The largest city in the word

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The United Nations uses three definitions for what constitutes a city, as not all cities in all jurisdictions are classified using the same criteria. Cities may be defined as the cities proper, the extent of their urban area, or their metropolitan regions.

Definitions

City proper (administrative)

A city can be defined by its administrative boundaries, otherwise known as city proper. UNICEF defines city proper as, «the population living within the administrative boundaries of a city or controlled directly from the city by a single authority.» A city proper is a locality defined according to legal or political boundaries and an administratively recognised urban status that is usually characterised by some form of local government.^[1][2][3] Cities proper and their boundaries and population data may not include suburbs.^[4]

The use of city proper as defined by administrative boundaries may not include suburban areas where an important proportion of the population working or studying in the city lives.^[4] Because of this definition, the city proper population figure may differ greatly with the urban area population figure, as many cities are amalgamations of smaller municipalities (Australia), and conversely, many Chinese cities govern territories that extend well beyond the traditional «city proper» into suburban and rural areas.^[5] The Chinese municipality of Chongqing, which claims the largest city proper in the world by population, comprises a huge administrative area of 82,403 km², around the size of Austria. However, more than 70% of its 30-million population are actually agricultural workers living in a rural setting.^[6][7]

Urban area

A city can be defined as a conditionally contiguous urban area, without regard to territorial or other boundaries inside an urban area. UNICEF defines urban area as follows:

The definition of «urban» varies from country to country, and, with periodic reclassification, can also vary within one country over time, making direct comparisons difficult. An urban area can be defined by one or more of the following: administrative criteria or political boundaries (e.g., area within the jurisdiction of a municipality or town committee), a threshold population size (where the minimum for an urban settlement is typically in the region of 2,000 people, although this varies globally between 200 and 50,000), population density, economic function (e.g., where a significant majority of the population is not primarily engaged in agriculture, or where there is surplus employment) or the presence of urban characteristics (e.g., paved streets, electric lighting, sewerage).

According to Demographia, an urban area is a continuously built up land mass of urban development that is within a labor market (metropolitan area or metropolitan region) and contains no rural land.^[8]

Metropolitan area

A city can be defined by the inhabitants of its demographic population, as by metropolitan area, or labour market area. UNICEF defines metropolitan area as follows:

A formal local government area comprising the urban area as a whole and its primary commuter areas, typically formed around a city with a large concentration of people (i.e., a population of at least 100,000). In addition to the city proper, a metropolitan area includes both the surrounding territory with urban levels of residential density and some additional lower-density areas that are adjacent to and linked to the city (e.g., through frequent transport, road linkages or commuting facilities).

In many countries, metropolitan areas are established either with an official organisation or only for statistical purposes. In the United States, metropolitan statistical area (MSA) is defined by the U.S. Office of Management and Budget (OMB).^[9] In the Philippines, metropolitan areas have an official agency, such as Metropolitan Manila Development Authority (MMDA), which manages Manila metropolitan area.^[10] Similar agencies exist in Indonesia, such as Jabodetabekjur Development Cooperation Agency for Jakarta metropolitan area.^[11]

List

There are 81 cities in the world with a population exceeding 5 million people, according to 2018 estimates by the United Nations. The U.N. figures include a mixture of city proper, metropolitan area, and urban area.^[12]

• 

  Tokyo, Japan: 39.1 million people (urban area)

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  Jakarta, Indonesia: 34.5 million people (urban area)

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  Chongqing, China: 32 million people (municipal area)

• 

  Seoul, South Korea: 26 million people (metropolitan area)

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  Shanghai, China: 24.8 million people (municipal area)

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  Manila, Philippines: 24.1 million people (urban area)

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  São Paulo, Brazil: 22 million people (metropolitan area)

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  Beijing, China: 21.9 million people (municipal area)

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  Mexico City, Mexico: 21.8 million people (metropolitan area)

• 

  Mumbai, India: 20.7 million people (metropolitan area)

• 

  Delhi, India: 16.3 million people (urban area)

See also

• Historical urban community sizes
• List of largest cities throughout history
• List of towns and cities with 100,000 or more inhabitants

Notes

References

External links

• UNSD Demographics Statistics – City population by sex, city and city type
• Nordpil World Database of Large Urban Areas, 1950–2050

