The global population has surpassed eight billion. According to a report by United Nations, world population is likely to reach 8.6 billion in 2030, 9.8 billion in 2050 and 11.2 billion in 2100.
Interestingly, about 83 million people join the list of a growing population every year. The upward trend in population size is likely to continue, even assuming that fertility levels will continue to decline. There are several reasons for this enormous population expansion, such as improvements in living conditions, healthcare and sanitation. Worldwide mortality rates have declined, especially for babies and young children, and during the past few decades, the median age of the worldwide population has risen.
Here are some most populated cities in the world as of 2024, as per World Population Review. This demonstrates the ongoing pace of urban growth and its effects on the world’s population demographics.
Most populated cities in the world in 2024
Tokyo (Population: 37,115,035)
Tokyo is the most populated city in the world. It is home to 37,115,035 people. Tokyo has an astonishingly large population, but in recent years, the city’s population growth has slowed, with reported decreases ranging from a 0.09 percent decline from 2018 to 2019 to a 0.18 percent drop from 2021 to 2022. Two factors contributing to the decrease in growth are the ageing population and low birth rates, according to experts. Another factor could be the tax breaks the Japanese government stipulated to companies that relocated from Tokyo to less populated regions, along with financial aid for their citizen employees who moved with them.
Delhi (Population: 33,807,403)
The population of Delhi is 33,807,403. Still, it might not stay in second position among the world’s largest cities for long. According to certain projections of population growth, Delhi might have a population of 56.4 million by 2028. Delhi is home to a number of sites that are part of the World Heritage List. These include Red Fort Complex, named for its walls made of limestone that have a red colour.
Shanghai (Population: 29,867,918)
With 29,867,918 residents, Shanghai is likely to have rapid population increase within the next couple of years. Shanghai’s annual population increase from 2018 to the present has ranged from 2.59 to 2.87 percent. This indicates that Shanghai is likely to maintain its current position as one of the three most populous cities in the world, if not surpass it in the future. Shanghai, an economic powerhouse with one of the biggest seaports in the world, is situated in east central China.
Dhaka (Population: 23,935,652)
Bangladesh’s Dhaka is rapidly rising up the list of the world’s most populated cities, with 23,935,652 residents. In 2018, Dhaka was ranked No. 7. Now, Dhaka is ranked No. 4 on the list after many years of significant population increase (over 3 percent). Bangladesh borders the Bay of Bengal in the Indian Ocean. It is centred on Dhaka. The country’s administrative and economic centre is located in this city. Since gaining an independence in 1971, Bangladesh has had rapid growth. It is very much likely that the country’s population will continue to rise.
Sao Paulo (Population: 22,806,704)
The population of Sao Paulo is 22,806,704. It is one of the most populated cities in the world. The city is surrounded by hills and valleys. It is popular for being the biggest city in the Southern Hemisphere and for being a major industrial and economic hub across the world. Officials in Sao Paulo prohibited outdoor billboards and banners in 2007 with the goal of protecting the city’s picturesque scenery.
Cairo (Population: 22,623,874)
With 22,623,874 residents, Cairo has reached a new high population. According to Harvard University academics, Cairo, along with the whole country of Egypt, is likely to see strong economic development until 2030, despite Cairo being the 6th most populous city in the world. The Pyramids of Giza are located in Cairo, which is also home to many other ancient archaeological discoveries, such as the discoveries of mummies with gold-plated tongues. The golden-tongued mummies were found at the Quweisna necropolis in the Nile delta. It is approximately 40 miles north of Cairo. Their estimated chronological age is between 300 BCE and 640 CE.
Read more | Decline of 46 percent in Egypt’s population growth rate from 2017 to 2023: Report
Mexico City (Population: 22,505,315)
With almost 540 percent growth since 1950, the current population of Mexico City is 22,505,315. It may be the 7th most populous city in the world, but it has another claim to fame that is far less welcome: Mexico City is sinking. The capital city sank about 29 to 36 feet during the 1900s. It was because it sits atop an underground aquifer that is being continually depleted. Even after a 1958 ban on drilling new wells into the aquifer, the clay soil under Mexico City compressed at steady rates. Today, some sections of the city are sinking up to 19 inches a year.
Beijing (Population: 22,189,082)
Beijing has seen population growth since 1975 and a United Nations research indicates that this growth will likely continue through at least 2035. It is home to The Forbidden City, which is one of the greatest and best-preserved architectural complexes of antiquity. At present, it is home to 21,189,082 people. Originally occupied in 1420, the old imperial palace is now a cultural institution and a UNESCO World Heritage site. Among its many noteworthy features, the 178-acre Forbidden City complex showcases the ancient Chinese art of feng shui.
Mumbai (Population: 21,673,149)
Mumbai is home to 21,673,149 people as of the latest count. This figure is likely to rise significantly in the future. The City of Dreams is the another name of Mumbai. The city was earlier called Bombay. Mumbai gained the title of ‘City of Dreams’ because it developed into the hub of Bollywood, which stands for the Indian film industry. Each year, Bollywood produces over a thousand films. Mumbai serves as the financial centre for the jewellery industry in India as well as for the main stock market.
Osaka (Population: 18,967,459)
Osaka is 10th in the list of the world’s most populated cities with a population of 18,967,459. Osaka’s population growth is likely to slow down year after year by 2030. A major factor contributing to the decline is the exodus of city dwellers to neighbouring suburban regions. Osaka is a food hub, partly due to the city’s high number of restaurants with Michelin stars. A significant centre of Japanese culture, Osaka is also the home of Osaka Castle, one of the nation’s oldest monuments.
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