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Most settlements fall under the titles of rural, semi-rural, and urban. However, another settlement title has come into play — kind of. While still under the overarching "urban" title, global cities surpass our standard definitions of what a city is. Global cities, also known as power cities, alpha cities, or world centers, are geographical locations that interconnect with one another, specifically in the finance, trade, and culture sectors. These cities, while crucial to our earth's socioeconomic system, house unthinkable amounts of people, multinational companies, and typically high-quality research institutions.
1. Tokyo, Japan
Taking the cake as the most populated city in the world, Tokyo has a total population of 37.8 million. Despite its sheer mass of people, the city is consistently ranked as one of the safest and most liveable cities in the world. Still, imagine trying to take the bus or train during rush hour with literally millions of other people.
2. Delhi, India
Delhi is the second-most populated city in the world, with a current population of 32.2 million people. However, the United Nations 2030 projections put Delhi as the most populated city, with a projected population of 38.9 million people, an increase of 10 million people in less than five years.
3. Shanghai, China
With over 24 million residents, Shanghai is the most populated city in all of China. With its love of art deco architecture, longest metro system, and fastest commercial train on the market, it's understandable why Shanghai is considered a global city.
4. São Paulo, Brazil
Holding the title as the most populated city in the Americas, and therefore the most populated urban centre outside Asia, São Paulo has a whopping 23 million people within its borders. São Paulo hosts some of the biggest festivals and parades every year, such as the world's largest pride parade, São Paulo Fashion Week, and Festa Junina.
5. Mexico City, Mexico
Mexico City, also known as Ciudad de Mexico, has a current population of 21.8 million. Alongside its title as a global city, Mexico City is also one of the oldest cities in the Americas, founded all the way back in 1325 CE.
6. Cairo, Egypt
A teeming metropolis for over a thousand years, Cairo has a current total population of over 20 million people. This historic capital city holds the titles of largest urban conglomerate in the Arab World and the Middle East.
7. Mumbai, India
Also known as Bombay, India's second most populous city, has a population of under 25 million. An alpha world city since 2008, and the financial, commercial, and entertainment capital of India, the city houses the highest number of billionaires in Asia.
8. Beijing, China
With a population of over 18.5 million, China's capital is nearly 10 million residents smaller than Shanghai. Beijing is an all-encompassing hub of culture, politics, education, tourism, etcetera, etcetera, etcetera, not to mention the home of several Fortune Global 500 companies.
9. Dhaka, Bangladesh
Currently, Dhaka has a population of 19 million, but the United Nations predicts that it could move to the fourth-most populated city in the world with a total population of over 28 million. Breaking that down even further, there are roughly 34 thousand citizens per square kilometer.
10. Osaka, Japan
Currently, Osaka has a population of 19.2 million. However, the UN predicts a negative population growth for the city, dipping down to 18.7 million by 2030. The city is known for its performing arts, food, and one of the largest aquariums in the world. Not to mention, the home of Universal Studios Japan.
11. New York, New York—Newark, New Jersey, United States
The first North American city to show up on this list, of course, is the incomparable New York City, and her lesser-known sister, Newark, has a combined population of nearly 19 million. If we're looking at New York alone, the city's population still has an impressive 8.5 million.
12. Tehran, Iran
Iran's capital homes over 14 million people within the city proper and the surrounding area. It is the most populated city in Iran and Western Asia, and is the second-largest metropolitan area in the Middle East, behind Cairo.
13. Karachi, Pakistan
Currently, Karachi has a population of 20 million, making it the most populated city in Pakistan. While the city served as Pakistan's capital for 12 years in the 40s and 50s, the city still has a major reputation for the industrial and financial sectors.
14. Kolkata, India
Also known as Calcutta, India's capital is home to over 21 million people. The city also holds titles as the premier cultural, historical, commercial, and financial hub in India. It's also home to Tollywood, the nickname given to the Bengali film industry.
15. Buenos Aires, Argentina
The second South American city to make this list, Buenos Aires has a population of nearly 17 million. The city has many styles of European architecture, and takes in millions of immigrants each year, making it one of the most diverse cities in the Americas.
16. Chongqing, China
With a population of over 30 million, the city of Chongqing is roughly the same size as Austria, covering 31,700 square miles. While the city proper has a population of 22 million, the city boasts a large rural population as well.
17. Istanbul, Turkey
Home to over 15 million, Istanbul covers nearly 20% of Turkey's total population. The city has deep historical roots, serving as the capital of the Roman, Byzantine, Latin, and Ottoman Empires. Istanbul is also the only city that spans two continents, connecting Europe and Asia by the Bosphorus Strait.
18. Manila, Philippines
Manila serves as the capital of the Philippines, and has a population of nearly two million people. While it's second to Quezon City in terms of population, the city has 43,612 inhabitants per square kilometer, making it one of the world's most densely populated cities.
19. Lagos, Nigeria
With over 21 million people within its borders, Lagos is the largest city in Nigeria and the most populated city in Africa. The city is a hub for Africa's commerce, entertainment, technology, education, politics, tourism, art, and fashion sectors.
20. Rio de Janeiro, Brazil
Headquarters to Brazil's oil, mining, and telecommunications companies, Rio has a total population of around 12 million, with the city properly housing about six million people. Home to many universities, Rio accounts for 17% of Brazil's national scientific output.