Urban centres have been proliferating across the world. As people generally settle in large cities to take advantage of better economic opportunities, modern infrastructure, and other amenities. However, Asian cities have recorded outstanding growth and development, and most of the largest cities of the world are undoubted, situated in Asia. We will list down largest cities in the world on the basis of metropolitan areas population that is based on the concept of labour market area which further means an employment core, an area with a high density of available jobs and also surrounding areas that have strong commuting ties to the core. Here are the top 10 15 largest cities in the world,

1. Tokyo, Japan: 37,832,892

Tokyo, the capital city of Japan is one of Japan’s forty-seven prefectures. Initially, the city was popularly known as Edo but was later renamed in 1868 when the Japanese imperial family relocated there from Kyoto. Tokyo is home to fifty-one of the Fortune Global 500 firms, and it is ranked 4th in the Global Cities Index. The inhabitants of Tokyo are almost all Japanese with some communities of Chinese and Koreans.

Tokyo is home to the headquarters of many large corporations and financial institutions such as Yokohama, Chiba, and Kawasaki and many more. One of the most visited cities in the world has headquarters of large corporations and financial institutions, however, the manufacturing sector is mainly concentrated in Yokohama, Chiba, and Kawasaki.

Also read: Top 10 Skyscrapers located in the UAE

2. Dehli, India: 35,454,000

Delhi or the National Capital Territory (NCT) is the capital city of India. Delhi is the third most populous city in the world with a population of about 35,454,000 million. Also, it is one of the largest cities in India in terms of geographical area.

Due to its economic potential and the existence of a large number of favourable opportunities for the people, there has been a tremendous development in transport, education and other facilities offered by the government and other agencies in Delhi. The city is divided into two regions old Delhi in the north and New Delhi that has been declared as its capital in the 20th century.

Related: Top 10 Oldest Cities in the World

3. Shanghai, China: 34,865,252

Shanghai, the most populous city in China and the most populous city in the world as well as a population of more than 34,865,252 million. Shanghai, however, is a renowned international metropolis and a global financial centre and a transport hub with the world’s busiest container port. Situated on the estuary of the Yangtze River, it is one of the most influential economic, financial, and richest cities in Easternmost parts of China.

The city reported a double-digit growth rate since 1992 except during the recession of 2008 and 2009. The main services of Shanghai include real estate, financial services, and retail, however, manufacturing accounts for 40% of the total output. The city has many industrial zones namely Shanghai Hongqiao Economic and Technological Development Zone.

Related: Top 10 Most Beautiful Lost Cities

4. Jakarta, Indonesia: 31,689,592

The capital of the Republic of Indonesia located on the North West coast of the Indonesian Island, Java. One of the largest cities in the world is also the busiest destination both in terms of tourism and commerce. Talking about history, it was known as Sunda Kelpa from year 397 to 1527.

Later, it was named as Jayakarta from the year 1527 to 1619. Then, in 1619 in was named Batavia and called it by the same name till 1942 because again in 1942, the name was changed to Djakarta and finally, in 1972 it got its present name Jakarta. The city has faced many different natural calamities and hence the city depth has now sunk by 150 centimetres.

Also Read: 10 Most Naturally Beautiful Countries In The World

5. Seoul, South Korea: 25,514,000

The official name of one of the largest cities in the world in Seoul Special Metropolitan City. It is situated on the northwest part of South Korea on the Han River. The city is bordered by eight mountains along with Han River plain and western areas. Talking about the history, settlement along the Han River area started around 4000 BC. During the end of the 19th century, after a hundred years of isolation, the city opened its gates to foreigners and began to modernize.

Also Read: Top 10 Most Dangerous Cities In The World

6. Guangzhou, China: 25,000,000

One of the most beautifully preserved and largest cities, Guangzhou situated in the heart of China. The major port city and the capital of Guangdong Province are famous across the globe. The third largest city in China is also listed as one of China’s five National Central Cities.

Talking about the history, Guangzhou was earlier known as Canton and there are people who called it as Panyu and expected to established in 214 BC. After the progression, the city named as Guangzhou. The oldest mosque of China located in Guangzhou named as the Huaisheng Mosque was built by Mohammed’s Uncle Abi Waqqas. He visited China as part of the first Muslim mission in the 630s.

