically very diverse and amounts to 21 million people
10. Mexico City, 20.3 million people
Mexico City is the densely populated highland capital of Mexico and one of the largest cities in the world. The Mexico City agglomeration, in addition to the Federal District, which consists of 16 districts, includes about 40 state municipalities.
The city is home to 20.3 million people. Mexico City is the main cultural, economic and political center for the country.
It is not so easy to name the largest city in the world, because according to various criteria, one or another metropolis outperforms its “brothers”. Tokyo occupies the largest number of leading places when comparing the largest cities of our time, so today the capital of Japan is considered the largest metropolis on the planet.
This allows the capital of Japan to be far ahead of other capitals in various indicators. For example, based on recent research, more than 35 million people live in the Tokyo metropolitan area (Tokyo, Kanagawa and Chiba prefectures together) today. At the same time, the nominal population of the city and municipalities is about 13 million at night and more than 15 million during the day, due to students and workers coming from neighboring regions.
The largest city in the world covers 2188.67 km? territory, with a population density of more than 6 thousand people per square kilometer.
Tokyo has grown so much with the 23 administrative districts that made up this administrative unit from 1889 to 1943, and later equivalent in status to cities - today they are separate prefectures with a full-fledged local government system, but they are still part of the capital district.
Tokyo's GDP in 2008 was about one and a half trillion dollars a year, making it the largest economy in the world. If Tokyo were a separate country, it would take 15th place in the ranking of countries by GDP, leaving behind Australia, Indonesia and even smaller countries.
From 1992 to 2006, the world's largest city topped The Economist's cost of living list.
Another interesting fact is that with the city’s territory being equal to only 0.6% of the total area of Japan, its GDP accounts for more than a third of the country’s GDP.
Tokyo is officially a metropolitan area rather than a city and is one of Japan's 47 prefectures. When writing about this amazing city, one must understand that there is Tokyo, which includes 23 special districts and “Greater Tokyo,” which includes not only nearby settlements, but also part of the neighboring prefectures of Chiba, Saitama and Kanagawa.
Tokyo is the largest agglomerate on our planet. The population of Japan's capital is regularly counted. The authorities publish the data on the official portal. As of December 2015 (last update), Tokyo's population was 13,649 million. This impressive figure only applies to the heart of the capital. A metropolis is a huge cluster of cities, separated only on the map. Walking along its streets, you will not be able to determine where Tokyo ends and the suburbs begin. So, while walking around Tokyo, you may not realize that you are in a neighboring city or even a prefecture. Living in Yokohama, you can see the streets of Tokyo from your window.
Japan in the 15th and 16th centuries was immersed in feudal strife. The lands, already scarce then, were seized by the strongest. In 1585 another conflict occurred. Ieyasu Tokugawa, teaming up with Hideyoshi Toyotomi, the viceroy of the emperor, made a successful attempt to unite the people. The operation was quite successful. The heroes were granted land. Ieyasu Tokugawa, later recognized as the founder of the shogunal dynasty, received extensive possessions, which included the village of Edo. Translated from Japanese - “Gateway to the Bay.”
The military man liked the place for its strategic location. Ieyasu decided to settle here, probably not realizing that he had thereby chosen the new capital of the state. At that time, Edo consisted of several huts.
The new owner enthusiastically settled the village, gradually turning it into a convenient and comfortable settlement. Fifteen years later, the Emperor of Japan died. Ieyasu quickly seized power, defeating his opponents in one day. From 1603 to 1868, Edo was the most important political and administrative center of the country. All important state issues were resolved in Edo, although Kyoto remained the capital of Japan.
Statistics of the 17th century
The first data on the number of residents of the capital date back to 1644, by which time the population of Edo was 150,000 people.
The shogun is primarily a military leader. Men gladly flocked to his court in order to get a job, which, by the way, brought considerable profit at that time. By this year, their homes occupied 77.5% of the city’s space, churches - 10.2%. Commoners were allocated only 9.8%, although their number was no less than the number of people with weapons. And so it happened; they are still saving on space for ordinary citizens to live.
In those ancient times, Edo was the dream city of brides. There were almost twice as many men living there as women. Thus, for every 100 grooms in 1733 there were only 57 potential brides, in 1844 there were already 90. And only by 1864 the situation leveled out, the number of women and men was equal.
