Rankings
Largest Cities in the World
100 cities ranked by population·Source: GeoNames·Last updated: 2026
Tokyo remains the largest city in the world with over 37 million people in its metropolitan area, followed by Delhi and Shanghai. This ranking shows the 100 most populous cities globally based on the latest available population data.
Key Facts
- Over 56% of the world population lives in urban areas, a figure projected to reach 68% by 2050.
- Asia dominates the list with 6 of the top 10 largest cities globally.
- More than 30 cities worldwide have populations exceeding 10 million (megacities).
- The fastest-growing major cities are concentrated in Africa and South Asia.
- China and India together account for nearly a third of all cities in the top 100.
Top 100 Ranking
Global Urbanization Trends
The world is becoming increasingly urban. In 1950, only 30% of the global population lived in cities. Today, that figure exceeds 56%, and by 2050, nearly 7 out of 10 people will be urban dwellers. This rapid urbanization is reshaping economies, environments and societies worldwide. Megacities with populations exceeding 10 million are becoming more common, particularly in developing nations across Asia and Africa. Understanding the distribution and growth of the world's largest cities is crucial for planning sustainable development, infrastructure and resource allocation.
Frequently Asked Questions
What is the largest city in the world?
Shanghai, China, is the largest city in the world by population with approximately 24.9M inhabitants.
What are the 10 largest cities in the world?
The 10 largest cities in the world by population are: Shanghai, Beijing, Shenzhen, Guangzhou, Kinshasa, Istanbul, Lagos, Ho Chi Minh City, Chengdu, Lahore.
What is the most populated city in Asia?
Asia is home to the majority of the world's largest cities. Tokyo, Delhi, and Shanghai consistently rank among the top three most populated cities globally.
How many cities have over 10 million people?
There are 20 cities in our ranking with populations exceeding 10 million, commonly known as megacities. This number continues to grow as urbanization accelerates in developing nations.
What is the difference between a city and a metropolitan area?
A city refers to the administrative boundaries of an urban center, while a metropolitan area includes the city and its surrounding suburbs and satellite towns. Population figures can vary significantly depending on which definition is used.