7. Beijing, China: 24,900,000

Beijing is the third largest of the four directly controlled municipalities of the People’s Republic of China. With a population of about  24,900,000, it is the second largest city in the world. Beijing, the capital city of China is a unique combination of traditional and modern architecture and is situated in the northern part of the People’s Republic of China.

The Population of Beijing is increasing every year and the government is looking for a solution to control and reduce the Population of Beijing as well as China in the upcoming years. The city is an important part of economic development since it produces products like Automobiles, textiles, aerospace equipment, semiconductors and petrochemicals. Also, Beijing has seven World Heritage Sites listed by UNESCO.

Related: Top 10 Best Preserved Medieval cities In Europe

8. Manila, Philippines: 24,650,000

One of the most densely populated and largest cities in the world, Manila capital of Philippines has mostly a predominantly Catholic population and the city has also several centuries-old churches located across the city. The oldest Chinatown founded in the 16th century as a community for Chinese Catholics. The oldest university in Asia named the University of Santo Tomas in Sampaloc was founded in 1611. Also, it is the largest Catholic University in the world in terms of the student population.

9. New York, The United States: 23,876,155

Reports state that the statistical figures of New York, New York and Newark, New Jersey will grow upto 19,885,000 by 2030, however, the growth could be slow. The cities are among the world’s major commercial, financial and cultural centres. It has some of the iconic sites includes skyscrapers such as the Empire State Building and sprawling Central Park. The city is home to the headquarters of the United States and one of the fastest paced city in the world.

10. Shenzhen, China: 23,300,000

One of the wealthiest and largest cities in the world, Shenzhen is one of the important places in Guangdong Province. The city is known for its thriving nightlife and amazing myriad theme parks. Initially, the city was a small market town of just 30,000 people situated on the Kowloon–Canton Railway, however, later in 1979 Shenzhen was transformed to city status and in 1980, the city was designated as China’s first Special Economic Zone (SEZ). Now, it is the world’s largest manufacturing hub and one of the richest cities in the world.

11. Mexico City, Mexico: 21,650,668

Mexico city with a population of 21,650,668 is one of the most densely populated cities in the country. However, as per the reports it is predicted that in 2030 Mexico city will have a population of 23,865,000. The city is famous for a 13th-century Aztec temple known as Templo Mayor, the baroque Catedral Metropolitana de México of the Spanish conquistadors and the Palacio Nacional. The Palacio Nacional is considered to be houses of historic murals by Diego Rivera. All these spots are situated on the massive main square also known as the Zocalo. The capital city of Mexico is one of the most important financial and cultural hubs of the country.

12. Sao Paulo, Brazil: 21,242,939

As per the United Nations population report, Asia and Africa will see enormous growth in the coming decades. Sao Paulo is the 5th largest city in the world with a population of 21,242,939, however, it is predicted that by 2030, the city will have a population of 23,444,00. The city is the vibrant financial centre of Brazil and known for its cultural institutions and a rich architectural tradition.

Related: 10 Most Beautiful Cities In The World

13. Lagos, Nigeria: 21,000,000

Lagos is one of the fastest growing and largest cities in the world situated in Africa. It is popularly known as “Eko” “Lag” or “Lasgidi” is one of the 36 states of Nigeria. The city accommodates people of all tribes, cultures, religions and languages in Nigeria and from Abroad too. Because of the recent development in land, sea, air and rail transport, the city has become the commercial entity of Nigeria. To the people of Nigeria, the city has been divided into two parts Lagos mainland and Lagos Island, the Lagos mainland is more populated than Lagos island.

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14. Mumbai, India: 20,748,395

Mumbai, the capital city of Maharashtra is the most crowded city in India and the 10th most crowded agglomeration on the planet, with an estimated population of about 20,748,395. The city standout among the most populated urban districts on the planet and the 2nd most crowded metropolitan zone in India.

Popularly referred to as the city that never sleeps; Mumbai is the industrial, financial, and celluloid hub of India, hence derive the reputation of being the financial capital of the country and has the major contribution in the GDP of the country. The city is home to the largest number of population of billionaires and millionaires of the country. It is also headquarters of important financial institutions like the Bombay Stock Exchange and the Reserve Bank of India.

