Cities with a population of more than 7 million people. The largest cities in the world by population and area

Cities are like people. They grow, age and die. Among them there are sleek handsome men, languid coaxing ladies, conservative gentlemen and modest hard workers. They are tiny towns and cities. And there are among them the most populated.

In order not to mislead readers, we warn you that in our rating we are talking about the population of individual cities, and not about urban agglomerations, the number of inhabitants of which is much larger.

An agglomeration is a cluster of several settlements united in a complex system. The largest agglomerations are Tokyo, New York, Jakarta, Manila.

12,043,977 people

Ranked 10th among most populated cities in the world located, the capital of Bangladesh. On a relatively small territory by the standards of modern megacities of 815.80 sq. kilometers, 12,043,977 people live here. The annual population growth is about 4%. This is the highest figure among Asian cities. According to forecasts, by 2015 the number of inhabitants of Dhaka may reach more than 25 million. Now it is a catastrophically overpopulated city, which gives rise to many social and environmental problems.

The city is located on the banks of the Burkhi-Ganga River and is a major river port. Dhaka is a city with a thousand-year history. It was founded in VII century.

12,111,194 people

With a population of 12,111,194, it is ranked 9th in the list of the most populated cities in the world. The capital of Russia is a huge metropolis, which was founded in XII century, although long before the first written mention of it, settlements of Krivichi and Vyatichi existed on the site of modern Moscow. Today it is one of the largest centers in Europe and the largest Russian city.

12,655,220 people

The Indian metropolis with a population of 12,655,220 people ranks 8th in the list of the most densely populated cities in the world. Located on the island of Bombay (the city itself used to have this name) and part of Salsett Island. The history of Mumbai is very interesting. AT XVI century, the islands were conquered by Portugal, which handed them over as a dowry to the English king. He, in turn, leased them to the richest East India Company, which was in dire need of a harbor in that region. This is how the city of Mumbai was founded. Today it is a dynamically developing modern metropolis. Here, by the way, one of the centers of the Indian Bollywood film industry is located.

Compared to other Indian cities, Mumbai has a high standard of living, which is why the city is very attractive to migrant workers from all over Asia.

12 700 800 people

In the Chinese metropolis, on an area of ​​3,843.43 sq. kilometers live 12,700,800 people. It is one of the most densely populated cities in the world and the industrial, cultural and political center of the southern regions of China. Canton (as the city used to be called) has a two-thousand-year history. AT IX century, it was founded as a seaport, from which the Great Silk Road originated. In Guangzhou, and now you can see the remains of the shipyard of those times. Today it is one of the country's largest centers of light industry and tourism. Along with modern goods, traditional handicrafts are produced here.

13,854,740 people

In sixth place in the list of the most populated cities in the world is located, the number of inhabitants of which is 13,854,740 people. Istanbul is a city with an amazing thousand-year history. He happened to be the capital of four powerful empires. Today it is the largest city in Europe and the main port of Turkey.

In ancient times, the transformation of Istanbul into a large metropolis was facilitated by an extremely favorable location. This is a unique city that is located both in Asia and in Europe.

Istanbul has a high migration rate. Every year, up to 500 thousand people settle in the city, mainly from rural areas.

15,118,780 people

The port city, located in Nigeria, ranks as the 5th most populated city in the world. It is home to 15,118,780 people. Until 1991, Lagos was the capital of Nigeria.

Having appeared as a small settlement of the Yoruba tribe, after the European colonization of Africa, Lagos quickly turned into a major economic and commercial center of the country. The name of the city was given by the Portuguese navigators. More precisely, this was the name of the area on which the Yoruba settlement was located.

Today Lagos is the center of industry, finance and the film industry in Nigeria.

16,314,838 people

The capital of India, with a population of 16,314,838, ranks 4th in the list of the most populous cities in the world. Delhi is a city of striking contrasts. Majestic temples, luxurious palaces and slums coexist here. Since the city has a thousand-year history, tourists can visit many amazing sights. In total there are more than 60 thousand of them in the city. Among the most interesting monuments of antiquity is the Red Fort with a huge palace complex of the Mughal period.

21,516,000 people

With a population of 21,516,000 people, it is the 3rd most populated city in the world. It is also the largest metropolis, whose territory is 16,410.54 sq. kilometers. Beijing is one of the fastest growing cities in China. Its borders are gradually expanding, and the population is increasing due to the influx of migrants from the countryside.

Beijing is one of the oldest Chinese cities, on the territory of which a huge number of interesting ancient monuments have been preserved: luxurious palaces, tombs of emperors, majestic temples.

