The 10 Largest Cities in the World by Population and Land Area

Cities are the powerhouses of culture, economy, and innovation. As humanity urbanizes at record speed, these sprawling metropolises define the future of how we live, work, and connect. In this blog post, we highlight the 10 largest cities in the world by population and land area to give you a comprehensive look at the urban giants shaping the 21st century.

The 10 Largest cities in the World by Population and Land Area

What Defines a “Largest City”?

Before we dive in, it’s important to clarify that “largest” can refer to two very different metrics:

Population Size: The number of people living in a city’s metropolitan or urban area.

Land Area: The total geographic area that a city occupies, including administrative boundaries.

These metrics don’t always align. A city can have a massive population but a compact footprint, or vice versa. In this post, we explore both aspects to give you a full understanding of the global urban scale.

1. Tokyo–Yokohama, Japan, Population Giant

Country: Japan

Population: ~37.4 million (largest metro area)

Land Area: ~8,775 km² (urban area rank)

No list of major cities would be complete without Tokyo–Yokohama. Known for its futuristic skyline, efficient transit systems, and world-leading infrastructure, Tokyo remains the world’s most populous metropolitan area. Its sheer scale impacts global business, technology, and culture.

Why it matters: Tokyo exemplifies how megacities operate high population density paired with advanced planning and services.

2. Delhi, India, Rapid Urban Expansion

Country: India

Population: ~32.9 million

Land Area: ~1,484 km² (large administrative area)

Delhi has emerged as one of Asia’s fastest growing urban regions. It is a bustling hub of economy, politics, and culture, with a mix of historic sites and modern amenities. Despite its land area being smaller than many megacities, the density and growth rate make it one of the largest urban concentrations on Earth.

Urban insight: High population growth is closely tied to migration for education, jobs, and opportunity.

3. Shanghai, China, China’s Financial Powerhouse

Country: China

Population: ~29.9 million

Land Area: ~6,340 km²

Shanghai stands at the crossroads of commerce and culture in China. Its impressive skyline, thriving business districts, and strategic port make it a major global city. With a significant land area and population density, Shanghai is a perfect example of an expansive megacity balancing tradition and innovation.

Fast fact: Shanghai’s urban area footprint is among the largest globally.

4. Dhaka, Bangladesh, Mega City in the Making

Country: Bangladesh

Population: ~23.9 million

Dhaka has emerged as one of the most densely populated cities in the world. Its explosive growth reflects broader demographic shifts across South Asia, with rapid urbanization as rural populations move to cities in search of opportunity.

Challenge and opportunity: Dhaka grapples with infrastructure and sustainability challenges even as its urban economy grows.

5. São Paulo, Brazil, Latin America’s Urban Leader

Country: Brazil

Population: ~22.6 million

São Paulo stands as the largest city in Brazil and one of Latin America’s most influential urban hubs. Known for its diverse population and dynamic economy, this city contributes significantly to regional commerce, finance, and culture.

Urban edge: São Paulo’s transit systems and cultural industries help sustain its massive population.

6. Mexico City, Mexico, Heart of a Nation

Country: Mexico

Population: ~22.3 million

Rich in history and culture, Mexico City is a bustling metropolis that combines ancient heritage with modern urban life. Beyond its iconic landmarks, it is a thriving center for business, education, and innovation.

Why it stands out: Mexico City’s vast metropolitan population places it among the world’s largest urban areas.

7. Cairo, Egypt — Africa’s Megacity

Country: Egypt

Population: ~22.1 million

As the largest city in Africa, Cairo blends ancient history with contemporary urban life. From the pyramids to modern business districts, Cairo is both a cultural and economic heavyweight in Africa.

Historic depth: Few cities carry as much historical weight alongside rapid population growth.

8. Beijing, China, Administrative and Cultural Capital

Country: China

Population: ~21.9 million

Land Area: ~16,411 km² (one of the largest city administrative areas)

Beijing is not only China’s capital, but it also ranks among the largest global cities by land area and population. With centuries of history and rapid modernization, Beijing plays a central role in international diplomacy, culture, and economic planning.

City scale: Its administrative boundaries extend far beyond downtown, making it uniquely large geographically.

9. Karachi, Pakistan, A Dynamic Urban Hub

Country: Pakistan

Land Area: ~3,780 km²

Karachi is a sprawling economic hub of Pakistan and one of the largest megacities in Asia. Though its exact population rank varies by data source, its size and influence are undeniable, with a massive urban fabric that fuels industry, trade, and culture throughout the region.

Regional significance: Karachi’s ports and industrial zones cement its role in national and international markets.

10. Chongqing, China, The Land Area Leader

Country: China

Land Area: ~82,400 km² (the largest administrative city area in the world)

Chongqing may not top global population lists, but it holds a remarkable distinction: it covers more land than any other city’s administrative area on Earth. Its unique status reflects how some countries define municipalities differently encompassing rural, urban, and suburban regions under one vast government.

Fun fact: Chongqing’s area is larger than many countries.

Urban Trends: What These Cities Tell Us

As we look at the world’s largest cities, several key urbanization trends become clear:

1. Asia Dominates Megacity Growth

Many of the largest urban centers, Tokyo, Delhi, Shanghai, Dhaka, Beijing, and Karachi are in Asia. This reflects rapid economic growth, mass migration from rural areas, and expanding urban infrastructure.

2. Land Area Isn’t Always Population

Cities like Chongqing and Beijing cover massive areas but don’t always have the largest populations within them. Urban governance and administrative definitions vary widely.

3. Urban Challenges Scale With Size

From transportation to housing, managing growth in megacities is a universal challenge. But these cities also drive innovation in sustainability, the economy, and social life.

Final Thoughts on the 10 Largest Cities in the World

The world’s largest cities aren’t just massive, they are engines of innovation, culture, and economic power. From Tokyo’s neon skyline to Cairo’s ancient grandeur, these megacities offer a glimpse into the future of urban life.

Whether you’re a geography enthusiast, traveler, student, or professional, understanding how cities grow and compare gives valuable insight into global trends shaping the 21st century.