There are more than two million cities in our world, each of them is unique, distinguished by its own atmosphere, culture, size and population. Many of them are unknown to anyone, while others have been heard of by everyone. To become famous, a city must have some kind of landmark, or become the center of historical events, or, for example, become known as the largest city by area. What metropolis deserves this status? Let's find out in our ranking of the largest cities on the planet!
The largest cities in the world by area
The largest metropolis is located in the center of China. It earned first place thanks to its very impressive territory of almost 83 thousand square kilometers. True, the “kilometre” includes not only urban areas, but also suburbs and rural areas. Official data says that Chongqing is 470 kilometers long and 450 kilometers wide, which is the same size as Austria!
The city is divided into nineteen districts, five counties and four autonomous counties. The population, which approaches 29 million, lives mostly in villages. The metropolis accounts for only 20% of the total.
Chongqing is an ancient city with three thousand years of history. The first people appeared on the territory of the future metropolis back in the Paleolithic era. It was in these lands that the settlers found coziness and comfort, because the city is located at the confluence of the Jialing River and the Yangtze.
Chongqing is surrounded by three mountain ranges: Dabashan guards it from the north, Wushan vigilantly looks at it from the east, and Dalushan from the south. Because of the bizarre landscape, the city is called “mountainous” (Shancheng).
There are as many as eight ancient capitals in China, and Hangzhou is one of them, and at the same time this city is also a center of economics, culture and science, as well as an important transport hub.
Hangzhou is traversed by the longest man-made canal on Earth, known as the Great Canal, as well as the tidal Qiantangjiang River. The metropolis is divided into eight districts and five counties, and it itself spreads over 16.5 square kilometers. The urban area makes up one fifth of the total territory.
The Chinese themselves call Hangzhou a paradise on Earth; this city is famous for its ancient history. No wonder, because it dates back 8 thousand years! The city is very generous with resources and amazes with beautiful views. Even Marco Polo could not remain indifferent to Hangzhou and called it the most beautiful place on the planet.
The capital of the Celestial Empire stretches over 16.8 thousand square kilometers, accommodating more than 21 million inhabitants. The city is inferior economically to Hong Kong and Shanghai, but leads in politics and education. And in 2008 it hosted the Summer Olympic Games.
Beijing, whose history goes back three thousand years, has always been a haven for emperors, which allowed it to be considered the most important city in the country. People still come here to see the imperial palaces, tombs, temples and parks. Local residents revere ancient traditions, not forgetting to restore ancient buildings while new and modern areas are being built around them. By the way, Beijing is called the safest city on the planet!
We looked at the three largest cities based on area. But our rating would not be complete if we did not include cities that differ from others in the number of inhabitants inhabiting them.
Largest cities in the world by population
According to recent studies, the largest city by population is Shanghai, China. It is located in the Yangtze River Delta and spreads over an area of almost two thousand square kilometers. This is the most important point in China, both financially and culturally. Shanghai was originally an ordinary fishing village, but now it is a major seaport and one of the most important cities in China. The population census showed that more than 24 million residents live here, and these are only those who are officially registered. That is why Shanghai can safely be called the largest city in the world in terms of this indicator.
This Pakistani city was once the capital of this country and only in the middle of the last century it lost this honorary status. Karachi is located in the south of Pakistan, on the shores of the Arabian Sea. This is a major trading hub of the country, and also the educational center of all of South Asia. After the city gained independence from Great Britain, the population began to grow rapidly. At the moment, with a total area of Karachi of 3.5 thousand square kilometers, the city accommodates 23.5 million residents.
Yes, the capital of the Celestial Empire has distinguished itself here too. Being the third in area, it occupies the same place in terms of population. Beijing is constant only in this regard; over its long existence, the city has changed many names, only in the 15th century did it receive its current name. If you count the suburbs of Beijing, which is what sociologists usually do, then the city's population is close to 22 million. And this does not take into account the numerous migrants working unofficially in Beijing.
The Indian capital is a place of pilgrimage for many travelers and has a population of 16 million. But due to the flow of tourists, a much larger number of people are in Delhi at one time. And all because here the most beautiful temples with dirt in the slums, bright and enchanting festivals and the quiet, unknown life of the poor are so intricately intertwined. A city of contrasts and chaotic movement, eternal bustle, general noise and hubbub, for some, being here for more than two weeks becomes the test of a lifetime. But many note for themselves that they could live here forever.