23,500,000 people

Port is the second most populated city in the world. Its population is 23,500,000 people. The main commercial and economic center of Pakistan was founded in XVIII century. From a small fishing village, it quickly turned into a major seaport in the country with a cargo turnover of more than 9 million tons per year. Karachi is also a center of industrial production, finance, science and culture.

24,150,000 people

As of 2016, it is the most populated city in the world. The population of the city is 24,150,000 people. It is the most important economic and cultural center of China and one of the country's major ports, with an annual cargo turnover of 443 million tons. Shanghai is a rapidly developing city with its own unique style. The city authorities pay a lot of attention to the landscaping of the metropolis. As part of residential complexes, parks and green areas are being built here.

With the death rate falling and the birth rate rising, the world's population is constantly growing. The revolution that science is making will undoubtedly work wonders. But let's agree that it is responsible for the easily growing population. On the one hand, population growth can be a source of success and prosperity. But, on the other hand, population growth causes destruction, in the long run. It could be a very long discussion: a huge population has both pluses and minuses, and depends on many factors. Here is the list most populated cities in the world for 2019. From the list, you can easily analyze that some of the cities are highly developed. While some are lagging behind and the main reason for this is the "large population".

10. Dhaka

Country: Bangladesh

Population: 12043977

Total area: 1,463.6 km2

Population density: 8229/km2

The capital of Bangladesh - Dhaka is the largest city by population in Bangladesh. It is not only a cultural center, but also the economic center of the country. This is the home of the Mughal Empire to the heritage of colonial times, as well as mighty cultural buildings. Dhaka also enjoys its importance because it is also the center of the independence movement in Bangladesh. As indicated by statistics, the maximum population in Bangladesh lives in urban homes.

9. Moscow

Country Russia

Population: 12197596

Total area: 2,510.12 km2

Population density: 4859/km2

Moscow is the capital of Russia. Moscow clearly represents both yesterday's and today's Russia. It is also one of the most expensive cities in the world. This is a global business center with the preservation of the culture and architecture of Russia. Moscow is also home to various great writers and poets. The population of Moscow clearly shows that this is the home of talent and innovation.

8. Mumbai

Country: India

Population: 12655220

Total area: 603.4 km2

Population density: 20.680/km2

Mumbai is the capital of an Indian state. It is a metropolitan area in India with a high GDP. Mumbai is made up of seven islands that are home to fishing colonies. Most fishermen are residents of Mumbai. Mumbai is not only the most populous city in India, but it is also home to the most billionaires and millionaires compared to other Indian states.

7. Guangzhou

Country: China

Population: 12700800

Total area: 3,843.43 km2

Population density: 3.305/km2

Guangzhou is the capital of South China. It is also the largest city when it comes to the population of Southern China. It is an important trading port in China. It is also an important transportation hub and one of the five central national cities. As considered in China, Guangzhou is the third largest among Chinese cities. No wonder why China is in awe of the most densely populated area!

6. Lagos

Country: Nigeria

Population: 13400000

Total area: 999.58 km2

Population density: 13,405/km2

The population of Lagos is growing exponentially and it is the second largest growing city in Africa. Lagos is actually an island. Major financial events of the country are held here. Lagos is popular because of its music and various inventions in the field of music like hip hop, fuji, juju, etc. Football is Lagos' favorite sport.

5. Istanbul

Country: Turkey

Population: 14377019

Total area: 5461 km2

Population density: 6467/km2

Istanbul is the most populated city in Turkey. The main reason for this is the area it covers. The city represents the economic, historical and cultural centers of the country. Turkey is also included in the number, and also seeks to attract the maximum attention of tourists from all over the world.

4. Tianjin

Country: China

Population: 14722100

Total area: 4037 km2

Population density: 2.314/km2

China dominates the list. Here is another city in China that is densely populated. Tianjin is located in the north of China. Tianjin has a main urban area and a new urban area, hence is a "double city". Tianjin has some of the largest seaports and is important to the country's economy. The ancient architecture of Tianjin attracts a large number of tourists.

3. Beijing

Country: China

Population: 21516000

Total area: 16,410.54 km2

Population density: 1,311/km2

Beijing is the capital of China. Therefore, it is the educational, cultural, political and financial center of the country. Beijing Airport is the second busiest airport in the world with a large amount of passenger traffic. The famous Great Wall of China is also located in Beijing. Beijing is rich in cultural heritage. Beijing is also a must for those who want to see China.

