The world’s largest cities are increasingly concentrated in Asia, reflecting decades of rapid urbanization, migration, economic development, and population growth. According to the United Nations Department of Economic and Social Affairs (UN DESA) World Urbanization Prospects 2025, cities are now home to about 45% of the world’s 8.2 billion people. The UN estimates that there were 33 megacities with at least 10 million inhabitants in 2025, 19 of them in Asia.

The ranking below uses the UN’s 2025 Degree of Urbanization methodology, which provides a more internationally comparable definition of cities than simply using municipal administrative boundaries. This matters because population rankings can look very different depending on whether one measures a municipality, metropolitan area, or continuously built-up urban area.

Top 15 at a Glance

Population figures are UN DESA estimates for 1 July 2025.

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1. Jakarta, Indonesia

Population: approximately 41.9 million

Jakarta is currently the world’s most populous city according to the UN’s 2025 harmonized urban definition. The Indonesian capital has developed into an enormous urban region extending far beyond the historic city center.

Located on the island of Java, Jakarta is Indonesia’s political, economic, financial, and cultural center. It is also one of Southeast Asia’s most important business hubs.

Jakarta’s enormous population is the result of decades of urban growth, migration, economic opportunity, and expansion of the surrounding built-up area.

The city is known for:

• Modern skyscrapers
• Shopping malls
• Historic districts
• Indonesian cuisine
• Business centers
• Busy transportation networks
• Cultural diversity
• Rapid urban development

Jakarta’s growth also creates major challenges, including traffic congestion, flooding, housing demand, infrastructure pressure, and environmental concerns.

The UN estimates Jakarta at 41.9 million inhabitants in 2025, making it the world’s largest city under its new methodology.

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2. Dhaka, Bangladesh

Population: approximately 36.6 million

Dhaka, the capital of Bangladesh, is one of the world’s fastest-growing major urban areas.

Located along the Buriganga River, Dhaka is the country’s principal political, economic, educational, and cultural center.

The city is particularly important to Bangladesh’s garment and manufacturing economy and has attracted millions of people from other parts of the country.

Dhaka is characterized by:

• Extremely high population density
• Major textile and garment industries
• Busy markets
• Historic architecture
• Expanding commercial districts
• Large informal settlements
• Heavy traffic

Rapid population growth has placed considerable pressure on transportation, housing, sanitation, drainage, and other infrastructure.

The UN estimates Dhaka’s 2025 population at approximately 36.6 million. It is projected to become the world’s largest city by 2050, with more than 52 million inhabitants under the UN’s current projections.

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3. Tokyo, Japan

Population: approximately 33.4 million

Tokyo is one of the world’s most famous megacities and remains one of the largest urban economies on Earth.

Japan’s capital combines advanced technology, finance, manufacturing, transportation, entertainment, and culture.

Tokyo is famous for:

• Shibuya Crossing
• Shinjuku
• Tokyo Tower
• Imperial Palace
• Ginza
• Akihabara
• Traditional temples
• High-speed rail
• Advanced public transportation

The city is exceptionally well connected through rail and subway networks.

Tokyo is also an important example of demographic change. While it remains enormous, its population growth has been much slower than that of Jakarta and Dhaka. The UN estimates that Tokyo had 33.4 million residents in 2025 and projects its population to decline to about 30.7 million by 2050.

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4. New Delhi, India

Population: approximately 30.2 million

New Delhi is at the heart of one of India’s largest metropolitan areas.

It is the national capital and an important center of government, diplomacy, commerce, education, media, and culture.

The wider urban area contains a remarkable mixture of:

• Government institutions
• Historic monuments
• Modern business districts
• Residential neighborhoods
• Universities
• Markets
• Industrial areas

Important landmarks include:

• India Gate
• Red Fort
• Qutub Minar
• Humayun’s Tomb
• Lotus Temple
• Parliament and government districts

New Delhi is part of India’s extraordinary urban growth story. The UN estimates the city’s 2025 population at approximately 30.2 million, with continued growth expected through 2050.

