Top 10 Most Populated Cities in the World (2024 Updated)
Welcome to an exciting GK adventure! Did you know that some cities in the world have more people living in them than entire countries? Let's explore the amazing list of the world’s largest cities by population, discover what makes them special, and unlock some easy ways to remember which city comes where in world rankings. Ready to find out why Tokyo is the champion of city crowds and how cities like Delhi and Shanghai are giving it good competition? Let's go!
What Do We Mean By “Biggest City”? Not Just Size!
Counting People, Not Just Buildings
When we say “largest city,” we usually mean the place with the most people living there – not the city that spreads out the most land! Sometimes, seeing “biggest city” makes us think of large maps, but in GK and exams, it is the largest cities by population that matter most. Scientists and geographers use special rules to count people: sometimes only inside city boundaries (city proper), sometimes including nearby towns (urban agglomeration), and sometimes the full region (metropolitan area).
Who Does the Counting and How?
- The United Nations (UN) and other organizations collect and share city population data.
- Each country has its own way of drawing city borders — that’s why the “largest city” may change depending on the method!
- Exams usually ask about metropolitan area population, as it shows real everyday city life.
Meet the Top 10 Most Populated Cities – Who’s On The List?
Where Do You Find the Biggest City Crowds?
If you look at the top 10 largest cities by population, you’ll notice something cool: most are in Asia! Tokyo, the capital of Japan, tops the list, followed by Delhi in India, and Shanghai in China. Let's check the latest rankings in the table below:
| Rank | City | Country | Estimated Population (Millions) | Type |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| 1 | Tokyo | Japan | 37.2 | Metropolitan Area |
| 2 | Delhi | India | 32.2 | Metropolitan Area |
| 3 | Shanghai | China | 28.5 | Metropolitan Area |
| 4 | São Paulo | Brazil | 22.6 | Metropolitan Area |
| 5 | Mexico City | Mexico | 22.3 | Metropolitan Area |
| 6 | Cairo | Egypt | 21.7 | Metropolitan Area |
| 7 | Dhaka | Bangladesh | 21.2 | Metropolitan Area |
| 8 | Beijing | China | 20.8 | Metropolitan Area |
| 9 | Mumbai | India | 20.7 | Metropolitan Area |
| 10 | Osaka | Japan | 19.1 | Metropolitan Area |
If you want an even bigger list—like the top 50—do visit Vedantu’s city population resource for extended rankings and memory tips!
Why Do GK Exams Ask About Mega Cities?
Global Trends and Urban Growth
Largest cities by population are important in studies because:
- They show where most people live – and where city life is super busy!
- City population affects jobs, schools, transportation, and even cricket stadium crowds.
- Learning city ranks builds good map skills for CBSE, SSC, and competitive exams like UPSC.
City Area vs. City Population – Wait, Aren’t They the Same?
Big on Map, But Not Always Most Crowded!
Some students think the biggest city by size (area) is also the largest by population – but this is rarely true! For example, New York City covers huge land, but Tokyo still has more people.
| City | Country | Area (sq km) | Population (Approx.) |
|---|---|---|---|
| New York City | USA | ~8,684 | ~18 Million (metro) |
| Tokyo | Japan | ~2,194 | ~37 Million (metro) |
| Beijing | China | ~16,410 | ~21 Million (metro) |
| Houston | USA | ~1,733 | ~7 Million (metro) |
Did You Know?
- A city can be very large in area but not in population—like Houston in the USA!
- To crack exams, always notice if the question is about “population” or “area.”
Quick City Population Facts Table
| Term | Definition | Key Features |
|---|---|---|
| City Proper | Official area managed as a city | May not include suburbs |
| Urban Agglomeration | Merged cities/towns in one urban area | Often includes suburbs |
| Metropolitan Area | Large city + nearby connected areas | Includes commuters, suburbs |
Famous Mix-Ups: Why Is New York Popular but Not Always Top Ranked?
Big Name, Not Always Big Numbers!
- New York is well-known, but its population is less than many Asian cities.
- Always check the latest population for your exams, not just “famous” names.
- For a list of top US cities, see similar city lists on Vedantu!
Let’s Practice! Fun Example Questions
Quiz Yourself on World City Rankings
- Q1: Which city is the most populated in the world?
- A. Tokyo, Japan, with over 37 million people!
- Q2: Which is more crowded—Delhi or São Paulo?
- A. Delhi! It’s ahead in latest rankings.
- Q3: What term means a city plus all its suburbs?
- A. Metropolitan Area!
Memory Tricks for Kids
- Remember: “Top Dogs Say So Many Cool Dances Begin Monthly” = Tokyo, Delhi, Shanghai, São Paulo, Mexico City, Cairo, Dhaka, Beijing, Mumbai!
- Grouping by country helps: e.g., Tokyo/Osaka (Japan), Delhi/Mumbai (India), Shanghai/Beijing (China).
