Irrespective of which country you come from, there is always a city of dreams. However, if every other person packs their bags and moves to this “city of dreams,” especially settling down and having kids there, then it directly affects the population of that city! Hence, in this article, we will talk about the largest city in the world.
We will also provide you with a list of the top 25 most populous cities! On that note, let’s get started!
Which is The Largest City in The World?
Japan’s capital, Tokyo, is the largest city in the world! It is famous for its Neon-Lit Skyscrapers, Historical Temples, Tokyo National Museum, Meijin Shinto Shrine, Kabuki Theatre, Imperial Palace, and so much more.
As of 2023, the population of this busy city is 37, 194, 104.
However, in the last year, the growth rate has dropped to 0.21%. That’s because of two reasons: One being the birth rates in Tokyo had slowed down.
And second being the Japanese government has executed tax incentives for popular companies to move to less populated regions. They have provided subsidies so that the employees locate along with the company.
Largest City in the World: Top 10 (As of 2023)
In the table below, we have mentioned the top 10 largest cities. Along with that, we have mentioned the population of each city, its city, and its growth rate.
| Rank | City | Population | Country | Growth Rate |
| 1 | Tokyo | 37,194,104 | Japan | -0.21% |
| 2 | Delhi | 32,941,308 | India | 2.73% |
| 3 | Shanghai | 29,210,808 | China | 2.43% |
| 4 | Dhaka | 23,209,616 | Bangladesh | 3.25% |
| 5 | São Paulo | 23,209,616 | Brazil | 0.85% |
| 6 | Mexico City | 22,619,736 | Mexico | 0.89% |
| 7 | Cairo | 22,281,442 | Egypt | 1.99% |
| 8 | Beijing | 21,766,214 | China | 2.03% |
| 9 | Mumbai | 21,296,516 | India | 1.6% |
| 10 | Osaka | 19,013,434 | Japan | -0.24% |
26 Largest Cities In The World In 2023
As we have already talked about Tokyo, the largest city in the world, let’s discuss the rest of the 25 largest cities in the world in the list below!
1. Tokyo, Japan
Besides being one of the most famous cities in the world, Tokyo takes the crown as the largest city in the world. The dream city is home to 37,194,104 people.
Tokyo has a rich cultural history and amazing architecture and is widely known for its lifestyle. If you are an amine fan, there is a high chance you already know about the beauty of Tokyo (it’s one of my dream cities to visit too!)
2. Delhi, India
India’s capital city, Delhi, is ranked second in the world’s biggest cities. The estimated growth of Delhi’s population has reached about 32, 941, 308.
However, it’s predicted that by the end of 2028, it will reach around 56.4 Million. Other than that, Delhi is popular for several tourist places, including Red Fort Complex (which is named because of its red-colored walls), the World Heritage Site, etc.
3. Shanghai, China
Shanghai is predicted to reach an important growth in population in the next few years.
However, the current population of this commercial powerhouse is about 29, 210, 808. In the last few years, Shanghai has leaped from 2.59% to 2.87%
Other than that, Shanghai is situated in the Central-East of China and is currently on its way to securing its position in the world’s three most populated cities. And Reports have it in the next few years, and it might replace Tokyo’s number position.
Along with that, the city is also known as the world’s greatest seaport.
4. Dhaka, Bangladesh
Bangladesh’s capital is slowly making its way into the world’s most populous city, with a population of 22, 478, 116. It is one of the most densely crowded cities and was in seventh place in 2018 and fourth place in 2023.
Dhaka is situated in the heart of Bangladesh, which intersects with the Indian Ocean and the Bay of Bengal. The city is considered the economic and administrative powerhouse of Bangladesh.
And ever since its independence in 1971, Dhaka has shown immense growth. In addition to that, it is expected that Dhaka will populate even more in the future.
5. São Paulo, Brazil
São Paulo is one of the top 110 urban areas of Brazil, which is situated in the southeastern part of Brazil, surrounded by foothills and valleys.