There are no exact data on the number of residents at that time; no one cared about the census then. Scientific circles rely on approximate information, so by the end of the 17th century, the population of Edo was approximately 430 thousand people, and by 1853 there were already more than a million people in the city. By comparison, during the same period, the largest European capitals, London and Paris, could only boast populations of 700,000 and 500,000, respectively.
People flocked to Edo (Tokyo) from the provinces to prove themselves, earn money, get married, get a job, and so on. Nothing has changed now. The metropolis attracts the Japanese with its lights and prospects. The population is growing hourly, which is why even official statistics are considered approximate.
The largest metropolis in the world
The first national census, which took place in 1920, showed that just under 3,700,000 people lived in Tokyo; by 1962, about 10 million people already lived in the capital.
Administratively, Tokyo is divided into 23 districts.
The prefecture also includes 26 cities, 4 districts, which include 8 villages and 5 towns and 1 county. Interestingly, these regions are sparsely populated (by Japanese standards). They are located in mountainous areas, where life is not as comfortable as in a metropolis. People prefer to settle in neighboring prefectures that have merged with Tokyo.
The city is a “pile” of houses, like furniture shoved into a closet until better times. The streets of Tokyo are filled with dense crowds during the daytime. People here joke that their dogs are accustomed to wagging their tails from bottom to top so as not to hurt passers-by. The density of citizens per square kilometer of area exceeds 6 thousand people. The figure is huge.
The population of Greater Tokyo is 37,843,000 people, and the central part of Tokyo is 13,649 million people. Women make up 51%. However, in recent years, people have begun to move from the center of the capital to neighboring cities. There are several reasons:
- in Tokyo, as in any capital of the world, life is very expensive;
- lack of space and lack of cheap housing;
- a well-developed transport network that allows you to easily and quickly get to the right place.
The latter circumstance allows citizens to work in a metropolis, having apartments away from a densely populated area. According to statistics, more than 3 million people flock to the center of the capital every day. These people come to work and in the evening go back to neighboring prefectures. Some Japanese spend three to four hours on the road. Although, such data will not surprise anyone these days.
Demographic problem
The so-called is a common problem in developed countries. In Tokyo, despite the fact that half the country's students study here, 21% are already senior citizens. If the trend continues, scientists predict that this figure will rise to 28.9% within twenty years. The birth rate is declining and life expectancy is rising. The metropolis has been experiencing its last boom in relocation from the provinces since 2000. The population has increased by 9% during the current period.
The government thinks about how people live. Japan has a program to provide jobs for older citizens. Other measures are being taken to ensure the safety of this category of people. In 2005, Tokyo had 2,215 citizens over one hundred years of age. As of 2015, there were more than 61 thousand people in Japan who were over 100 years old. In July 2015, the oldest inhabitant of the planet died at the age of 113 years, he was the Japanese Sakari Momoi; before him, the oldest person was 117-year-old Misao Okawa, who lived in Osaka (died in April 2015).
Foreigners in the city
The capital of Japan is a generally recognized international center. However, few foreigners live here. In 2005, only 3% of the total number was officially recorded. The capital of Japan has the largest population of Chinese. In 2008, more than 145 thousand people lived here. There are slightly fewer citizens of both Koreas - 117,567, more than 31 thousand Filipinos, about 20 thousand Americans. Hindus also organized their own community in Tokyo. About 190 thousand people live here. The number of Europeans is so small that it is not included in the statistics. In 2008, the prefecture spoke of 7,482 British citizens. Other nationalities are not mentioned in the reports.
Bitter facts
Overcrowding is a serious problem. Given the seismic danger of the region, it sometimes turns into trouble. Thus, in 1923, as a result of a powerful earthquake, the population of the capital decreased by 140 thousand people. By the way, up to 150 tremors of varying strength are recorded in the region annually.
American bombing in 1945 reduced the population by another 250,000 souls, and during World War II the Americans liberally showered densely populated areas with wooden buildings with incendiary munitions. People died in fires.
Prospects and interesting facts
The authorities are making attempts to move the capital to a calmer region, this issue became especially acute after the strong tsunami of 2011 and the accident at the nuclear power plant in Fukushima, the city is located 287 km from the capital. The decision on this has already been made at the official level. However, there are no real actions to implement the program yet. The huge metropolis continues to grow, despite problems of various kinds.