Delhi has more than one thousand years of history; there is something to see for any, even the most demanding tourist. Attractions are mainly concentrated in two districts of Delhi - Old and New, which are separated by another district - Pahar Ganj. The latter most often becomes a haven for travelers. The most interesting historical exhibits of the capital are: the Jama Masjid Mosque, the Humayun Mausoleum, military fortresses, Lodi Park and numerous temples to various deities.
This city is located in the southwest of Nigeria and is not only the former capital city, but also the largest settlement in this territory. Lagos is located in the Bay of Benin under the “supervision” of Atlantic waters. Even though Lagos is no longer the capital, it remains an important city for Nigeria. It is not only a transport hub, but also the center of politics and culture of the country, where industry is also very developed. Lagos is spread over a thousand square kilometers and is home to 15 million people.
This city once had a different name, Eco, which literally meant “farm site” (according to another version, “military camp”). Local residents grew vegetables and fruits here, and now the city is famous for its developed infrastructure, production, tall buildings and wide avenues. The main activity of the local population is work in production or trade, although the film industry is also developed in Lagos.
There are about 2.5 billion cities on Earth, which from year to year, from century to century, live their own separate lives. Large and small, ancient and young, each of them is interesting in its own way. We invite you to take an express tour of the 10 largest cities in the world.
10th place. Kinshasa (Congo)
9th place. Melbourne (Australia)
- 8th place. Tianjin (China)
The city of bridges Tianjin, one of the oldest settlements in China with an area of 11,760 square meters, moved up one line. km.
- 7th place. Sydney, Australia)
In seventh place is Sydney with an area of 12,368 square meters. km. It is not only one of the largest, but also one of the most expensive cities in the world.
- 6th place. Chengdu (China)
The Chinese city of Chengdu is considered the capital of traditional Chinese medicine. This wonderful city has an area of 14,378 square meters. km is in sixth place in the ranking.
- 5th place. Al Ain (UAE)
The top five is opened by the oasis city of Al Ain, located in the United Arab Emirates. The area of this settlement is 15.1 square meters. km.
- 4th place. Brisbane (Australia)
In fourth place in the top 10 is the Australian city of Brisbane with an area of 15,826 square meters. km. This metropolis is considered one of the most glamorous in the world.
- 3rd place. Beijing, China)
Beijing, which attracts more than 200 million tourists every year, rightfully received bronze. The area of this city is 16,808 square meters. km.
- 2nd place. Hangzhou (China)
An honorable second place belongs to the former capital of China - the city of Hangzhou with a territory of 16,847 square meters. km.
- 1 place. Chongqing (China)
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There are 251 countries located in the most beautiful corners of our planet. About 2.5 million cities, large and small, provincial and developed, touristic and unknown, have been living their full lives for many centuries and even millennia. Each city is unique and interesting in its own way, but today we want to introduce you to the largest cities on our planet.
We will begin our story with the largest cities by area, and, of course, we will mention the megacities with the largest population in the world.
Chongqing (China) CITY AREA: 82,400 km²
Chongqing is a city in China that covers an area of 82,400 km². It is not only the largest and most populous, but also the most ancient city in China. Life in Chongqing has been in full swing for about 3 thousand years. The city is home to almost 40 million people, but there are much fewer registered residents. The metropolis combines the historical value of ancient architecture with the latest technologies. This is one of the largest industrial centers in China, there are 5 automobile factories here, which is why the city’s environment suffers greatly and the air is polluted. If you want to see the ancient city, then you need to hurry, because in a couple of years it may not exist. Old neighborhoods are disappearing every year, being replaced by new buildings.
Hangzhou (China) CITY AREA: 16,840 KM²
Due to the warm and humid climate, the city is simply surrounded by greenery and flowers all year round. The city of Hangzhou has existed for 2 thousand years. It was from this city that the maritime silk road began for many years. Also, for a very long time, Hangzhou was the only seaport in China. These days, this metropolis specializes in light industry. Here you can also buy handmade souvenirs. The main attraction of the city is the Chen Family Ancestral Temple - Chenjiatsi. This amazing monument of Chinese architecture of the nineteenth century. It was built in 1890 during the reign of the Qing Dynasty. Walking through the ancient complex of buildings, you can enjoy Chinese art and architecture. Believe me, here you will have something to see. Hangzhou is also home to the Huaisheng Mosque, one of the oldest in China.