2. Karachi

Country: Pakistan

Population: 23,500,000

Total area: 3527 km2

Population density: 6.663/km2

Karachi is the capital of Pakistan. It is also known as the "city of lights". Karachi is a vibrant city with many industries and educational institutions. Karachi has due importance in European countries and Gulf countries because of Karachi Port and Bin Qasim Port. Karachi is a large spacious city that hosts the vast majority of the country's population. Other names for Karachi include "Bride of the City" and "City of Quaid", after the founder of Pakistan, Quaid e Azam, whose grave is in Karachi.

1. Shanghai

Country: China

Population: 24150000

Total area: 6,340.5 km2

Population density: 3,809/km2

Shanghai most populated city in the world. Its population is used very constructively. Shanghai is the financial center of China. It is also one of the transport hubs in the world and contains some of the busiest ports. Shanghai plays a very important role in the success and prosperity of China. Unlike other trading cities, Shanghai also generates an economy through the tourism area. The City of God Temple, The Bund, China Art Museum, Shanghai Museum and Yu Garden are some of the places worth seeing.

The very first cities in the history of mankind arose during the period of transition from the primitive communal system to the slave-owning system, precisely when the deepening took place and part of the population, which had previously been occupied only in agriculture, switched to handicraft work. Craftsmen and craftsmen, together with representatives of the class of gentlemen (priests, representatives of state power, large landowners, etc.), for whom the conditions for a more comfortable existence were mainly created (palaces, primitive water supply, laying roads, squares for meetings, amphitheaters, etc.) concentrated in areas convenient for life, for example, near reservoirs, in valleys, etc. Of course, these were not large cities, but only small settlements. The other part of the population remained to live outside their borders and was engaged in agriculture and cattle breeding.

In the future, because of the wars between different peoples, fortress walls began to be built around the cities. This was done in order to protect the population from enemy hordes. This is how big cities began to appear. They were destroyed from time to time, but were built again on the same place. There is a belief that the territory on which the city was erected was predetermined by the Almighty. This means that these settlements will stand forever, regardless of anything.

Top 10: the largest cities in the world by population

This list includes by population, excluding suburban residents.

1. The first in this list is Shanghai (PRC). This is the city where the headquarters of almost all the world's largest corporations are located. According to demographic studies, it is he who is the largest city on the planet in terms of population. It is located in the Yangtze Delta and is the world's largest seaport. Its population at the end of 2012 is 23,800,000 people.

2. The second major metropolis is the Chinese capital of Beijing. It is the largest cultural and scientific center of the country. Its population is 20,693,000 people.

3. At this place on the list, Bangkok is the capital of Thailand - the kingdom of Siam. The population of this metropolis is 15,012,197 people.

4. Tokyo is the capital of the Land of the Rising Sun. It is the main administrative, financial, industrial and cultural center of Japan. It is located on the island of Honshu. Despite the fact that, together with the urban agglomeration, this is the largest in the world, it only ranks 4th in this list, since its population is 13,230,000 people.

5. Another big city - Karachi, economic, but not official. It is only slightly inferior to Tokyo in terms of population. There are 13,205,339 people living in Karachi.

6. More recently, this city was known to the world under the name of Bombay, but today it is Mumbai - the financial capital of India. Population - 12 478 447 people.

7. Another Indian metropolis, the capital of India - Delhi, is also among the ten largest cities in the world. Its population is 12,565,901 people.

8. Our white-stone beauty according to the results of last year - 11,979,529 people. This is the largest scientific and cultural center for the entire Russian-speaking world, as well as one of the most expensive cities on the planet.

9 and 10. This top ten also includes two American cities: Sao Paulo (11,316,149), the largest city in Brazil, and Bogota, the capital of Colombia. The population of the latter is 10,763,453 people.

Large cities of the world by area

  1. Sydney.
  2. Kinshasa.
  3. Buenos Aires.
  4. Karachi.
  5. Alexandria.

Conclusion

The major cities of the world included in these two lists may constantly change places over time, and other fast-growing metropolitan areas may also be added to them, since the dynamics of population growth, as well as expanding borders, are unpredictable.

12,043,977 people

The capital of Bangladesh, Dhaka, opens the rating of the largest cities by population. The population density is 14,763 people per square kilometer. At the same time, the total number reaches more than 12 million people. The area of ​​the city reaches 815.85 km2. It should be noted that this metropolis is one of the oldest on our planet. It was founded in the 7th century. At that time, the city was part of the Buddhist kingdom called Kamarupa. Most likely, the name is due to the emergence of the Dhakeshwari temple.