To combat traffic congestion, in Japan, when planning cities, it is customary to allocate approximately 33% of the territory for roads. In Tokyo, this figure is only 10%. There is a “road standstill” on its routes - this is a traffic jam worthy of such a densely populated region. During peak hours, traffic stops completely, irritating drivers and increasing air pollution.
Maybe that’s why the capital’s metro also set a record. It serves more than three billion people every year. There is even a unique position here: “pusher” or “osiya”. This is a person who helps citizens pack into the carriage.
Our planet is amazing and beautiful. There are hundreds of countries and several million cities on the globe. Among them there are old and young, traditional and ultra-modern, attractively charming and frighteningly dangerous. Today we will go on a short trip to the largest metropolises in the world.
The largest cities in the world by area
Have you ever wondered what the largest city on earth is and where it is located? We will tell you about the wonderful and unusual corners of our planet. This is a ranking of the 10 largest settlements on earth by territory.
Kinshasa, Congo – 9,965 km²
Kinshasa is the capital of the Democratic Republic of the Congo. Most of its area is rural and sparsely populated. Kinshasa is the most French-speaking city, beating even Paris.
The population is growing rapidly, and if 5 years ago there were 9.4 million people living here, then in 80 years this figure could increase to 83.5 million.
Melbourne, Australia – 9,990 km²
Melbourne is the southernmost million-plus city in the world. The city was founded as an agricultural settlement, but quickly grew into the cultural and industrial capital of Australia.
And in 2017, it was awarded the title of the most comfortable city in the world to live in. This is where tourists leave the most money. And this is not surprising, because major sports tournaments and various festivals often take place here, between which you can move along the largest tram network in the world.
Tianjin, China – 11,943 km²
One of the largest cities in China. Emperors of many dynasties loved it when they came here to rest. However, in modern Tianjin you can relax no worse than the rulers of ancient China. There are gardens, parks, temples, and rivers here. Here you can meet rare birds, a huge Buddha statue, kites and listen to the masters of Peking Opera.
Sydney, Australia – 12,367.70 km²
The capital of Australia, and also its largest, oldest and most expensive city. Sydney has the honor of hosting international sporting and political events. Here you can find entertainment for every taste. There are beaches, theaters, sports grounds, parks and much more.
Here you can also visit the world's highest landmarks - the TV tower and the headquarters of a large insurance company. At the top of the TV tower, you can dine at the revolving restaurant and enjoy breathtaking views of the city.
Al Ain, UAE – 15,100.00 km²
The city of Al Ain is located in Abu Dhabi and is a popular tourist destination. It has the largest population of people in the United Arab Emirates. The name of the city is translated as “stream”, which completely cuts off its essence.
Al Ain has a large number of parks, gardens, oases, streets lined with a variety of trees and flowers, and there are hot and mineral springs. One of the main attractions is Mount Jebel Hafeet with an observation deck at the top.
Asmara, Eritrea – 15,061 km²
Eritrea is located on the Red Sea coast and is the youngest state in Africa. In 1889, Asmara was colonized by the Italians, which affected its appearance. The city was nicknamed little Rome. Its houses are painted in soft pastel colors, wide streets and squares run along the city, and the center is decorated with a neo-Romanesque cathedral. There is a mosque, a synagogue, and an Orthodox church here.
Asmara is a cosmopolitan city. It is considered one of the safest African capitals. A large number of UN peacekeepers are stationed here on a permanent basis, and the locals are friendly and open in a European way.
Note!
Tourists visiting Asmara should first visit the volcanic field. This is the main attraction of the country.
Brisbane, Australia – 15,826 km²
Brisbane is surrounded by the Pacific Ocean's Moreton Bay and the Brisbane River. It is included in the top 100 global cities in the world. Brisbane is a modern metropolis where you can still meet local Aboriginal people. The climate here is mild and the sun almost always shines. Therefore, at any time you can safely go on a river cruise or relax on one of the many beaches.
Beijing is the heart of China and one of the oldest capitals of our planet. This city combines the frantic rhythm of a modern city and oriental traditions. Huge skyscrapers and ancient temples, beautiful gardens and major highways coexist here.
