World’s most populous cities

It has always been a source of interest to me to know what the most highly populated cities on our planet are. It’s important to note that different sources may provide varying estimates due to differences in data collection methods and definitions of city boundaries. As of 2025, the largest cities in the world by population are projected to be:

1. Tokyo, Japan – Approximately 37.1 million residents.
2. Delhi, India – Around 33.8 million residents.
3. Shanghai, China – About 29.9 million residents.
4. Dhaka, Bangladesh – Approximately 23.9 million residents.
5. São Paulo, Brazil – Around 22.8 million residents.
6. Cairo, Egypt – About 22.6 million residents.
7. Mexico City, Mexico – Approximately 22.5 million residents.
8. Beijing, China – Around 22.2 million residents.
9. Mumbai, India – About 21.7 million residents.
10. Osaka, Japan – Approximately 18.9 million residents.
11. Karachi, Pakistan – Around 18.1 million residents.
12. Chongqing, China – About 18.2 million residents.
13. Kinshasa, Democratic Republic of the Congo – Approximately 17.8 million residents.
14. Lagos, Nigeria – Around 17.2 million residents.
15. Istanbul, Turkey – About 16.2 million residents.
16. Kolkata, India – Approximately 15.8 million residents.
17. Buenos Aires, Argentina – Around 15.8 million residents.
18. Manila, Philippines – About 15.2 million residents.
19. Guangzhou, China – Approximately 14.9 million residents.
20. Lahore, Pakistan – Around 14.8 million residents.