The vast majority of people reside in cities. The largest cities in the world today are classified as “megacities” by experts because they have populations greater than 10 million. The population of Tokyo, the biggest metropolis in the world, is 38,140,000 people. almost four times as many. 7% of the planet’s population, or just under 8 billion people, reside in megacities.
Learn a bit more about these massive settlements as we take you through the biggest cities in the world
We’ll take you through some of the world’s largest cities as you learn more about these enormous settlements.
1. Tokyo
Tokyo is the largest city in the world, originally named as “Edo” about its original location at the meeting point of Sumida River and Tokyo River, the name was later changed to “Tokyo”.
The metropolis, which has endured earthquakes and even Allied air raids during World War II, has grown to become the greatest metropolitan economy in the world in terms of gross domestic product.
Tokyo has a diverse skyline with several buildings, and the city is connected by a sophisticated road system.
2. Cairo
Egypt’s capital, Cairo, is the biggest city in Africa and one of the biggest in the World. It is home to the well-known Giza pyramid complex as well as the ancient city of Memphis. The second-oldest university in the world, Al-Azhar University, is located in Cairo, which is known as “The City of a Thousand Minarets.” It also serves as the regional headquarters for a number of major worldwide media, businesses, and organizations.
One of only two metro systems in Africa is found in the city of Cairo, which also boasts a highly developed infrastructure in terms of healthcare, education, and transportation. Churches, mosques, and museums are just a few of the city’s notable buildings. It also has a vibrant cultural scene.
3. Delhi
Delhi, one of the world’s oldest cities with a population of over 31 million, has been continuously inhabited since the sixth century BC, and it is home to New Delhi, the formal capital of the Indian subcontinent. The second-largest urban region in terms of area, Delhi is also the second-richest city in India and has the second-highest GDP per capita.
The city is extremely rich in architecture, with various traditional Hindu temples, fortresses from the Mughal era and various buildings in the Indo-Saracenic style that are still used as official headquarters of the Central government.
4. Moscow
The capital of Russia and its largest city is Moscow. The city is the most northern megacity in the world and is located in central Russia along the banks of the Moskva River.
The city has been the seat of power for a multitude of states before being named as the capital of Russia and the home of the Government of Russia. The city is known for its well-developed transit network, large green areas, and stunning architecture.
5. Dhaka
Dhaka, the capital of Bangladesh and the biggest metropolis in Eastern South Asia, has been inhabited from the beginning of time. In the 17th century, the city functioned as the Mughal Empire’s provincial capital, and after East Pakistan gained independence in 1947, it also served as its administrative center.
Dhaka saw the introduction of electricity, railways and Western-style educational institutions during the British Era and today it is one of the most densely industrialized regions in Bangladesh, along with contributing about 35% to the country’s economy.
6. Istanbul
After being founded as Byzantion in 660 BCE and then restored as Constantinople in 330 CE, Istanbul has a rich history. Rome, Byzantium, Latin, and the Ottoman Empires all had Istanbul as their capital, with the latter turning it into a hub of Islam. Because of the city’s location along the fabled Silk Road, many different ethnic groups were able to settle on its grounds.
Istanbul has over 14 million inhabitants, and it attracts millions of tourists yearly as one of the most sought-after European tourist destinations. Istanbul has also earned a reputation as a historical, arts, cultural, and entertainment hub.
7. Shanghai
Shanghai, the largest metropolis in the People’s Republic of China and the third-largest city in the world, is situated on the southern estuary of the Yangtze River and has the Huangpu River running through it. It has a population of 27 million.
Once a fishing village, Shanghai gained importance in the 19th century due to its favourable port location and is one of the four direct-administered municipalities in the country currently. The city features several architectural styles, ranging from Art Deco to Shikumen, and is famous for its Lujiazui Skyline.
8. Mumbai
Mumbai, commonly referred to as Bombay, is a city in India that is home to more than 20 million people and is situated on the Arabian Sea coast. It boasts the highest concentration of millionaires and billionaires and was designated an Alpha World City in 2008.
Home to the famous Indian cinema industry of Bollywood, Mumbai is constituted of seven different islands. Rich in architecture with a distinctive ensemble of buildings in the Art Deco and Victorian styles, Mumbai also houses UNESCO World Heritage Sites like the Elephanta Caves and the Victoria Terminus. Mumbai is considered the financial, commercial and entertainment capital of the country.
9. Mexico City
Mexico Metropolis, the country’s capital,and biggest city in North America. One of the world’s most significant cultural and financial centers, the city is situated in a sizable valley in the middle of the high plateaus of central Mexico. Mexico Metropolis is the world’s largest city where Spanish is spoken, with a population of over 21.9 million.
Mexico City was originally built on an island by the Aztecs in 1325, then subsequently redesigned in accordance with Spanish urban standards and established as a municipality in 1524. The residents have the right to elect both the head of government and representatives of the assembly and benefit from many progressive policies.
10. Newark
Newark, the biggest city in New Jersey, serves as the county seat of Essex. Only 13 kilometers separate it from the western portion of lower Manhattan Island in New York City, which is located on the western coast of the Passaic River.
It is not only the second biggest city of the New York metropolitan region, but also the country’s chief center for airways, railways, and shipping. It consists of a total area of about 26 square miles with a population of over 278,400.
11. Sao Paulo
The city of Sao Paulo, which takes its name from the Apostle Saint Paul of Tarsus, is the most populous place in both the Western and Southern Hemispheres and an alpha global city. The city, which is situated on a plateau, is home to numerous diasporas, including Jewish, Arab, Italian, Portuguese, and Japanese. The city, also referred to as “Sampa” or “Terra da Garoa,” has the motto “I am not led, I lead.”
Sao Paulo has the largest economy by GDP in the Southern Hemisphere and has an influence all over the world.
12. Beijing
China’s capital, Beijing, is located in the north-central part of the nation on the North China plain. The city, also known as Peking, has had a turbulent history, beginning with its status as one of the Four Great Ancient Capitals of China, followed by periods of foreign occupation and civil war in the 20th century.
Beijing established itself as an industrial sector in the aftermath of the Communist Revolution of 1949. Automobiles, textiles, petrochemicals, aerospace equipment, and semiconductors are some of the products produced by the city’s industrial sector. Beijing is home to over 20 million residents. As a cultural center, Beijing boasts of seven World Heritage Sites listed by UNESCO.
13. Osaka
The hub of activity and the country of Japan’s Kansai, Osaka is a major economic force. The greatest portion of Keihanshin Industrial Zone, Japan’s second-largest industrial and urban agglomeration, is located in this city, which serves as the prefecture of Osaka’s capital.
Located at the Yodo river, Osaka Bay, Osaka is the third biggest city of Japan in terms of population after Tokyo 23 wards and Yokohama. It spans a total area of 86 square miles with a population of about 2.5 million.