Beijing is the country's largest transport hub. Unfortunately, due to the large flow of traffic and exhaust fumes, as well as the huge number of industrial sites, Beijing has become one of the most polluted cities in the world. It is almost always shrouded in smog, and tap water is strictly forbidden to drink. Despite all this, 56 different nationalities live here and a huge number of tourists come every year.
Huangzhou, China – 16,842 km²
Huangzhou is the largest center of science and education in China. Research centers, institutes are located here, high-tech devices, textiles, cars and much more are created and produced.
There is also a fair of imported and exported goods. Well, where, if not here, could the best textile market in China be located? Huangzhou is also home to the world's second tallest TV tower and the longest metro line on the planet.
Chongqing, China – 82,403 km²
The largest city in the world. Oddly enough, but as huge as it is, it is also little known to the general public. Chongqing's area is equal to that of Austria, and 98% of it is occupied by agricultural and suburban areas.
The city is dominated by hilly terrain and has a large number of rivers. More than 30 million people live in the largest city on the planet. Most of them are localized in the so-called urban or city zone, occupying only 1.79% of the total area of the city.
The most populated cities in the world
The huge size of some cities does not mean that their entire territory is inhabited. Below is the top 10 most populated cities on the planet according to 2018 data.
Moscow, Russia – 16,855,000 people
Moscow is the Russian capital. The largest city in Russia by population, the most populous city in Europe and the largest Russian-speaking city in the world. Despite the fact that it is not included in the list of the largest cities in the world, it continues to attract new residents and grow. Life is in full swing here.
The concrete jungle is diluted with a large number of green areas. Each street has its own history, which numerous tourists rush to get acquainted with. Moscow is the tourist, sports, economic and political center of the largest country on the planet.
Mexico City, Mexico - 20,565,000 people
The capital of Mexico and the largest Spanish-speaking city in the world. Mexico City is historically one of the most densely populated cities on the planet, as it occupies a very small area. The population density here is almost 6,000 people per 1 square kilometer. This is due to the fact that the city is an economic center and various manufacturing enterprises are located in it.
New York is a global center of economics, politics and fashion. It is called the capital of the world. The offices of the largest companies in various industries are located here. The city is known for its skyscrapers, the Statue of Liberty and the frantic pace of life. It is divided into 5 districts, each of which has its own unique features and memorable atmosphere.
New York has a lot to offer, which is why a huge number of tourists, businessmen, musicians and other people come here to grab a piece of the American dream.
Mumbai, India - 23,265,000 people
The city, located on the coast of the Arabian Sea, is called the most cosmopolitan city on the planet. Despite the incredible population, people continue to arrive here. But in Mumbai, more than 20,000 people live within 1 square kilometer.
The city is a record holder not only for population density. Here is the world's largest tropical forest, the largest slums in Asia, and an unforgettable national flavor. The city also attracts film lovers, because Mumbai (formerly Bombay) is Bollywood.
Shanghai, China – 24,115,000 people
Shanghai is the largest city in China by population. The world's largest port and the longest sea bridge are located here. The country's major financial and cultural facilities are concentrated in this city.
Shanghai attracts lovers of shopping and gastronomy. There are numerous shopping areas and the best restaurants where you can try the whole variety of national cuisine.
Unlike other major cities in China, the air here is relatively clean. Every year, about 3 million people migrate from more distant parts to Shanghai. 5% of city residents are illiterate.
Seoul, South Korea – 24,210,000 people
Seoul is a developed and safe Asian metropolis that attracts tourists and residents of other cities in the Republic of Korea. It is East Asia's leading financial center. The headquarters of major corporations are located here.
Cosmetics, household chemicals and electronics produced by Korean brands have won the love of consumers all over the world. Huge shopping centers with original Korean products make this city a paradise for shopping lovers.
The capital is developing very quickly, providing more and more people with jobs. Also, a large number of students from all over South Korea come to the city, because the most prestigious universities in the country are located here.
Manila, Philippines - 24,650,000 people
Delhi is the second largest city in India and its capital. Cultures and eras are mixed here. The population is multinational. Several languages and ten dialects are spoken here, and all possible religions are practiced.
