World's largest cities by population in millions, 1950 - 2026

 

As of early 2026, Jakarta (approx. 42 million) and Dhaka (approx. 37 million) are leading as the world's most populous cities, with Tokyo's population slightly declining but remaining a top contender. The list is dominated by Asian cities, with 21 of the 34 megacities (over 10M) located in Asia. This marks a dramatic shift from 1950, when New York was the only megacity, growing to a landscape where Tokyo dominated for decades, now moving toward faster-growing cities in Africa and Asia.

 

Top 10 Largest Cities (2026 Projections)

·        Jakarta, Indonesia: ~42.46 million (often cited in top spot due to urban sprawl)

·        Dhaka, Bangladesh: ~37.43 million

·        Tokyo, Japan: ~37.1 million (slightly declining)

·        Delhi, India: ~35.5 million

·        Shanghai, China: ~31.0 million

·        Guangzhou, China: ~23.5 million (Note: Some data sources, such as CityPopulation.de, place Guangzhou higher based on different agglomeration metrics)

·        Cairo, Egypt: ~23.5 million

·        Sao Paulo, Brazil: ~23.1 million

·        Mexico City, Mexico: ~23.0 million

·        Beijing, China: ~22.9 million 

Key Historical Shifts (1950 - 2026)

·        1950: New York was the world’s largest city.

·        1955-2025: Tokyo was the most populous, peaking over 37 million.

·        2026/Future: Rapid growth in cities like Kinshasa and Dhaka is expected to change the ranking, with Delhi expected to become the largest by 2050.

·        Regional Dominance: The 1950s saw Western cities dominate, while current data shows 9 out of 10 top cities are in Asia. 

 Important Context on Data

·        Urban Agglomeration vs. City Proper: Population figures vary significantly based on whether metrics define the city by city limits, metro area, or total urban agglomeration.

·        Fastest Growth: Africa and Asia are currently seeing the most rapid increases in urban population. 

The world's most liveable cities in 2023

 

Cities with the most clean air

 

World of Statistics

Cities with the most clean and polluted air

 

Cities with the most clean air:

1. Helsinki 2. Hobart 3. Reykjavik 4. Vienna 5. Victoria 6. Stockholm 7. The Hague 8. Luxembourg 9. Zurich 10. Gothenburg 87. Berlin 99. Tokyo 160. London 161. NY 222. Istanbul 300. Delhi

The Best Cities for International Students 2023 (score)

The city in which someone studies can have a massive impact not only on their time at university, but also their experiences after graduating. The universities a city has to offer are of course the most significant factor in a student's post-grad life, but as a ranking by QS takes into account, international students should also consider aspects such as student mix, safety, living standards, employer activity and affordability for the time while they are studying.

As our infographic shows, when taking this all (and more) into consideration, the UK is home to the highest rated city: "This year’s ranking is once again topped by London. Home to several leading universities, including UCL (University College London), Imperial College London, and King's College London, the city has been a student favorite for years and has plenty of world-class academic institutions for students to choose from."

https://bit.ly/3BE2c9L