Beijing (China) CITY AREA: 16,410 KM²
Beijing is the capital of China, which is slightly inferior to Hangzhou in terms of territory it occupies. Beijing ranks third in terms of population living in the city (21.5 million people). It is noteworthy that this city is the largest cultural and technologically developed center of the country. Despite the rapid development of the construction industry, a large number of ancient architectural monuments have been preserved in Beijing. The Forbidden City, the most famous palace complex in China, is most popular among tourists. It was the Chinese capital that had the honor of hosting the Summer Olympic Games in 2008. Yes, and the Winter Olympic Games were not the issue. They will be held in Beijing in 2022.
Kinshasa (Congo) CITY AREA: 9,965 km²
Kinshasa is the capital of the Republic of Congo. This is one of the African cities where almost 60% of the city's territory is sparsely populated rural areas. Kinshasa is a city of contrasts, where abject poverty coexists with the luxury of fashionable areas. Kinshasa is not the safest city for tourists, but if you still decide to visit it, you will be interested in taking a look at the Catholic Cathedral of Notre Dame. Of course, it cannot compare with the Paris Cathedral, but it is the best that this city can offer you. This is where the architectural attractions of Kinshasa end, but there are a lot of natural attractions in Kinshasa, including Livingston Falls, numerous wildlife parks and the Congo River itself.
Brisbane (Australia) CITY AREA: 5,950 km²
The picturesque city of Brisbane is the capital of one of the most prosperous states of Australia - Queensland. This city is considered one of the most important cities in Australia. Brisbane is home to the country's third most important airport. Brisbane is a very warm and cozy city, summer here lasts almost all year round, and many fragrant parks and golden beaches attract tourists from all over the continent. Nature lovers will certainly be interested in visiting Fraser Park or strolling through the evergreen forests of Lamington National Park. Both of these sites are under UNESCO protection.
Istanbul (Türkiye) CITY AREA: 5,461 km²
Istanbul is the largest city in Turkey, located on the banks of the Bosphorus. This luxurious city is located simultaneously on two continents - Europe and Asia. Istanbul amazes with its wealth and grandeur. Every year up to 10 million tourists come here to see all the beauty with their own eyes. There are so many attractions in Istanbul that it is simply impossible to see them in one day. The undoubted decoration of this city is the mosques, the luxury of which will not leave anyone indifferent. St. Sophia Cathedral, Blue Mosque, luxurious Dolmabahce Palace, Sultan's Topkapi Palace, Museum of Palace Mosaics and this is not the whole list of what you must see in Istanbul.
Anchorage (USA, Alaska) CITY AREA: 5,099 km²
Anchorage is the largest city in Alaska. But he appeared completely by accident. In 1914, the territory on which the city stands was chosen for the construction of a railway, and this determined its fate. Anchorage has one of the busiest airports in the world in terms of cargo traffic - Ted Stevens International Airport. Due to a major earthquake in 1964, there are almost no architectural sights left in the city, but in these places the nature is simply magical and if you go to Kunai Island, you can go fishing and admire the mountain scenery. The city has several museums, a zoo and the Lake Hood Sea Airport, but tourists still prefer the wild nature of Alaska.
The largest cities in the world are divided into two categories - by area and by population. We introduced you to the first category, and now it’s the turn to tell you about the cities with the largest population.
Shanghai (China) POPULATION: 24,150,000
Shanghai is the largest city in China and the world in terms of population, the number of which is growing every year. As of 2016, approximately 24,256,800 people live in Shanghai. This fastest growing city in China is the heart of the country's trading industry and a leader in cargo transportation. Eastern Paris is what tourists call Shanghai for its hospitality and comfort; its streets amaze with the abundance of all kinds of shops, cafes and restaurants. Of the many attractions in Shanghai, you must see the Jade Buddha Temple, stroll through the Garden of Joy, visit the Shanghai TV Tower, walk along Nanjing Street and climb Mount Sheshan (She).
