Largest Cities on Earth
The Most Populous Metropolitan Areas in the World
Following is a list and description of the most populous cities in the world. The metropolitan populations (populations of the downtown area in the city limits, as well as areas immediately surrounding the city itself) of the cities are shown below, based on estimates from a 2009 census. Each year, population in these cities rises even more.
Tokyo, Japan, the Largest City on Earth
The metropolitan area of Tokyo is more populated than that of any other city on Earth. According to a 2009 estimate from the World Gazetteer, the city's metropolitan population is just over 37,000,000. Tokyo is located in mid-eastern Japan, and the city itself is composed by 23 Special wards, as the town's sections are known. Residents of suburban communities outside of the city limits are included in the metropolitan population estimate.
Mexico City, Mexico, the Second Largest City in the World
The metropolitan area of Mexico City is estimated to contain over 23,000,000 residents, making it the second most populous metropolitan area in the world. Mexico City (Ciudad de Mexico) is the capital of Mexico, and the biggest city in the New World. Its metro area lies in the states of Mexico and Hidalgo.
New York City, U.S.A.
New York City is the most populous city in the United States, and one of the most populous in the world. The metropolitan area population of NYC is just over 23,000,000, which puts the city on the list as the third most populous in the world. The second most populated area in the United States is that of Los Angeles, which has several million less residents.
Seoul, South Korea
Seoul is the capital city of South Korea, and its metropolitan population exceeds 22,000,000, according to a 2009 estimate from the World Gazetteer. Nearly half of the population of the country lives in the Seoul metro area. Seoul is located in northwestern South Korea.
Mumbai, India
The metropolitan population of Mumbai (formerly Bombay) India is presently estimated at just over 21,000,000. The city is located on the Indian Ocean in Western India, and is the largest city in the country, although the city area population of Delhi is nearly 19,000,000, making it a close second in India.
Sao Paulo, Brazil, the Most Populous City in South America
Sao Paulo, located near the Atlantic Ocean in Southern Brazil, has a metropolitan population of about 20,500,000, according to a 2009 estimate. This city is also the most prosperous in the nation, with the highest per capita income and overall standard of living. Sao Paulo's metropolitan area population is about six million higher than that of Buenos Aires, the second largest city on the South American continent.
As the world population continues to rise, and urbanization refuses to slow, cities continue to accumulate more and more area and people. Although these are already the largest cities in the world, their populations are expected to rise by millions in the coming years.
Tokyo, Japan, the Largest city in the World
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