It is considered Southern Hemispere’s largest city that has gained a global reputation as an industrial and commercial center. To preserve the scenic views of the City, São Paulo has banned billboards and outside banners.
Regardless of meeting resistance to São Paulo’s ban, a few years later, the whole movement was praised immensely.
Currently, the city’s population is 22, 619, 736.
6. Mexico City, Mexico
Mexico is a high-altitude city and capital of the country, which is popular for the thirteenth-century Templo Mayor Temple. It’s considered the most populous city in North America, with over 22,619,736 people living there.
Making its metropolitan area the sixth largest in the world.
7. Cairo, Egypt
The capital city of Egypt is the largest city in the Country, with a population of 22, 281, 442. It is the twelfth largest city in the world and part of Africa’s largest urban agglomeration, the Middle East, and the Arabs.
Along with that, Egypt has the Arab’s largest and oldest music industry and cinemas.
8. Beijing, China
With a population of 21, 766, 214, Beijing is considered the Country’s second-largest city. It is popular for modern architecture like the Forbidden City Complex, Imperial Palace, Temple of Heaven, National Museums, and more.
Beijing is considered a global city with leading finance, language, technology, business, research centers, etc.
9. Mumbai, India
Mumbai is a densely populated city in India with a strength of 21, 296, 516. It is situated on the west coast and is considered the financial center of the country. The metropolitan area of Mumbai is the sixth most populated one in the world.
Mumbai is known for its amazing nightlife and financial capital of the country!
10. Osaka, Japan
Osaka is recognized as the prime financial center of Japan and its third most populated Country, with a strength of 19, 013, 434. It is mainly famous for its nightlife, street food, Osaka Castle, Cherry Blossom, modern architecture, and more.
Osaka is known as the economic hub of Japan.
11. Chongqing, China
Considering the urban population, Chongqing is China’s fourth largest city! As of 2023, its population is 17, 340, 704. Chongqing is China’s international transport hub and financial center, which is positioned in such a way that it becomes a gateway for the West.
Along with that, Chongqing is the main modernized manufacturing base in China.
12. Karachi, Pakistan
Karachi is situated on the Arabian Sea coast along with the southern part of Pakistan. It is the twelfth largest city in the world, with a population of 17, 236, 230. Karachi used to be the capital of Pakistan. Now it is the capital of the province of Sindh.
Other than that, Karachi is also the financial center of Pakistan, with a GDP of over $200 Billion.
13. Kinshasa, DR Congo
Previously known as Léopoldville, it is the capital of the Democratic Republic of the Congo. It is also located by the Congo River and is now considered one of the fastest-growing megacities worldwide. As of 2023, the population of Kinshasa is 16, 315, 534.
Other than that, Kinshasa is one of DR Congo’s 26 Provinces.
14. Lagos, Nigeria
Lagos is the financial center and economic hub of Africa and Nigeria, respectively. It is popular for nightlife, beach resorts, boutiques, national museums, craftworks, fashion, etc.
Lagos is one of the fastest growing countries in the world with a population of 15, 945, 912 and the fourth highest GDP.
15. Istanbul, Turkey
Europe’s most populated city, Istanbul, is also the world’s fifteenth-largest city. Istanbul is also the country’s economic, historical, and cultural hub. It encompasses about 19% of Tukey’s population with a strength of 15, 847, 768.
Besides, Istanbul has grown in size and influence and has eventually become one of the most important cities in the world!
16. Buenos Aires, Argentina
Also known as the autonomous city, Buenos Aires is the capital of Argentina which is located on Rio de la Plata’s western shore on the southern coast of South America. The population of Buenos Aires is 15, 490, 415.
Additionally, the city is famous for Obelisco, National Congress, Casa Rosada, Teatro Colon, Plaza de Mayo, and more.
17. Kolkata, India
Kolkata is India’s seventh most populated city, with a strength of 15, 332, 793. It is popular for grand colonial architecture, cultural festivals, art galleries, headquarters of missionaries of charity, and more.