Karachi (Pakistan) POPULATION: 23,500,000
Karachi is one of the largest cities in the world in terms of population. This city of 3,527 km² is home to almost 23 million inhabitants. The city is also the main economic center and seaport of Pakistan. The port of Karachi is home to one of the city's main attractions - a fountain that produces one of the highest jets of water in the world at 189 m. The city has a great variety of both cultural and historical attractions. The National Museum of Pakistan will surprise you with its color and traditions, the old city and the Kharadar quarter will envelop you in their tranquility, and if you want to touch religion, be sure to visit the Mausoleum of Quaidi Azam, the tomb of Abdullah Shah Ghazi and the tomb of Chaukondi.
Dhaka (Bangladesh) POPULATION: 16,600,000
Sunny Dhaka is the capital of the People's Republic of Bangladesh and one of the largest Asian cities in terms of population. How could it be otherwise if this beautiful city accommodates 16.6 million people. This exotic Asian city is a center for water tourism, as it itself is located on the banks of a large river called Burigangi. The most famous and popular attraction of the city is Dhakeshwari - a Hindu temple that attracts fans of Hinduism from all over the world.
The size of a city is determined by its population. This is why there are many cities that are large in size and yet are called small because of the lack of inhabitants. Although it is not always good that the size of a city is estimated only by the number of people per capita. Here are the ten largest cities in the world based on population.
1. Tokyo, Japan - 37 million people
As the richest city in the entire world, there is no doubt that the Japanese city may be the largest city in the world. Tokyo has grown quite a lot from its very humble beginnings in both economy and population. The population is over 37 million people.
2. Jakarta, Indonesia - 26 million people
As the largest political and financial center in the country, Jakarta is undoubtedly the second largest city in the world with a population of approximately 26 million people.
3. Seoul, South Korea - 22.5 million people
It is not surprising that Seoul has been growing rapidly recently, and its development is not only limited in the economic sphere, but also in population and technology. The population is 22.5 million.
4. Delhi, India - 22.2 million people
Delhi comes in fourth and is almost equal in population to Seoul with 22.2 million.
5. Shanghai, China - 20.8 million people
China is known for its vast territory and dense population. Shanghai has the fifth largest population with 20.8 million people.
6. Manila, Philippines - 22.7 million people
Manila ranks sixth in the list of largest cities in the world.
7. Karachi, Pakistan - 20.7 million people
Being the cultural center of Pakistan, Karachi makes it the seventh largest city in the world, with a population of 20.7 million.
8. New York, USA -20.46 million people
Who hasn't heard of New York? Yes, it is the most populous city in the US at 20.46 million people. New York City largely stands out in terms of cultural diversity as it is home to many people from different parts of the world.
Finding out which is the largest city in the world is easy. True, there will be several such megacities. After all, some are leaders in size, others in population.
When studying a modern geographical map, it is difficult to determine which settlements have the most people and which city is the largest in the world. After all, over time, large metropolitan areas were joined by numerous suburbs: small towns, villages, large and small villages. Neighboring settlements formed vast areas of continuous construction - agglomerations. Such areas are clearly visible on satellite images in clear weather due to the artificial lighting used in cities and suburbs. The largest agglomerations are located in different parts of the globe, each of them is home to millions of people.
The tenth place in the world is occupied by Sao Paulo, the largest city in Brazil and the most populated metropolis on the American continent. It is a multinational port with developed tourism and a rich cultural life with a population of about 20 million people. It harmoniously combines ancient buildings and modern architectural ensembles made of glass and metal.
The largest city in the United States, New York, is in 9th place. It is home to more than 8 million people, and the New York metropolitan area has about 21 million residents. This metropolis is an influential economic and financial center not only of the country, but also of the world. Broadway theaters and the Statue of Liberty are the city's most famous attractions. New York has experienced the bulk of the saddest events in the history of the United States in recent decades - the terrorist attacks of September 11, 2001. Foreign tourists consider this city the most attractive place to visit in the United States.
Mumbai (old name Bombay) is in eighth place. Together with its suburbs, India's most populous city has more than 22 million inhabitants. This is a place where the cultures of Asia and Europe are combined, national traditions are preserved, and local residents enjoy participating in festivals and celebrations of numerous ethnic groups.
