List of largest cities

Night in the Greater Tokyo Area ISS054

List of Largest Cities

The List of Largest Cities encompasses the urban areas around the globe that boast the highest population densities and numbers. This list is crucial for understanding urbanization, economic development, and demographic trends across various regions. The criteria for ranking can vary, including metropolitan area population, city proper population, or the population within an urban agglomeration, making the comparison complex.

Definition and Criteria

The definition of "largest" can be ambiguous, as it may refer to:

• City Proper: The population living within the administrative boundaries of a city.
• Metropolitan Area: Includes a core city and its suburbs, often spanning multiple administrative regions.
• Urban Agglomeration: Considers the continuous urban area, regardless of administrative boundaries.

Each approach has its merits and limitations, influencing the rankings differently.

Top Largest Cities

As of the latest data, the following cities are often cited among the largest in the world, though their rankings can vary based on the criteria used:

1. Tokyo, Japan - Often leads the list, especially when considering the metropolitan or urban agglomeration population.
2. Delhi, India - A rapidly growing city that challenges Tokyo in terms of population size.
3. Shanghai, China - The largest city in China by population within the city proper.
4. São Paulo, Brazil - The largest city in the Southern Hemisphere.
5. Mumbai, India - Known for its high population density and economic significance in India.
6. Mexico City, Mexico - One of the largest metropolitan areas in the Americas.
7. Beijing, China - The capital city of China, with a significant population in its urban area.
8. Cairo, Egypt - The largest city in Africa and the Middle East.
9. Dhaka, Bangladesh - Notable for its rapid population growth and high density.
10. New York City, USA - The largest city in the United States by metropolitan area population.

Challenges and Implications

The growth of large cities brings both opportunities and challenges. Economically, they can become centers of innovation and economic growth. However, they also face issues such as traffic congestion, pollution, housing shortages, and the need for infrastructure development. Understanding the dynamics of large cities is essential for urban planning and policy-making.

Future Trends

The list of largest cities is dynamic, reflecting ongoing urbanization trends, especially in Asia and Africa. Cities in these continents are experiencing rapid growth, suggesting a shift in the rankings in the coming years. Moreover, the impact of globalization, technology, and climate change on urban development will continue to be significant areas of study.