Most Populated Cities in the World 2025

The global population continues to soar, and as cities become the focal points of economic activity and human settlement, understanding which urban centers are the most populated provides insight into the challenges and opportunities of modern urbanization. With many cities experiencing rapid growth due to migration, natural increase, and urban expansion, the dynamics of population distribution are shifting dramatically. This article explores the Top 100 Most Populated Cities in the world, delving into the socio-economic implications of population growth, regional trends, and the unique challenges these cities face.

The Growth of Megacities: A Global Phenomenon

The world’s largest cities, often referred to as megacities, house tens of millions of people. The rise of megacities is a relatively recent phenomenon, with the first cities surpassing populations of 10 million in the mid-20th century. Today, dozens of cities around the world meet this threshold, reflecting the increasing concentration of people in urban areas. Megacities such as Tokyo, Delhi, Shanghai, and São Paulo are not just population hubs but also serve as major cultural, political, and economic centers.

Top 10 Most Populated Cities in the World

Tokyo, Japan
Population: 37,400,068
As the most populous city on the planet, Tokyo is a marvel of efficiency and infrastructure. Known for its technological advancements and vibrant culture, Tokyo’s growth is heavily influenced by Japan’s status as an economic powerhouse. Despite Japan’s overall aging population, Tokyo continues to attract people from across the country and the globe, ensuring its position as the world’s largest city.

Delhi, India
Population: 31,000,000
Delhi, the capital of India, has experienced explosive growth over the past few decades. The city’s expansion reflects India’s economic rise and its burgeoning middle class. However, Delhi’s rapid growth has also led to significant challenges, including air pollution, traffic congestion, and inadequate infrastructure.

Shanghai, China
Population: 27,058,480
Shanghai is not only China’s largest city but also a symbol of its economic transformation. With a rapidly growing population, Shanghai is a global financial hub and a key player in international trade. Its population growth mirrors China’s urbanization trend, where millions have moved from rural to urban areas in search of better opportunities.

São Paulo, Brazil
Population: 22,430,215
As the largest city in the Southern Hemisphere, São Paulo is Brazil’s financial heart. Its population growth has been driven by rural-to-urban migration, particularly from northern regions of Brazil. The city, however, faces significant challenges such as income inequality and overcrowding.

Mexico City, Mexico
Population: 22,000,000
Mexico City’s population boom has positioned it as one of the most influential cultural and political centers in Latin America. Known for its rich history and vibrant arts scene, the city grapples with problems like air pollution, water scarcity, and traffic.

Dhaka, Bangladesh
Population: 21,741,090
Dhaka has one of the fastest-growing populations in the world. As the capital of Bangladesh, it’s a hub for commerce and government. The city struggles with significant urban poverty, slums, and infrastructure issues, all of which are exacerbated by rapid population growth.

Cairo, Egypt
Population: 21,323,000
Cairo, the largest city in the Arab world, is an ancient city with a modern population boom. With its historical significance and role as a political and cultural center, Cairo continues to attract residents from across Egypt and neighboring countries, contributing to its rapid growth.

Beijing, China
Population: 20,896,820
As China’s capital, Beijing is not only a political center but also a growing urban hub. The city’s population reflects the broader urbanization trends in China, with people moving from rural areas to cities in search of better opportunities.

Mumbai, India
Population: 20,668,000
Known as the financial capital of India, Mumbai is a melting pot of cultures and a hub for the country’s booming film industry. Like many other megacities, Mumbai faces challenges of overcrowding, poverty, and housing shortages.

Osaka, Japan
Population: 19,222,665
Osaka, a major economic center in Japan, has seen steady population growth despite Japan’s broader demographic challenges. Its economic strength, particularly in manufacturing and commerce, continues to draw people from around the country.

Challenges Faced by the World’s Largest Cities

Urban growth, while a sign of economic prosperity, often brings a host of challenges:

• Infrastructure Strain: Large cities frequently struggle with the pressure placed on public transport, healthcare systems, and utilities.
• Housing: Overcrowding and housing shortages are common in megacities, leading to the growth of slums in cities like Mumbai, Dhaka, and Cairo.
• Environmental Impact: Cities contribute significantly to carbon emissions and other forms of pollution, with air quality being a major concern in cities like Beijing and Delhi.
• Social Inequality: The gap between the rich and poor is stark in many large cities, where high levels of income inequality lead to social tension and unrest.

As cities grow larger, they are becoming the primary drivers of global change—economically, politically, and environmentally. While the rise of megacities provides vast opportunities for growth and innovation, it also raises critical questions about sustainability, quality of life, and resource management.

FAQs

• Which city has the highest population in the world?
  • Tokyo, Japan, has the highest population, with over 37 million residents.

• What is the most populated city in India?
  • Delhi is the most populated city in India, with 31 million people.

• Which city has the highest population in Europe?
  • Moscow, Russia, is the most populated city in Europe with approximately 12.4 million residents.

Source

A primary source for global population data, especially for city populations and projections.
UN World Urbanization Prospects