Urban centers have always been hubs of cultural exchange, economic activity, and innovation. With the global population increasingly gravitating towards cities, the size and scale of these urban areas continue to grow.
The 2024 World Population Review has revealed the top 50 largest cities by population, showcasing remarkable insights into the distribution of human habitation worldwide.
Asia leads the world in population density, hosting 7 of the top 10 cities. Tokyo, Japan, maintains its position as the most populous city, housing an incredible 37.1 million residents. It is followed by Delhi, India, with 33.8 million people, and Shanghai, China, with 29.8 million.
Notable mentions include Mumbai, India (9th with 21.6 million) and Beijing, China (8th with 22.1 million). The Indian subcontinent’s prominence continues with cities like Kolkata, Bangalore, and Hyderabad, each crossing the 10 million mark.
Africa showcases its potential for urban expansion with cities like Lagos, Nigeria, ranking 14th globally with 16.5 million residents, and Kinshasa, DR Congo, close behind with 17 million.
Cairo, Egypt, remains the largest city on the continent, at 22.6 million.
In Latin America, São Paulo, Brazil, takes the 5th spot globally with 22.8 million people, while Mexico City, Mexico, closely follows with 22.5 million.
Cities like Buenos Aires, Argentina, and Rio de Janeiro, Brazil, continue to thrive as cultural and economic hubs in the region.
While North America’s urban population growth lags behind Asia and Africa, New York City, USA, remains a global icon with 8 million residents. In Europe, Moscow, Russia, and Paris, France, stand out, hosting 12.7 million and 11.2 million, respectively.
London, a symbol of historical significance and modern development, accommodates 9.7 million residents.
The list also includes cities with unique urban characteristics, such as Luanda, Angola, with 9.6 million residents, and Ho Chi Minh City, Vietnam, nearing the 10 million milestone.
