10 most populous cities in the world in 2025; 9 are from Asia

In 2025, the world’s population has crossed 8.2 billion, and nearly half of all people now live in urban areas, a figure that highlights just how rapidly cities have become the centre of human life. The official website of The United Nations Office at Geneva published a report on November 18, titled ‘Cities now home to nearly half of humanity: UN report, and as per the report, the number of megacities, urban regions with more than 10 million residents, has risen to 33, compared to only eight in 1975. The report also lists out some of the most populated cities in the world in 2025. The world’s largest cities in 2025 reveal another powerful trend, global urbanization is shaped overwhelmingly by Asia. Out of the top 10 populous cities in the world, nine are from Asia.
Here’s a look at 10 most populous cities in the world in 2025.

Jakarta holds the crown in 2025 as the world’s most populous city (41.9 million), according to UN estimates. As Indonesia’s political and economic heart, Jakarta’s explosive growth reflects rapid urban migration, development, and demographic momentum. But with that growth comes pressure: the demand for housing, infrastructure, transport, and public services in such a densely populated metropolis is enormous.

Dhaka has climbed to the second-largest city (36.6 million) globally in 2025. The city’s steady surge is driven by rural-to-urban migration and Bangladesh’s broader population growth. As one of the planet’s most crowded capitals, Dhaka’s expansion underlines the enormous pressure on South Asian urban centres: housing shortages, traffic congestion, environmental stress, and a constant need for sustainable planning.

Tokyo remains one of the world’s foremost megacities, ranking third in 2025 with a population of 33.4 million. Long viewed as the benchmark for rapid urban growth, it has since been overtaken by newer, faster-expanding metropolitan centres. With its mature infrastructure, dense urban landscape, and highly advanced systems, Tokyo illustrates how major cities evolve once they reach population stability, technological maturity, and complex socioeconomic development.

India’s capital region New Delhi and its surrounding urban agglomeration stands tall in 2025 among the global giants. Rapid urbanisation, economic opportunity, and demographic shifts contribute to New Delhi’s growing population (30.2 million). The city encapsulates many of the contradictions of modern megacities: opportunity and growth on one hand; stress on infrastructure, environment and resources on the other.

Shanghai remains China’s urban powerhouse, ranking among the world’s top five by population in 2025 (29.6 million). As a global financial hub and major port city, Shanghai’s size reflects its economic magnetism, drawing people from across provinces and beyond. Its growth highlights the continuing appeal of coastal megacities, especially in East Asia.

With an estimated 27.6 million people in 2025, the city of Guangzhou ranks among the top global cities. Guangzhou’s growth shows how major population hubs are not limited to familiar global megacities, but also include regional economic centres in rapidly developing countries. Industrial expansion, internal migration, and regional development all contribute to this city’s prominence.

Cairo is the only city outside Asia to rank among the world’s ten most populous cities in 2025. Egypt’s political, economic, and cultural heart now hosts 25.6 million residents. Its growth highlights how megacities are increasingly emerging beyond Asia, particularly in rapidly developing regions of Africa and the Middle East, where population surges and migration continue to transform urban landscapes.

Manila continues to be one of Southeast Asia’s fastest-growing cities, with its metropolitan population reaching 24.7 million in 2025. Its growth is driven by rising economic opportunities, a young and expanding population, and improving regional connectivity. Manila’s rapid expansion shows how Southeast Asian cities play a major role in global urbanisation.

Another major Indian metropolis, Kolkata enters the top-10 list with an estimated 22.5 million people in 2025. It shows that India’s urban growth isn’t limited to the capital or a few big cities, several large urban centres are expanding quickly and becoming part of the global megacity landscape. Kolkata’s rich cultural, commercial, and historical heritage adds another layer to its story, combining old-world charm with modern urban growth.

Seoul completes the top ten for 2025, with a population of around 22.5 million. Known for its innovation, strong education system, and high quality of life, it shows that megacities aren’t found only in rapidly growing countries, they also thrive in highly developed economies. Seoul’s growth and steady development highlight a different route to becoming a megacity, shaped by modernisation, effective planning, and long-term demographic change.