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5. Shanghai, China

Population: approximately 29.6 million

Shanghai is China’s largest financial and commercial center and one of the world’s most important global cities.

Located on China’s eastern coast, the city sits near the mouth of the Yangtze River and has developed into a major international port.

Shanghai is known for its striking contrast between historic and modern architecture.

Major attractions include:

• The Bund
• Pudong
• Shanghai Tower
• Yu Garden
• Nanjing Road
• Shanghai Disneyland
• Historic waterfront neighborhoods

Shanghai is also one of the world’s major financial, manufacturing, shipping, and technology centers.

The UN estimates its 2025 population at about 29.6 million. Shanghai is projected to continue growing and is expected to rank third globally by 2050.

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6. Guangzhou, China

Population: approximately 27.6 million

Guangzhou is one of southern China’s most important economic centers.

Historically known as Canton, Guangzhou has been a major trading center for centuries. Its position on the Pearl River has helped make it an important commercial and transportation hub.

Today, Guangzhou is known for:

• Manufacturing
• International trade
• Finance
• Technology
• Automotive production
• Cantonese culture
• Food
• Major trade exhibitions

The city is also closely connected to the enormous Pearl River Delta urban region, which includes other major cities such as Shenzhen and Hong Kong.

The UN estimates Guangzhou’s 2025 population at approximately 27.6 million.

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7. Cairo, Egypt

Population: approximately 25.6 million

Cairo is the largest city in Egypt and the largest city in the Arab world under the UN’s 2025 urban definition.

It is also the only city outside Asia among the world’s top 10 most populous cities in 2025.

Located along the Nile River, Cairo has been a major center of politics, commerce, education, religion, and culture for centuries.

The city’s attractions include:

• The Pyramids of Giza
• Great Sphinx
• Egyptian Museum
• Khan el-Khalili
• Historic Islamic Cairo
• Citadel of Cairo
• Nile River

Modern Cairo is an enormous metropolitan environment combining ancient monuments with dense residential districts, commercial areas, highways, universities, and rapidly expanding suburbs.

The UN estimates Cairo’s population at approximately 25.6 million in 2025.

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8. Manila, Philippines

Population: approximately 24.7 million

Manila is the capital of the Philippines and the center of a huge metropolitan region.

The city has a long history shaped by indigenous cultures, Spanish colonialism, American influence, and modern Asian development.

Manila is known for:

• Intramuros
• Manila Bay
• Rizal Park
• Historic churches
• Shopping centers
• Universities
• Entertainment
• Financial districts

The wider metropolitan area is one of Southeast Asia’s most densely populated urban environments.

Its economy includes:

• Services
• Finance
• Retail
• Tourism
• Manufacturing
• Business-process outsourcing
• Information technology

The UN estimates Manila’s 2025 population at approximately 24.7 million.

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9. Kolkata, India

Population: approximately 22.6 million

Kolkata is one of India’s great historic and cultural cities.

Formerly known as Calcutta, it served as the capital of British India until 1911.

Located in eastern India near the Hooghly River, Kolkata remains an important center of:

• Culture
• Literature
• Education
• Finance
• Manufacturing
• Trade
• Art

The city is famous for its literary traditions, festivals, colonial architecture, Bengali cuisine, and distinctive cultural identity.

Major landmarks include:

• Victoria Memorial
• Howrah Bridge
• Indian Museum
• St. Paul’s Cathedral
• Dakshineswar Kali Temple
• Marble Palace

Kolkata’s 2025 population is estimated at approximately 22.6 million.

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10. Seoul, South Korea

Population: approximately 22.5 million

Seoul is the capital and economic powerhouse of South Korea.

The city combines ancient Korean heritage with one of the world’s most technologically advanced urban environments.