There are several thousand architectural monuments in the city. Tourists can spend time in comfort, walking through shopping centers, relaxing in cozy restaurants and enjoying the unusual Indian flavor. But many city residents live below the poverty line.
Slums have become a peculiar landmark of Delhi. They are home to more than 4 million people, most of whom are unemployed. The slums have a very low standard of living and a high crime rate, so tourists are advised to avoid this place.
Interesting!
Jakarta is the capital of the largest Muslim state in the world. It is also the largest city without a metro. Therefore, the multi-million population moves along surface highways, creating endless traffic jams. As in other large cities, wealth and poverty coexist here.
On the streets of the city you can meet representatives of various cultures and religions. There are many architectural monuments and modern buildings here. The Indonesian capital experiences frequent heat waves and smog, from which you can escape in a national park with a beach, water park and aquarium.
Tokyo, Japan – 38,050,000 people
The capital of Japan and the most populous city in the world. Center for Advanced Technologies and the Future. Tokyo is divided into 23 districts with their own municipal government. During the daytime, the outskirts of the city are empty, and the central areas are filled with workers and students.
The life of this metropolis does not stop either day or night, filling the streets with streams of people. The longest metro in the world runs underground here. However, even it is not able to fully accommodate everyone who wants to ride. Tokyo is not only a densely populated city, but also the most expensive city in the world. But here you can buy everything: from the latest developments in the field of robotics to small national souvenirs.
Conclusion
Oddly enough, megacities, which occupy a large area, have fewer people living than smaller cities. This is due to the fact that most of the landscape may be occupied by mountains, forests or nature reserves that are not intended for urbanization, that is, the construction of modern cities.
We can see that the largest cities, both in number and in territory, are located mainly in dynamically developing Asia. And, for example, in Europe there are almost no large settlements.
But don’t forget that demographics are changing rapidly and data is becoming outdated. Some countries and cities are developing so quickly that in a few years they can easily surpass the current record holders.
It is quite possible that in 10 years we will see a completely different picture, and the ranking of the largest cities in the world will look completely different.
Video on topic
In the nineteenth or even early twentieth centuries, visiting the world's largest cities was easy. Both in terms of area and population. Travelers knew that these were capitals - London, New York, Paris, Berlin. And in Russia this was St. Petersburg.
Less than two hundred years have passed. In such a short period of time the rating has changed.
Thanks to accelerated development, cities in former “developing” countries have come to the fore. For tourists dreaming of visiting the planet's mega-cities, new top lists will have to be considered.
Each of them has different customs and history. Even newly established urban settlements have their own legends. Like, for example, the “ghost town” of Ordos, which occupies an area of more than 86 thousand kilometers...
The tour “The Largest Cities on Earth” will begin in China.
1. Chongqing – a city of fantasy come to life
In size it is comparable to Austria, which is not the smallest country in Europe. Its area is almost 82,500 km², but construction continues... and in height too.
Chongqing is reminiscent of science fiction films from Hollywood producers. Multi-storey road junctions and crossings; dozens of new bridges; overpasses on stilts along the banks. And just a little bit of nostalgia - small old houses for tourists.
The construction of the city’s “calling card” - Raffles Citi Changqing - will soon be completed. The final part of this complex will be a horizontal skyscraper designed by Canadian Moshe Safdie. A building 300 meters long will be raised to a height of 250 meters.
It is difficult to travel around this giant on foot (or even by bicycle).
2. City of tea and corporations Hangzhou
Almost five times smaller than Chongqing (area - 16,840 km²). The first became the capital of China. Back in 1200, the population ranged from 860 thousand to one million people. And Marco Polo called it “the most beautiful and luxurious” in the world.
A paradise for travel - West Lake, tea plantations, about seven dozen ancient attractions. All this against the backdrop of beautiful nature.
Hangzhou is famous for its annual business exhibitions in various industries. It is described as a city of “thousand corporations.”
3. Capital of China Beijing
The northern capital has been renamed several times over its centuries-old existence. Only in the twenty-first year of the fifteenth century did the capital of China begin to be called Beijing. The city ranks third in area - 16,808 square kilometers.
Of course, the main attraction is the world's largest palace complex, which is called the Purple Forbidden City. The capital of China is an ancient city. Therefore, there are many amazing places worth visiting.
