A megacity is typically characterized as a metropolitan territory with an aggregate populace in the abundance of ten million individuals. A megacity can be a single metropolitan territory or at least two metropolitan ranges that focus. The terms conurbation, city, and metroplex are moreover connected to the last mentioned.
As of April 2025, urbanization continues to shape the modern world, with megacities playing a vital role in global culture, economy, and infrastructure. A megacity is typically defined as a metropolitan area with over 10 million people. These cities are dynamic hubs of innovation and diversity, often blending historic roots with futuristic skylines. Below is a table summarizing the world’s ten largest megacities by population in 2025:
| Rank | City | Country | Population (2025) |
|---|---|---|---|
| 1 | Tokyo | Japan | 37,036,200 |
| 2 | Delhi | India | 34,665,600 |
| 3 | Shanghai | China | 30,482,100 |
| 4 | Dhaka | Bangladesh | 24,652,900 |
| 5 | Cairo | Egypt | 23,074,200 |
| 6 | São Paulo | Brazil | 22,990,000 |
| 7 | Mexico City | Mexico | 22,752,400 |
| 8 | Beijing | China | 22,596,500 |
| 9 | Mumbai | India | 22,089,000 |
| 10 | New York–Newark | United States | 19,154,000 |
1- Tokyo-Yokohama, Japan
Population: 37,036,200
Tokyo remains the world’s most populous city. It is Japan’s capital and a critical hub for finance, technology, and culture. With a blend of modern skyscrapers, ancient temples, and efficient infrastructure, Tokyo symbolizes innovation and tradition.
2- Delhi, India
Population: 34,665,600
Delhi is the capital of India and a key center of governance, education, and commerce. It’s a city of contrasts, where ancient forts and mosques coexist with metro systems and expanding suburbs.
3- Shanghai, China
Population: 30,482,100
Shanghai is China’s most populous city and an international financial hub. The city features a striking skyline, a historical waterfront (the Bund), and rapid urban development.
4- Dhaka, Bangladesh
Population: 24,652,900
Dhaka is a diverse city located in central Bangladesh along the Buriganga River. Not only is it the capital city, but it is also the largest in the country. In 2016, the population was 18.237 million in the Greater Dhaka Area.
Dhaka is the most populated city in Bangladesh, and it is also one of the most populated cities in the world. The Greater Dhaka Area has a population of over 18 million as of 2016, while the city itself has a population estimated at 8.5 million.
5- Cairo, Egypt
Population: 23,074,200
Cairo is the largest city in Egypt and the country’s capital. It is located close to the Nile Delta. With a history dating back to CE 969, Cairo blends old-world and new-world Egypt. It is often referred to as Masr by Egyptians, which is the Egyptian Arabic pronunciation of Egypt, as well as al-Qahirah (“the Vanquisher”), Kayro, or Umm al-Dunya (“the mother of the world”). The city’s population in 2016 was estimated to be as high as 12 million.
6- São Paulo, Brazil
Population: 22,990,000
São Paulo is Brazil’s financial engine and one of Latin America’s most influential cities. Known for its skyscrapers, cultural institutions, and bustling markets, it reflects Brazil’s economic diversity.
7- Mexico City, Mexico
Population: 22,752,400
Mexico City, or the City of Mexico (Spanish: Ciudad de México, is one of the 32 states that make up the 32 Federal Entities of Mexico the capital of Mexico and the most populous city in North America. It is one of the most important cultural and financial centers in the world. It is located in the Valley of Mexico (Valle de México), a large valley in the high plateaus in the center of Mexico, at an altitude of 2,240 meters (7,350 ft). The city has 16 alcaldías, formerly known as boroughs.
8- Beijing, China
Population: 22,596,500
Beijing is the powerhouse of the Chinese economy. Its nominal GDP in 2011 was $247.7 billion, which equates to a per capita GDP of $12,447. Tianjin ($13,058) and Shanghai ($12,783) are the only Chinese cities to have a higher per capita GDP. The city’s economy is growing by around 8-10% per year at the moment, so these figures will probably increase still further in the coming years.
9- Mumbai, India
Population: 22,089,000
Mumbai, also called Bombay, is the capital city of the state of Maharashtra in India, and it’s the most populous city in India. Mumbai is the 4th most populous city in the world and one of the most populous urban regions in the world. The most recent census was conducted in India in 2011, which put Mumbai’s Urban Agglomeration at 20,748,395, while the city itself was recorded at 12,478,447. The next national census is scheduled for 2021.
10- New York–Newark, USA
Population: 19,154,000
The New York–Newark metropolitan area is the most populous in the United States. Known globally for Wall Street, Broadway, and its cultural diversity, it’s a powerhouse of global influence.
Interesting use of English but useful data nevertheless .
That’s gonna change soon 😉
Some populations and GDPs, among other metrics, are severely underreported.
Good Infor and maybe change soon, in the world happing during COVID-19
I agree infor is high quality.
We are growing too fast ?.