Seoul is known for:

• Technology
• Electronics
• Automotive industries
• Finance
• Entertainment
• Fashion
• Korean popular culture
• High-speed internet
• Advanced public transportation

Historic attractions include:

• Gyeongbokgung Palace
• Bukchon Hanok Village
• Changdeokgung Palace
• Jongmyo Shrine

Modern attractions include:

• Gangnam
• Myeongdong
• Dongdaemun
• COEX
• Seoul Tower

The UN estimates Seoul’s 2025 urban population at approximately 22.5 million. Unlike many rapidly growing Asian cities, Seoul is projected to experience population decline toward 2050.

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11. Karachi, Pakistan

Population: approximately 21.4 million

Karachi is Pakistan’s largest city and its most important commercial and financial center.

Located on the Arabian Sea, Karachi is also one of the country’s principal ports.

The city’s economy includes:

• Finance
• Manufacturing
• Shipping
• Trade
• Telecommunications
• Retail
• Services

Karachi’s coastal location gives it strategic importance for Pakistan’s international trade.

The city is also culturally diverse, with communities originating from many parts of Pakistan and South Asia.

The UN estimates Karachi’s 2025 population at approximately 21.4 million. Its population is projected to grow very rapidly, reaching about 32.6 million by 2050 in the UN’s current projection.

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12. Mumbai, India

Population: approximately 20.2 million

Mumbai is India’s financial capital and one of the country’s most internationally recognized cities.

Located on India’s western coast, Mumbai is home to major financial institutions, corporations, media companies, and the country’s famous Hindi-language film industry, Bollywood.

Mumbai is known for:

• Gateway of India
• Marine Drive
• Chhatrapati Shivaji Maharaj Terminus
• Bollywood
• Financial districts
• Historic colonial architecture
• Busy markets
• Arabian Sea coastline

Mumbai’s economy is particularly important in:

• Finance
• Entertainment
• Media
• Information technology
• Trade
• Real estate
• Professional services

The UN estimates Mumbai’s 2025 population at approximately 20.2 million.

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13. São Paulo, Brazil

Population: approximately 19.0 million

São Paulo is Brazil’s largest city and the principal economic center of South America.

The city is an enormous business and cultural center, with major industries including:

• Finance
• Manufacturing
• Technology
• Commerce
• Media
• Education
• Professional services

São Paulo is also known for its extraordinary cultural diversity.

Its population includes communities with roots in many parts of the world, particularly Europe, Africa, the Middle East, and Asia.

The city offers:

• Museums
• Art galleries
• Restaurants
• Theaters
• Parks
• Shopping districts
• Nightlife
• Major cultural events

The UN estimates São Paulo’s 2025 population at approximately 19.0 million.

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14. Bangkok, Thailand

Population: approximately 18.2 million

Bangkok, officially known in Thai as Krung Thep Maha Nakhon, is Thailand’s capital and its principal economic and tourism center.

The city is famous internationally for its combination of:

• Buddhist temples
• Royal palaces
• Street food
• Shopping
• Nightlife
• Markets
• Modern skyscrapers
• Canal networks

Important attractions include:

• Grand Palace
• Wat Arun
• Wat Pho
• Chatuchak Market
• Chinatown
• Chao Phraya River

Bangkok is also an important regional hub for finance, aviation, tourism, healthcare, education, and international business.

The UN estimates its 2025 population at approximately 18.2 million.

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15. Mexico City, Mexico

Population: approximately 17.7 million

Mexico City is the capital of Mexico and one of the world’s most important cities in Latin America.

Built in the Valley of Mexico, the city has a history extending from the Aztec capital of Tenochtitlan through Spanish colonial rule to the modern Mexican republic.

Mexico City is known for:

• Historic Center
• Zócalo
• Metropolitan Cathedral
• Chapultepec
• National Museum of Anthropology
• Frida Kahlo Museum
• Palacio de Bellas Artes
• Mexican cuisine

The city is an important center for:

• Government
• Finance
• Manufacturing
• Media
• Education
• Tourism
• Culture
• International business

The UN estimates Mexico City’s 2025 population at approximately 17.7 million.

