With global populations on the rise, it’s no surprise that so many metropolises have cropped up throughout the world. These megacities house tens of millions of residents and often serve as the cultural and economic bedrock of their respective countries. But what’s really astounding is seeing just how many people live in some of the world’s most population-dense cities, so here’s a list of the 20 most populated cities on Earth.
1. Tokyo, Japan
With over 37 million residents, Japan’s bustling capital is the most populous city on earth. Rife with cutting-edge technology, a distinct cultural heritage and vibrant streets, Tokyo is world world-renowned city that regularly hosts millions of tourists alongside its exorbitant population.
2. Delhi, India
With a population of around 31 million people, Delhi is not only India’s most populous city but one of the most populous cities on earth. A vibrant mix of modern and historical landmarks, India’s capital is known for its fantastic cuisine, lively cultural festivals, and abounding markets.
3. Shanghai, China
Over 27 million people reside in China’s most populous city and it’s easy to see why. A global financial hub known for its breathtaking skyline and rich history, Shanghai has often been cited as a “showpiece” for China’s rising economic prowess.
4. São Paulo, Brazil
São Paulo, with its estimated 22 million residents, is the target and most populous city in Brazil. Known for its skyscrapers, rich cuisine, and robust arts scene, São Paulo serves as both the economic and cultural heart of the emerging South American nation.
5. Mexico City, Mexico
With a whopping 21 million residents, Mexico City is easily the most populated city in all of North America. One of the oldest cities in the Americas, Mexico City boasts delicious cuisine, vibrant streets, and a rich cultural history that dates back to the time of the Aztec Empire.
6. Dhaka, Bangladesh
Dhaka, Bangladesh’s large bustling capital, is home to more than 21 million residents. Along with its staggering population, the city is also known for being the defacto economic, political, and cultural hub of the Bengali nation. Boasting bustling streets and vibrant markets, the city is a symbol of innovation and growth despite its issues with abundant traffic and pollution.
7. Cairo, Egypt
This vibrant and culture-rich Egyptian capital is home to around 21 million residents. Known for showcasing invaluable historical artifacts like the pyramids of Giza and the Sphinx, Cairo also serves as a vital cultural and politcal hub in the Middle East.
8. Beijing, China
China’s sprawling capital city is estimated to have a massive population totalling more than 20 million people. Known for its modern architecture, abundance of historical sites, and tremendous cuisine, Beijing also serves as a major cultural, politcal, and educational hub in the massive East Asian nation.
9. Mumbai, India
India’s vital financial capital is home to around 20 million people. Formerly known as Bombay, Mumbai is famous for its robust seaport, world-renowned Bollywood film industry, and vibrant historical culture, with the distinction of being the financial, commercial, and entertainment capital of Southeast Asia.
10. Osaka, Japan
Housing over 19 million people in its robust metropolitan area this bustling city in Japan’s Honshu region is a quintessential economic hub. Renowned for its world-famous cuisine, modern architecture, and vibrant nightlife, Osaka is an indispensable pillar of Japan’s rich culture and commercial prowess.
11. Karachi, Pakistan
Pakistan’s largest city and capital has around 16 million residents. Known for its diverse population, unique cultural heritage, and countless landmarks, Karachi also serves a vital role as the Southeast nation’s primary seaport and undisputed financial hub.
Photo by Muhammad Jawaid Shamshad
12. Chongqing, China
A major city in China’s Southwestern region, Chongqing is home to a whopping 15 million people, making it one of the most populated cities in the most populous country in the world. Known as a crucial manufacturing and transportation hub in the region, Chongqing is known to many as “The Mountain City” due to its awe-inspiring mountainous landscape.
13. Istanbul, Turkey
Serving as a bridge between Europe and Asia, Turkey’s largest city is home to around 15 million people. Known for landmarks like the Hagia Sophia, Blue Mosque, and Topkapi Palace, Istanbul regularly attracts visitors due to its vital role as a thriving cultural and economic hub.
14. Buenos Aires, Argentina
Argentina’s largest city and capital is comprised of a massive population of around 15 million in its metropolitan area. The city is known worldwide for its bustling nightlife, European-style architecture, and unique music and dance scene.
15. Kolkata, India
Formerly known as Calcutta, this vibrant Indian city is home to approximately 14 million residents. Along with serving as the key educational hub of Eastern India, Kolkata is also famous for its plethora of colonial architecture, art galleries and literary festivals.
16. Lagos, Nigeria
With a population of over 14 million, Lagos is easily the most populous city in Africa. Known as a major financial centre in the region, the former Nigerian capital is often cited for its bustling seaports, abundant markets, and rich music scene.
17. Kinshasa, Democratic Republic of the Congo
Situated on the Congo River, right across from the Congolese capital Brazzaville, Kinshasa is home to an astounding 14 million people. The city is known for its buzzing music scene, large national museum, and as the economic center of the Democratic Republic of the Congo.
18. Manila, Philippines
With over 14 million inhabitants in its metropolitan area, Manila is one of the most densely populated cities on earth. Known for its rich history, colonial architecture, and celebrated landmarks like Intramuros and Rizal Park, Manila is a world-renowned destination and one of the fastest-developing cities in Southeast Asia.
19. Rio de Janeiro, Brazil
With about 13 million residents, Rio de Janeiro is the second most populous city in Brazil after Sao Paulo. The city is known for its breathtaking beaches, natural beauty, and world-famous Christ the Redeemer statue. Rio also serves as a commercial and cultural hub with a lively music and dance scene, including the annual Carnival festival.
Photo by Agustin Diaz Gargiulo
20. Guangzhou, China
This key trade and transportation hub situated in Southern China has over 13 million residents. Renowned for its famous Cantonese cuisine, several historic landmarks, as well as the Canton Fair (one of the world’s largest fairs), Guangzhou is a storied Chinese city that dates back more than 2200 years.