Along with that, Kolkata’s metropolitan area is India’s third most populated one.
18. Manila, Philippines
The Philippines’ capital Manila is the second most populated city, which is situated on the eastern shore of Luzon Island. It is considered a global city and also rated as an Alpha city with a population of 14, 667, 089.
Other than that, Manila is one of South Asia’s fastest-growing and most populous cities.
19. Guangzhou, China
Guangzhou is considered the fifth most populated city in China, with a population of 14, 284, 353. The city is popular for Canton TV Tower, Opera House, which is also known as double pebble, Chen Clan Ancestral Hall, and many more things.
Besides that, Guangzhou is situated in the center of the world’s most populated metropolitan area (Guangdong–Hong Kong–Macau Greater Bay Area)!
20. Tianjin, China
Tianjin is also popularly known as Tientsin. It is the seventh largest city in China, with a population of 14, 238, 643. Along with that, it is listed in the top 20 cities for scientific research output, which is further tracked by Nature Index.
Furthermore, Tianjin is ranked as the second-tier global city by Global Cities Network Research.
21. Lahore, Pakistan
Lahore is considered the second-most populated city in Pakistan, with a strength of 13, 971, 390. It is also the capital city of the other half of Punjab. Lahore is also considered Pakistan’s one of the economic and industrial hubs.
Lahore is also widely known as the City of Literature and a major spot for most of Pakistan’s publishing. To date, it is the center of the Country’s literary sequence.
22. Rio De Janerio, Brazil
Rio De Janerio is the capital city of Rio De Janerio’s (state). It is also considered the third most populated state and second most populated city in Brazil, with a strength of 13, 727, 720.
Rio De Janerio is popular for Carnival, Bossa Nova, Sugarloaf Mountain, Copacabana, etc.
23. Bangalore, India
Bangalore is the capital city of Karnataka state which is located in the Southern part of India. It is popular for the nightlife, parks, and center of India’s high-technology industry.
Bangalore is considered India’s third most populated city, with a strength of 13, 607, 800. It is also popularly known as India’s Garden City.
24. Shenzhen, China
Shenzhen is historically addressed as Sham Chun, which is one of the essential economic zones and a sub-provincial city of China. With a strength of 13, 072, 633, Shenzhen is China’s third most populated city.
Shenzhen is famous for tourism, technology, finance, economics, research, business, etc. It is also addressed as the Global Center and the fourth busiest port worldwide.
25. Moscow, Russia
Russia’s capital Moscow has an estimated population of 12, 680, 389. The city covers about 970 square meters, with Moscow being Europe’s largest metropolitan and urban area.
It is situated at the center of Russia on the Moskva River and is also considered the Grand Duchy of Moscow’s capital. To this day, Moscow is the economic and political center and further holds sway as the Federal City.
26. Chennai, India
It’s situated at the Esat-India of the Bay of Bengal and is also the capital city of Tamil Nadu state. Chennai is India’s sixth most populated city and ends up forming the fourth most populated urban agglomeration.
For many years, Chennai was part of a few Kingdoms, including Pallava, Chola, Vijaynagara, and Pandya. Currently, the population of this formerly recognized Madras city is 5, 390, 674.
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Conclusion: Largest City In The World By Population
The largest city in the world is Japan’s capital, Tokyo! The Country’s government has done a great job at managing its population by relocating popular companies and their employees by providing subsidies.
The birth rates have dropped too, which explains the depletion in their population as compared to previous years. Regardless, Tokyo’s current population is 37, 194, 104.
We have written this article by referring to the latest data, so in case of new information, we will keep our page updated! Till then, we hope our article was helpful!
FAQs
The top three largest cities in the world are Tokyo, Shanghai, and Delhi.
As of 2023, the largest city in the world is Tokyo, with a population of 37, 194, 104.
Philippines’ Manila is the largest city in the world with 119, 600 per square mile.
Tokyo is indeed bigger than New York.
The US state that is most like Japan is Alaska.