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15. Cairo, Egypt: 20,500,000

One of the major cities of the country from the past thousands of years is also one of the populous and largest cities in the world with a population of 19,128,000. However, it is predicted that by 2030, the city will have a population of 24,502,000 people.

The city is set along the Nile river and the heart of the city includes some major points like Tahrir Square and the vast Egyptian Museum. The artefacts of royal mummies and gilded King Tutankhamun can be seen there. Giza site is nearby to the Cairo city that has some iconic pyramids and Great Sphinx, dating to the 26th century BC. The city is home to many international media, businesses, and organizations.

These are the largest cities in the world by population. Do post your comments.

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The appearance of modern megacities today is so different that it is sometimes impossible to determine where one city ends and another begins.

Tokyo, Japan.

It covers an area of ​​80 square kilometers and is home to nearly 23 million people. Japan is considered one of the most developed, beautiful and wealthy cities in the world.

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Jakarta, Indonesia. The population gap between Jakarta and Tokyo is 8 million people, but at the same time, the territory occupied by the city is two and a half times smaller than the Japanese capital. INThe high population density and fast pace of life often lead to a sense of chaos and disorder, which is exacerbated by persistent heat and low living standards. However, even in this boiling city, you can find places for a good rest.

Delhi India.

The population of Delhi consists of 25 million people living in an area of ​​about 2000 square kilometers. The rapidly developing capital of India is considered one of the most densely populated cities on the planet, where more than half of the inhabitants live in poor sanitary conditions. This oldest city on the planet is a tourist mecca for any traveler. For more than five thousand years of its history, it has accumulated over a thousand sights and monuments of architecture.

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Manila, Philippines — like most of the presented metropolitan areas in Manila consists of 18 cities, the total population of which is slightly less than the population of Delhi. However, due to the significantly smaller area, the population density is more than 15 thousand people per square kilometer.

Seoul, Korea

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— 23 and a half million people live in the agglomeration formed by the capital of the Republic of Korea. The city is considered one of the most developed, beautiful and expensive to live in. At one time, Seoul was repeatedly ruined and suffered from the advent of invaders, but was able to restore its former greatness and continues to develop and grow. A large number of temples, parks, palaces and beautiful architectural ensembles, along with the well-being of the population and low crime, invariably attract large flows of tourists here.

Shanghai, China

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— the times when the name of this city was associated with decay, dirt and mess are long gone. Today, the former fishing village is rightfully considered the main economic center of China and one of the largest metropolitan areas on the planet. Even without taking into account the territory adjacent to it, more than 24 million people live here. The city is steadily developing economically and following the growth of the citizens’ well-being, their standard of living and culture is also growing.

Karachi, Pakistan

— a large Muslim center received a powerful impetus to development. After the recognition of Pakistan’s independence and in 70 years, it increased its population by 30 times. The main population growth is associated with the influx of refugees and migrants from Afghanistan, Bangladesh and other countries, which has led to severe overcrowding and a high level of crime. Throughout its history, Karachi has accumulated a large number of cultural and historical attractions, but only tourists who are not afraid of the harsh and suffocating climate will be able to see them.

Beijing, China

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— the majestic capital of China, one of the few that can boast that it was on the list of the largest cities in the world back in the 15th century. At the same time, the history of the creation of the first settlement of the ancestor of Beijing dates back to the first millennium BC. In recent years, the authorities have been very concerned about improving infrastructure, ecology and population growth. The systematic policy is bearing fruit, thanks to which the well-being of citizens and the cultural level of the capital are growing.

New York, USA

It seems that this huge city of world significance never sleeps, as well as its 20 million inhabitants. The most important center and engine of the entire world economy consists of several areas with different living standards. The most famous area of ​​the city is Manhattan, where most of the sights and skyscrapers are concentrated. In recent years, New York has coped with a glorious crime scene and has become even more attractive for tourists from all over the world.

Posted by eliza. Source: pexels.com

Guangzhou China, the main part of the 23 million inhabitants of this ancient city, the Chinese, whose standard of living is considered the highest in the country, just as hundreds of years ago the great silk road took its start here, the metropolis continues to thrive due to trade thanks to the efforts of the authorities and citizens, the city is considered one of the most beautiful and clean in China

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