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Asia Dominates the World’s Largest Cities

One of the clearest features of the 2025 ranking is the dominance of Asia.

Of the 15 cities listed above, 11 are in Asia:

• Jakarta
• Dhaka
• Tokyo
• New Delhi
• Shanghai
• Guangzhou
• Manila
• Kolkata
• Seoul
• Karachi
• Mumbai
• Bangkok

Actually, this totals 12 Asian cities when Bangkok is included.

Only three cities in the top 15 are outside Asia:

• Cairo
• São Paulo
• Mexico City

The UN reports that 19 of the world’s 33 megacities in 2025 are in Asia.

This reflects the enormous demographic and economic transformation that has taken place across Asia during the past several decades.

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Why Are Cities Becoming So Large?

Several factors contribute to the growth of megacities.

Rural-to-Urban Migration

People frequently move toward cities because of opportunities for:

• Employment
• Education
• Healthcare
• Business
• Higher incomes
• Infrastructure

Natural Population Growth

In some rapidly growing countries, urban populations increase through both migration and natural population growth.

Economic Concentration

Large cities attract companies, financial institutions, universities, government agencies, and international organizations.

This creates a cycle:

Jobs → migration → population growth → economic activity → more jobs

Expansion of Urban Areas

Modern cities increasingly merge with neighboring towns and suburbs.

This is one reason the definition of “city” matters so much.

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The Changing Definition of a City

Population rankings can be confusing because different organizations may use different boundaries.

For example, a “city” might mean:

• Administrative municipality
• Urbanized area
• Metropolitan area
• Continuous built-up area
• Larger urban agglomeration

The UN’s 2025 revision introduced a harmonized Degree of Urbanization methodology to improve international comparability. Under this approach, Jakarta’s 2025 population is estimated at nearly 42 million, whereas the older country-specific definition used in the previous UN revision produced a much smaller figure and a very different ranking.

Therefore, rankings from different websites should not automatically be mixed together.

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What Will Happen by 2050?

The future ranking is expected to change significantly.

According to UN projections, Dhaka is expected to overtake Jakarta as the world’s largest city by 2050.

The projected top five in 2050 are:

Cairo is projected to reach about 32.4 million, while Tokyo is expected to decline to around 30.7 million.

The UN expects the number of megacities worldwide to increase from 33 in 2025 to 37 in 2050. Addis Ababa, Dar es Salaam, Hajipur, and Kuala Lumpur are among the cities projected to cross the 10-million threshold by then.

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The Future of the World’s Megacities

The growth of these enormous urban areas presents both opportunities and challenges.

Opportunities

Large cities can provide:

• More employment
• International business connections
• Universities and research
• Healthcare
• Cultural exchange
• Innovation
• Transportation networks
• Entrepreneurial opportunities

Challenges

Rapid urbanization can also create:

• Traffic congestion
• Housing shortages
• Pollution
• Waste-management problems
• Water shortages
• Infrastructure pressure
• Inequality
• Flooding
• Environmental degradation
• Rising living costs

The future of the world’s largest cities will therefore depend not simply on how many people live there, but on whether infrastructure and public services can keep pace with population growth.

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Conclusion

The world’s most populous cities illustrate the extraordinary scale of modern urbanization. Jakarta currently occupies the top position in the UN’s 2025 internationally harmonized ranking, followed by Dhaka and Tokyo, while New Delhi, Shanghai, Guangzhou, Cairo, Manila, Kolkata, Seoul, Karachi, Mumbai, São Paulo, Bangkok, and Mexico City complete the top 15.

The geographic pattern is particularly striking: Asia dominates the world’s largest urban populations, while cities in Africa and other rapidly developing regions are expected to become increasingly prominent.

The future is likely to bring even larger urban populations. The UN projects that two-thirds of global population growth through 2050 will occur in cities, with much of the remaining growth occurring in towns.

The story of the world’s biggest cities is therefore not only about population numbers. It is a story about migration, economic opportunity, technology, culture, infrastructure, and the changing geography of humanity.