The capital of the Russian Federation ranks 9th in the ranking of the most densely populated megacities in the world. According to preliminary data, there are 12,452,000 people in this city. The first mention of the current capital falls on 1147. At present, the area of ​​the metropolis is 2561.5 km2. The city of federal significance includes many industrial plants, enterprises and vehicles. You might be interested to get acquainted with the dirtiest cities in Russia.


The next in the top 10 largest cities in terms of population is the Indian metropolis of Mumbai. Its area is only 603 square kilometers. At the same time, 12,478,477 citizens of India live on the territory of the settlement, founded in 1507. Thus, there are 20,694 people per square kilometer. This place is really noisy and a lot of fuss. Not at all, there is something to see due to the developed infrastructure and many attractions.


Istanbul is one of the most densely populated cities in the world. It was founded in 667 BC. The current mayor is Kadir Topbash. The area of ​​the metropolis reaches 5343 square kilometers. In total, the city includes 13,854,740 people. The density is 2,400 people per square kilometer. It should be noted that Istanbul is a well-known and popular tourist center, which annually gathers a huge number of tourists and travelers.

14.04 million people


  1. Scientific and technical;
  2. Economic;
  3. Political;
  4. Educational and cultural;
  5. Transportation center of the People's Republic of China.

The area of ​​the settlement is 7,433 square kilometers. In 2016, the population was 13,080,500. In 2017, the figure rose to over 14 million citizens.


Next in the ranking is the Nigerian city of Lagos with a population of 15,118,780. The port city is located in the southwest of the country. It is the largest in area - 999.6 square kilometers. In total, 13 million people live in it and close to 21 million in the agglomeration. In Africa, this city cannot be compared with any metropolis. The average cost in a three-star hotel will cost 5,000 rubles. Being in this place, you must definitely visit the island of Lagos.


The largest city in India in terms of population is Delhi - a multinational place in which various cultural currents develop. This is his property. Being in this place, you can expand your worldview and learn a lot of new things that are useful for self-knowledge. The area reaches 1,484 square kilometers. In total, 16 million people lived in the city in 2016. The most interesting places include:

  1. Lal Qila;
  2. Qutub Minar.

There are many museums!

21.5 million people


Another large city subordinate to the PRC, whose population reaches over 21.5 million citizens. The total area of ​​​​the territory is 16,411 square kilometers, that is, this settlement is also one of the largest in size in the world. Located in the southern part of the country. The Forbidden City is one of the most interesting sights. On the territory of Beijing there is a lively, pleasant atmosphere of cheerful people who are hospitable to travelers. In this place you can spend an unforgettable vacation, both with the whole family and on your own.

We present you the TOP 20 largest cities in the world in terms of population.

1. Tokyo. It is the largest city on the planet with a population of about 30,000,000 people.

2. New York. The second largest city in the world. Its population is about 21,200,000 people.

3. Mexico City. About 21,000,000 people live in the capital of Mexico today.


4. Sao Paulo. Its population is 17,900,000. Sao Paulo is located in the southeastern part of Brazil.

5. Los Angeles. It has 16,400,000 inhabitants and is the second largest in the United States. It includes 90 individual cities that serve as neighborhoods.

6. Shanghai. Today it is China's fastest growing financial center with a population of 14,350,000.

7. Mumbai. With a population of about 14,300,000 people, it is the largest city in India. Mumbai is located on the west coast of India.

8 Seoul The capital of South Korea has 14,250,000 people and is one of the fastest growing cities in Asia.

9. Osaka. It is the second largest city in the country and the second largest financial center in Japan. The population of Osaka is about 14,200,000 people.

10. London. The British capital has about 14,000,000 inhabitants. London attracts immigrants from all over the world due to the huge opportunities available in this city.

11. Lagos. In Lagos, the capital of Nigeria, the population is about 13,500,000 people.

12. Calcutta. The population of the city is about 12,900,000 people. Kolkata is the second largest city in India.

13. Buenos Aires. This Brazilian city has 12,500,000 inhabitants.

14. Paris. The capital of France, with a population of 12,100,000 inhabitants, is the second largest city in Europe. Paris is home to people from all over the world who come here in search of the best living conditions.

15. Rio de Janeiro. This city of about 12,000,000 people is considered one of the most beautiful cities in the world. It has wonderful natural beauty.

16. Karachi. It is the largest city in Pakistan with a population of 11,900,000 today. Karachi is located on the Indian Ocean, northwest of the mouth of the Indus River.

17. Delhi. The Indian capital, with a population of 11,700,000, is one of the