Largest Capital Cities in the World by Population (2026)

/ Country Stats, Demographic, Global Stats / By

Capital cities are more than political centers. They are often economic engines, cultural hubs, and population magnets. The largest capital cities in the world reflect how people concentrate around power, jobs, and infrastructure. In 2026, population size remains one of the clearest indicators of a capital’s global importance. From Asia to the Americas, these cities influence regional development and global trends. Understanding which capitals are the largest helps explain migration patterns, urban growth, and the challenges governments face in managing megacities. This article ranks the largest capital cities in the world based on population using the most widely accepted figures.

Capital city population rankings matter because they highlight how governance, economy, and geography interact. Many capitals grow rapidly due to administrative importance, employment opportunities, and access to services. Others remain smaller despite national significance, often due to planning policies or geographic constraints. Population data for capitals is usually based on metropolitan or urban agglomeration estimates to reflect real city size rather than narrow administrative boundaries. Comparing capitals globally provides useful insight into urbanization trends and how different countries organize their political and economic centers.

Top 10 Largest Capital Cities in the World 2026

  1. Tokyo: 37.2 million
  2. Jakarta: 34.6 million
  3. Delhi: 32.9 million
  4. Manila: 24.9 million
  5. Dhaka: 23.9 million
  6. Cairo: 22.6 million
  7. Mexico City: 22.5 million
  8. Beijing: 21.9 million
  9. Moscow: 17.1 million
  10. Bangkok: 17.0 million

The top 10 largest capital cities in the world show a clear dominance of Asia. Tokyo leads the list with a population far ahead of all others, reflecting decades of economic concentration and advanced urban infrastructure. Jakarta and Delhi follow closely, driven by national centralization and strong population growth. Southeast and South Asia together account for half of the top 10, highlighting the region’s rapid urban expansion. Outside Asia, Cairo and Mexico City stand out as major political and economic centers for their regions. European representation appears through Moscow, while Bangkok rounds out the list with a population just below Moscow, showing how Southeast Asian capitals continue to expand.

Full Data Table

# Capital Country Population (millions)
1 Tokyo Japan 37.2
2 Jakarta Indonesia 34.6
3 Delhi India 32.9
4 Manila Philippines 24.9
5 Dhaka Bangladesh 23.9
6 Cairo Egypt 22.6
7 Mexico City Mexico 22.5
8 Beijing China 21.9
9 Moscow Russia 17.1
10 Bangkok Thailand 17
11 Tehran Iran 16
12 London United Kingdom 15.6
13 Bogotá Colombia 11.6
14 Riyadh Saudi Arabia 7.6
15 Madrid Spain 6.8
16 Ankara Turkey 5.8
17 Rome Italy 4.3
18 Berlin Germany 3.8
19 Canberra Australia 2.6
20 Ottawa Canada 1.4
21 Buenos Aires Argentina 15.6
22 Paris France 11.3
23 Lima Peru 10.1
24 Seoul South Korea 9.7
25 Kuala Lumpur Malaysia 8.9
26 Kinshasa DR Congo 8.6
27 Santiago Chile 7
28 Hanoi Vietnam 5.3
29 Addis Ababa Ethiopia 5
30 Nairobi Kenya 4.9
31 Baghdad Iraq 7.6
32 Singapore Singapore 5.9
33 Yangon Myanmar 5.2
34 Khartoum Sudan 5.1
35 Kabul Afghanistan 4.6
36 Abu Dhabi United Arab Emirates 2.9
37 Helsinki Finland 1.3
38 Oslo Norway 1.1
39 Wellington New Zealand 0.44
40 Reykjavik Iceland 0.23
41 Podgorica Montenegro 0.19
42 Luxembourg City Luxembourg 0.13
43 Bern Switzerland 0.13
44 Monaco Monaco 0.039
45 Andorra la Vella Andorra 0.022
46 Valletta Malta 0.006
47 Vaduz Liechtenstein 0.006
48 San Marino San Marino 0.004
49 Vatican City Vatican City 0.001
50 Palikir Micronesia 0.01

Key Points

  • Asian capital cities dominate the rankings, especially in East, South, and Southeast Asia.
  • Tokyo remains the largest capital city by a significant margin, maintaining long-term population stability.
  • Several capitals exceed 20 million residents, reflecting the rise of true megacities.
  • Population size does not always match national land area, as seen in densely populated capitals like Dhaka.
  • European capitals generally rank lower, with Moscow being the main exception.
  • Some politically important capitals, such as Canberra and Bern, remain relatively small by design.
  • City planning policies play a major role in keeping certain capitals compact despite national growth.
  • Developing regions tend to have larger capital populations due to economic centralization.

The ranking of the largest capital cities in the world shows how population concentration continues to shape global urban life. Capitals serve as magnets for people seeking opportunity, stability, and access to government services. While some countries intentionally limit capital growth, many others experience rapid expansion that brings both benefits and challenges. Housing demand, transportation, and public services must evolve to support growing populations. Looking ahead, capital cities will remain central to national development strategies, especially in fast-growing regions. Understanding their size and growth helps policymakers, researchers, and citizens better prepare for the future of urban living.

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