Chinese Shanghai ranks seventh in the ranking with a population of more than 23 million inhabitants. The city has low crime and unique modern architecture. In it, new buildings coexist with historical structures, and the second largest skyscraper in the world is located. Among agglomerates it is in seventh place, and among cities Shanghai takes the lead.
Karachi used to be the capital of Pakistan. Now it remains simply the largest city in the country, the center of its business, trade and industrial life. At the beginning of the 18th century, Karachi was a small fishing village, now it ranks sixth among the largest metropolises in the world. The population of Karachi is more than 23 million people, the city is actively developing and is considered one of the fastest growing.
Seoul is the capital of the Republic of Korea and the center of the fifth largest agglomeration in the world with a population of more than 24 million people. Royal palaces of past ruling dynasties, museums, national parks with Buddhist temples and centers of contemporary art - there is something for the curious tourist to see. Seoul is considered one of the best cities for shopping, and you can always try something delicious in its establishments.
The fourth place belongs to the capital of the Philippines. The city of Manila and its surrounding areas are home to more than 24 million people. It is one of the busiest ports in the world with developed industry. Ancient buildings attract tourists; there are many religious and historical attractions.
In 3rd place is the oldest city among megacities - Delhi. The capital of India is more than 5 thousand years old. The city has nine distinct administrative districts with a total population of more than 26 million people. New Delhi is the central part with rich skyscrapers, a government quarter and excellent infrastructure. It is very different from the Delhi slums with miserable shacks lacking basic sanitation. There are no running waters, and more than twenty families share one toilet. Numerous mosques, temples, historical monuments, regular religious festivals, markets with a wide variety of goods and exotic Indian cuisine - all this is also the hallmark of Delhi.
Jakarta is home to almost 32 million people and ranks second among the cities with the largest population. This province with capital status has many mosques, temple complexes, parks and entertainment venues to suit every taste.
The population of Tokyo together with the city of Yokohama is almost 38 million people. This record is unlikely to be broken by any metropolis in the near future. People have inhabited these places since the Stone Age, but only in the last 100 years has Tokyo gradually developed into one of the modern and developed cities in the world and has become the largest city in the world in terms of population. It consists of many islands and mainland. It is one of the three world financial leaders along with London and New York. The population of the Tokyo agglomeration is larger than the entire Asian part of Russia.
Top 10 largest settlements by area
Some cities are distinguished not by the number of people living in them, but by their size.
| Order number | City name | A country | Area, sq. km |
|---|---|---|---|
| 1 | Chongqing | China | 82403 |
| 2 | Hangzhou | China | 16847 |
| 3 | Beijing | China | 16801 |
| 4 | Brisbane | Australia | 15826 |
| 5 | Chengdu | China | 14312 |
| 6 | Asmara | Eritrea | 12158 |
| 7 | Sydney | Australia | 12144 |
| 8 | Tianjin | China | 11943 |
| 9 | Melbourne | Australia | 9990 |
| 10 | Kinshasa | Congo | 9965 |
The leader of the rating is Chongqing, which occupies approximately the same territory as Austria. It has become the largest city in the world in terms of area due to the peculiarities of dividing the territory adopted in China. In Chongqing, the densely populated area is very small, and more than 90% are suburban areas, which are also administratively considered urban areas.
| No. | Capital, name | Area, square kilometers |
|---|---|---|
| 1 | Beijing, China) | 16801 |
| 2 | Asmara (Eritrea) | 12158 |
| 3 | Kinshasa (Democratic Republic of Congo) | 9965 |
| 4 | Naypyitaw (Myanmar) | 7054 |
| 5 | Brasilia (Brazil) | 5801 |
| 6 | Ulaanbaatar (Mongolia) | 4704 |
| 7 | Vientiane (Laos) | 3920 |
| 8 | Muscat (Oman) | 3500 |
| 9 | Hanoi (Vietnam) | 3344 |
| 10 | Ottawa (Canada) | 2790 |
The recognized favorite of this list is the Chinese city of Beijing. It is not only the largest capital in the world, but also a fairly populated city - it is home to more than 20 million inhabitants. Beijing is developing rapidly, has an amazing atmosphere and attracts millions of tourists every year.
It is impossible to answer the question about the largest city in the world unambiguously. You can create many different ratings and each time get acquainted with new interesting cities in the world.