List of Megacities

Updated November 4, 2026 · By KAI

1. Bangalore, India
2. Bangkok, Thailand
3. Beijing, China
4. Bogotá, Colombia
5. Buenos Aires, Argentina
6. Cairo, Egypt
7. Calcutta, India
8. Chennai, India
9. Chongqing, China
10. Delhi, India
11. Dhaka, Bangladesh
12. Guangzhou, China
13. Istanbul, Turkey
14. Istanbul, Turkey
15. Jakarta, Indonesia
16. Karachi, Pakistan
17. Kinshasa, Democratic Republic of the Congo
18. Lagos, Nigeria
19. Lahore, Pakistan
20. Lima, Peru
21. Los Angeles, United States of America
22. Manila, Philippines
23. Moscow, Russia
24. Mumbai, India
25. New York City, United States of America
26. Osaka, Japan
27. Paris, France
28. Rio de Janeiro, Brazil
29. Shanghai, China
30. Shenzhen, China
31. São Paulo, Brazil
32. Tianjin, China
33. Tokyo, Japan

What are the criteria for a city to be considered a megacity?

A city is considered a megacity when its population exceeds 10 million people. This typically includes urban centers and their metropolitan areas.

The designation of a megacity generally hinges on two main criteria: population size and urbanization. Cities must have a documented population of at least 10 million residents, which can be either within the administrative city limits or in the surrounding metropolitan region. The rapid urbanization trends, often driven by migration from rural areas, can result in significant population growth in these urban centers. For example, Tokyo, Japan, is the largest megacity with a population exceeding 37 million in its metropolitan area. This categorization is significant for urban planning and resource allocation, as megacities often face unique challenges related to infrastructure, housing, and public services. As cities grow, examining their economic power is essential; for a deeper understanding, check out this descriptive anchor text.

List of megacities by population size

The following table lists megacities by their estimated population size as of 2026:

Which megacities are growing the fastest?

As of 2026, the fastest-growing megacities include Delhi, Dhaka, and Lagos, with annual population growth rates projected over 3%.

Rapid urbanization and migration are driving significant population growth in several megacities. Delhi, India, has been experiencing a surge, with its population expected to grow to over 34 million by 2030. Dhaka, the capital of Bangladesh, is also witnessing rapid growth, primarily due to rural-urban migration, leading to a current population hovering around 20 million. Similarly, Lagos in Nigeria is rapidly expanding as its population increases annually by approximately 2 million residents. This growth impacts infrastructure, housing, sanitation, and public services, posing challenges for city planners. Managing these urban centers effectively necessitates innovative policies to address the needs of their burgeoning populations. For a comprehensive understanding of global population trends, you might find the List of countries helpful. For more insights on living conditions in these urban areas, explore the challenges of living in a megacity.

Megacities in different continents

Megacities span across nearly all continents, with notable examples in Asia, Africa, Europe, North America, and South America.

In Asia, cities like Tokyo, Delhi, and Shanghai dominate the list of megacities. Africa’s largest megacity, Lagos, continues to grow, while Cairo also ranks high in population. In Europe, cities like Moscow and Istanbul are key megacities, showcasing vibrant cultures and economic activities. North America is represented by New York City and Los Angeles, both significant urban centers in the United States. Meanwhile, in South America, São Paulo and Buenos Aires are examples of megacities that play crucial roles in the region’s economy. Each continent presents unique challenges and opportunities related to urban development and public service delivery, making the study of megacities essential in understanding global urbanization trends.

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