Planet Earth is home to approximately eight billion people, a significant milestone reached on November 15, 2022, as estimated by the United Nations. This number has grown dramatically from the 2.5 billion inhabitants in 1950. While the global population continues to increase, the growth rate is slowing, with projections estimating it will take around 15 years to reach nine billion. Within this vast global population, a considerable number reside in urban centers, leading to the question: What exactly is the largest city in the world? The answer, surprisingly, depends on how “largest” is defined – by population or by area.
Largest Cities in the World by Population
When considering population, the title of “largest city” goes to Tokyo, Japan. This sprawling metropolis is home to an estimated 37.1 million people. Tokyo’s immense population reflects its status as a global hub for finance, culture, and innovation. Following Tokyo, the next most populous cities highlight the rapid urbanization occurring in different parts of the world.
Here are the top 10 largest cities in the world by population in 2024:
- Tokyo, Japan – 37.1 million
- Delhi, India – 33.8 million
- Shanghai, China – 29.8 million
- Dhaka, Bangladesh – 23.9 million
- São Paulo, Brazil – 22.8 million
- Cairo, Egypt – 22.6 million
- Mexico City, Mexico – 22.5 million
- Beijing, China – 22.1 million
- Mumbai, India – 21.6 million
- Osaka, Japan – 18.9 million
This list clearly indicates that megacities in Asia dominate the rankings of the world’s most populous urban centers. Cities like Delhi and Shanghai are experiencing rapid growth, driven by economic opportunities and internal migration.
Aerial view of Tokyo at sunset showcasing its vast urban sprawl and dense building clusters.
Largest Cities in the World by Area
Defining the “largest city” by area presents a different perspective and greater complexity. The definition of a “city” can vary significantly from country to country, making direct comparisons challenging. To address this inconsistency, Demographia developed the concept of “Urban Areas.” This standardized measurement considers population density and groups geographically proximate cities and areas together. Therefore, when measuring by area using the Urban Area standard, we are not looking at single cities but rather conurbations or metropolitan areas.
Based on Demographia reports and analyzed by World Population Review, the top 10 largest urban areas in the world by square miles are:
- New York-Newark
- Boston-Providence
- Tokyo-Yokohama
- Atlanta
- Chicago
- Los Angeles
- Moscow
- Washington-Baltimore
- Philadelphia
- Dallas-Fort Worth
This ranking reveals a significant shift, with North American urban areas featuring prominently. The New York-Newark area, for instance, encompasses a vast region and a multitude of interconnected cities and suburbs. Notably, Tokyo-Yokohama still appears in the top three, highlighting its substantial size in both population and area.
In conclusion, determining the “largest city in the world” is not straightforward. If we consider population, Tokyo reigns supreme as a megacity teeming with over 37 million residents. However, when measured by area, particularly using the standardized Urban Area definition, the rankings shift to include massive urban agglomerations like New York-Newark and Boston-Providence. Ultimately, the “largest city” depends on the metric used – population size or geographical expanse – each offering a unique perspective on global urbanization.