4. “Woke” Brisbane
This Australian city covers 15,800 km². Brisbane is gradually becoming one of the best places to live and visit in Australia. There are no fewer skyscrapers there than in New York.
And in terms of natural beauty, national parks and “living” attractions, it surpasses many cities in the world.
Relatively recently, it was a rather boring and sleepy town. Now, in order to get around all the remarkable places, it is worth acquiring the recently published “City Guide”.
5. “Brocade City” Jincheng
Again - the Chinese city of Chengdu, which has grown by 14,400 km². The province of Sichuan became the capital back in the seventeenth century.
Although the city's main river is Fuhe, the more famous and romantic “Brocade River” - Jinjiang - flows close to the center. Along its picturesque embankments there are many teahouses where you can relax and drink a traditional Chinese drink.
The hallmarks of Chengdu are giant pandas, the famous culinary school and brocade fabrics. But this is a small part of the collection of attractions that make the city attractive to tourists.
When choosing a tour to the DPRK, you should worry about a tour of this city.
The second largest on the Australian continent - 12,400 km². At the same time, it is the capital of the country. It is unique in that in 1788 it became the first European settlement on an unexplored continent. Thanks to the large number of emigrants, the culture, traditions, and culinary arts of the city are multinational.
7. African city of Asmara
On the opposite side of the planet, almost the same area - 12,158 km² - is occupied by Asmara. In terms of the number of inhabitants, the city is small - less than seven hundred thousand.
What will be interesting for travelers there?
- Firstly, this is Africa;
- mountain climate;
- beautiful landscapes;
- National Museum and Opera;
- The cathedral with a bell tower 52 meters high, built by the architect Scavanini....
There is a lot to see in this city. You can relax in a cozy restaurant or cafe. Drink coffee, try local dishes.
Asmara is called the safest for tourists on the Black Continent.
On an area of 11,700 square meters, ancient traditional crafts, ancient monuments, modern technological enterprises and the Chinese “Silicon Valley” coexist, where the Tianhe-1 supercomputer has been operating since 2011. In May 2018, a new development, which has no analogues in the world, was presented to the world - Tianhe-3.
Tianjin's museums are considered the best in China, and the Ferris Wheel is the largest. Tourists especially love the city Water Park, which consists of three lakes on which there are nine islands. The cleanliness of the city streets is amazing.
9. Melbourne is the southernmost metropolis in the world
In Australia, this city is considered the cultural and sports capital. It is also the capital of the state of Victoria. Covers an area of 9,990 km².
In 2018, Melbourne took first place in the “Best City to Live” ranking (The Economist magazine) based on the following indicators:
- security level;
- quality of health care;
- ecological state;
- variety of cultural recreation;
- infrastructure development.
10. Kinshasa - former Leopoldville
Capital of Congo. The area is 25 km² smaller than Melbourne (9,965 km²). To be clear, we are talking about the Democratic Republic of the Congo (there is also simply the Republic of the Congo with its capital Brazzaville).
When traveling around Africa, you should always take into account its “contrasts”. Kinshasa is no exception. It is better to avoid the western areas of the city (Kimbansek, Masina, Limet).
But the city center is a modern metropolis, which is divided into three parts. In the old quarter of Quintambo you can forget that this is Africa. Everything there is “immersed in greenery”, beautiful parks and gardens.
Gombe is also considered safe. Those who work in the area are called "enlightened" ("evolue"). One of the specializations is diamond trading.
Once upon a time, the principle worked - the larger the city, the more citizens live there. Now these indicators do not match, with one exception.
The largest cities in the world by population (top 10)
China ranks first in the world not only in terms of total population. In the ranking of the “best” cities”, first place also belongs to this country. So we start our rating review again with China.
1.Chongqing
The city is in first place, both in terms of area and population.
This city is home to the largest number of citizens - 30,751,600 people.
The Pakistani city of Karachi has a population of 24,300,000 inhabitants. It is for this reason that he ranks second.
Since the urban area is not very large - three and a half thousand square kilometers - the city is not in last place in terms of density. Until 1958, Karachi was the capital of an independent state.