How Does This Help In School and Competitive Exams?
Exam Time: Score More With City GK!
| Section/Subject | Exam Weightage | Typical Question Type |
|---|---|---|
| Geography | 1–2 questions in Prelims | Fact-based / Ranking order |
| Current Affairs | Trends & changes | Which city grew fastest? |
| CBSE Social Studies | Map/data type | Name the city from a hint |
| SSC / Govt Exams | Recall/list | Which is not in top 10? |
More Fun With City Lists: Where Can I Learn More?
- Want to see similar lists for Indian cities? Visit Vedantu's Indian city population page.
- Curious about how cities compare by land size? Check out biggest cities by area.
- Explore even more fun GK lists like major mountain ranges and largest countries.
City GK Wrap-Up: Your Power Points
- Largest cities by population change every few years—review updated lists often!
- Differentiate “largest by area” vs “largest by people.”
- Use memory rhymes and country groupings for fast recall.
- Practice with map marking and city quizzes for fun learning.
Congratulations, city explorer! Now you can answer any question about the world’s largest cities by population. Learn, revise, and win those GK marks! For more exam-smart tips and city data, Vedantu’s GK pages are your best guide. Keep exploring!
FAQs on List of the World’s Largest Cities by Population
1. What are the 10 most populated cities in the world?
The 10 most populated cities in the world (2024 estimated) are: These cities lead global city population rankings and often appear in exams:
- Tokyo, Japan – 37.2 million
- Delhi, India – 32.2 million
- Shanghai, China – 28.5 million
- São Paulo, Brazil – 22.6 million
- Mexico City, Mexico – 22.3 million
- Cairo, Egypt – 21.7 million
- Dhaka, Bangladesh – 21.2 million
- Beijing, China – 20.8 million
- Mumbai, India – 20.7 million
- Osaka, Japan – 19.1 million
2. What is the largest city by area?
The largest city by area is New York City, USA, when referring to urban metropolitan boundaries. Area rankings are different from population rankings.
- New York City has an urban area of about 8,684 sq km.
- Beijing, China covers around 16,410 sq km (city administrative area).
- Some cities are bigger by area but not by population.
3. Which city is the most crowded in the world?
Dhaka, Bangladesh, is often considered the most crowded city globally by population density. Population density refers to residents per square kilometer.
- Dhaka has an extremely high density, exceeding 40,000 people per sq km in urban areas.
- Other highly crowded cities include Manila, Mumbai, and Kolkata.
- This makes urban planning and living conditions challenging.
4. Is New York one of the largest cities in the world?
New York City is one of the world’s largest cities by area and economic influence, but does not rank in the top 10 by population.
- By metropolitan population, New York ranks around 9th-12th globally (approx. 18 million).
- New York City is famous but smaller in population than cities like Tokyo, Delhi, or São Paulo.
- It is often referenced in competitive exams for comparison.
5. What is meant by ‘city proper’, ‘urban agglomeration’, and ‘metropolitan area’?
These terms describe different ways to define a city:
- City Proper: Official administrative boundaries (may not include suburbs).
- Urban Agglomeration: Extended area with continuous growth; includes suburbs.
- Metropolitan Area: Core city plus economically linked surrounding zone.
6. How does the United Nations measure and define city populations?
The United Nations measures city populations using metropolitan area estimates and urban agglomeration data.
- UN reports like the World Urbanization Prospects use data from statistical agencies and government sources.
- They account for metro boundaries, not just administrative city limits.
- Urban agglomerations include suburbs and yoke towns, giving a comprehensive number.
7. Why is knowing the list of largest cities by population important for exams?
The list of largest cities by population is a frequent topic in General Knowledge and competitive exams.
- Questions test city rankings, world geography, and urbanization trends.
- It helps in map-based, fact-based, and data interpretation questions.
- Staying updated with these rankings improves your scoring potential in tests like UPSC, SSC, and CBSE.
8. Which Indian cities are among the world’s largest by population?
Several Indian cities rank among the world’s largest by population, especially in their metropolitan areas.
- Delhi – 32.2 million (2nd globally)
- Mumbai – 20.7 million
- Kolkata, Bengaluru, and Chennai are also significant globally.
9. What tips can help memorize the top 10 or 50 largest cities by population?
To memorize the largest cities by population, use mnemonics and grouping strategies.
- Group by region or country (e.g., East Asia: Tokyo, Shanghai, Beijing).
- Make acronyms or visual stories with city names.
- Practice with world maps and timed quizzes.
- Update lists yearly to keep track for exams.
10. How often do city population rankings change, and why?
City population rankings can change every few years due to rapid urbanization, migration, and updated census data.
- Populations grow or shrink based on birth rates, migration, and economic changes.
- Government and UN data are updated after new censuses.
- Stay current with latest reports before exams as city rankings can shift quickly.