Now it is simply the largest metropolis of Pakistan, into which a small fishing village has turned in less than two hundred years. Due to overpopulation, the city's infrastructure is overloaded. Many of the arriving emigrants are forced to settle in Katchi Abadi. This is the name given to local slums where there are no communications or water.
Not very comfortable for tourists. It is considered the center of the international drug trade.
An agglomerate where more than 24 million people live. One of the largest and most cosmopolitan cities in the DPRK. It surprisingly combines the charm of the East and the chic of old Europe.
4. Capital of China Beijing
It ranks only fourth in the world in terms of population. A total of 21,705,000 people, which is one and a half times less than in Chongqing.
The capital of Delhi is located in northern India. The second largest city in the country by area, but the first by number of inhabitants - about 18 million people.
To explore the sights of Delhi without missing anything, it is better to book a tour. The New and Old Towns contrast strongly with each other.
You won’t immediately believe that all this is one city:
- modern skyscrapers;
- Lotus Temple, built at the end of the twentieth century;
- commercial center at Connaught Square;
- Jantar Mantar;
- old streets;
- dirty neighborhoods
The city, with a population of 15,469,500 people, ranks sixth on this list. And in China it has the fifth largest number of inhabitants.
Another place in the “Top 10” is occupied by a Chinese city. Guangzhou has slightly fewer residents - 14,043,500.
The city is also one of the largest agglomerations in terms of population. The capital of Japan is home to 13.7 million people. But there are two more Tokyos:
Greater Tokyo is an expanded version of the capital. It includes the capital itself and Tokyo Prefecture. “Tokyo metropolitan area”, consisting of Greater Tokyo and more than eighty cities. More often this option is called the Keihin agglomeration (more than 38 million people).
Tours of Tokyo begin from the Imperial Palace. And then - from ancient two-story houses among greenery to skyscrapers, urban landscapes, neon signs, multi-story highways... Then - again antiquity, temples, nature.
We won’t even talk about the fact that Tokyo is the capital of nanotechnology.
It’s better to remember that recently this city has also become the “new capital of fashion.” The main fashion district is Harajuku.
Tourists need to be careful in this place. Along with simply fashionable things, you can’t help yourself and buy some of the “crazy” things, like:
- striped socks with separate toes;
- Lolita style outfit;
- T-shirts with an unidentified acid-colored monster...
Moscow is also a metropolis. Its multiethnic population of 12,506,468 people puts it in ninth place in this ranking.
The “business card” is Red Square with the Kremlin, the State Historical Museum and St. Basil’s Cathedral located there. This is one of the most beautiful capitals on the planet.
10. Bombay
Last on the list will be Bombay. Since 1995, it received a new name - Mumbai. The “pure” urban population is 12,442,373 people. This is the capital of the state with the amazing name Maharashtra.
Mumbai is a city of splendor and grandeur... poverty and garbage... religious problems and terrible ecology... There is an incredible mixture of cultures and architectural styles. On the one hand, it is the business and financial capital of India. On the other hand, there are ethnic strife.
In the center of Bombay is the Gateway to India - the symbol of the country. And the second gate is the railway station, which is a beautiful monument of architecture from the time of Queen Victoria.
A holiday in this city will not be calm and quiet. But when traveling around India, you should definitely visit it.
Summary table - the largest cities in the world by area and population
For ease of perception, all information from the article is compiled into one table below. By clicking on the column header, the data can be sorted both by the city’s position in the ranking and by its name.
| Place in the ranking | Largest cities by area | Largest cities by population |
|---|---|---|
| 1 | Chongqing - 82,500 km² | Chongqing - 30.75 million people |
| 2 | Hangzhou - 16,840 km² | Karachi - 24.3 million people |
| 3 | Beijing - 16,808 km² | Shanghai - 24 million people |
| 4 | Brisbane - 15,800 km² | Beijing - 21.7 million people |
| 5 | Jincheng - 14,400 km² | Delhi - 18 million people |
| 6 | Sydney - 12,400 km² | Tianjin - 15.47 million people |
| 7 | Asmara - 12,158 km² | Guangzhou - 14.04 million people |
| 8 | Tianjin - 11,700 km² | Tokyo - 13.7 million people |
| 9 | Melbourne - 9,990 km² | Moscow - 12.51 million people |
| 10 | Kinshasa - 9,965 km² |
