The 10 Most Populous Cities in the World in 2025: The New Official Ranking
By The Advised Traveler Team
Last Updated: December 27, 2025 (Source: UN – World Urbanization Prospects 2025)
Table of Contents
- 2025 Ranking of the World’s Most Populous Cities (UN)
- 1. Jakarta, Indonesia: The New World Leader
- 2. Dhaka, Bangladesh: Explosive Urban Growth
- 3. Tokyo, Japan: The Ex-Leader Facing Decline
- 4. New Delhi, India: The Beating Heart of India
- 5. Shanghai, China: The Showcase of the Future
- 6. Guangzhou, China: The Factory of the World
- 7. Cairo, Egypt: The Only Non-Asian Giant
- 8. Manila, Philippines: Record-Breaking Density
- 9. Kolkata, India: The Cultural Soul of Bengal
- 10. Seoul, South Korea: Between Tradition and High-Tech
- Why Does This Ranking Change Everything? (UN Methodology)
- FAQ: Common Questions
The global urban landscape has just been redefined. The latest United Nations report (World Urbanization Prospects 2025) employs a revolutionary new calculation method: the “Degree of Urbanization.” This approach, based on real population density via satellite imagery rather than administrative boundaries, has completely upended the historical rankings.
Tokyo is no longer the most populous city in the world. It is now Jakarta that takes the lead, closely followed by a booming South Asia. Here is the new face of the world’s megacities for 2025.
2025 Ranking of the World’s Most Populous Cities (UN)
The 2025 ranking is overwhelmingly dominated by Asia, which places 9 cities out of 10 in the global top tier. Latin American giants like São Paulo or Mexico City, as well as New York, have dropped out of the top 10 due to this new calculation method that favors dense urban continuums.
Here is the top 3 that clearly stands out:
- 1. Jakarta (Indonesia): 41.9 million inhabitants
- 2. Dhaka (Bangladesh): 36.6 million inhabitants
- 3. Tokyo (Japan): 33.4 million inhabitants
1. Jakarta, Indonesia: The New World Leader
With nearly 42 million inhabitants, Jakarta (and its extended area known as Jabodetabek) takes the lead in the global rankings. Long underestimated by administrative statistics that placed it around 30th, the Indonesian capital reveals its true nature thanks to the “degree of urbanization” method. It is a continuous urban ocean.
For the traveler, Jakarta is a sensory shock. Beyond the legendary traffic jams, it is a city of striking contrasts. Visit the old colonial city of Kota Tua for its Dutch ambiance, climb to the top of Monas (National Monument) to grasp the vastness of the city, and dive into modernity in the luxury malls of Grand Indonesia. Jakarta is also an exceptional culinary starting point to discover Padang or Javanese cuisine.
Did you know? Due to land subsidence and rising sea levels, Indonesia is currently building a new capital, Nusantara, on the island of Borneo. However, Jakarta will remain the economic and demographic heart of the country for decades to come.
2. Dhaka, Bangladesh: Explosive Urban Growth
The capital of Bangladesh is the rising star of this ranking. With 36.6 million inhabitants, it has now surpassed Tokyo. The UN predicts that Dhaka will become the most populous city in the world by 2050 (with over 52 million inhabitants expected), surpassing even Jakarta.
Dhaka is a raw and authentic experience. The density is extreme, and life spills out into every alleyway. The river port of Sadarghat offers a permanent spectacle with its hundreds of boats. Lalbagh Fort and the Pink Palace (Ahsan Manzil) recall the region’s rich history. It is a destination for seasoned travelers seeking authenticity and human vibrancy at its peak.
3. Tokyo, Japan: The Ex-Leader Facing Decline
Undisputed world number 1 for decades, Tokyo slips to 3rd place with 33.4 million inhabitants. It is the only city in the top 10 (along with Seoul) whose population is beginning to decline due to demographic aging. The UN predicts it will drop to 7th place by 2050.
Despite this statistical decline, Tokyo remains the ultimate urban experience for travelers. It is the safest, cleanest, and most organized megalopolis in the world. From the frenzy of Shibuya to the silent temples of Asakusa, and the geek culture of Akihabara, Tokyo offers a perfect balance. Its transport network remains the most efficient on the planet, making traversing this urban vastness disconcertingly easy.
4. New Delhi, India: The Beating Heart of India
With 30.2 million inhabitants, Delhi continues its sustained growth. It is a city of extreme dualities: the broad avenues planned by the British in New Delhi contrast with the labyrinthine medieval alleys of Old Delhi.
For the visitor, Delhi is a dive into Mughal history. The Red Fort, Qutub Minar, and Humayun’s Tomb are architectural jewels. Markets like Chandni Chowk offer an unparalleled shopping and street-food experience. Despite the challenges of pollution, Delhi remains an essential stop and boasts one of the most modern metro systems in the world.
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5. Shanghai, China: The Showcase of the Future
With 29.6 million inhabitants, Shanghai is China’s economic engine. It now ranks 5th worldwide and is expected to reach the podium (3rd place) by 2050.
The city is the perfect symbol of the “Chinese miracle.” On one side, the Bund and its 1920s European colonial architecture; across the Huangpu River, Pudong and its forest of futuristic skyscrapers, including the Shanghai Tower. Strolling through the streets of the former French Concession offers a charming and leafy break in the middle of this ultra-dense megalopolis.
6. Guangzhou, China: The Factory of the World
Less known to tourists than Beijing or Shanghai, Guangzhou (Canton) makes a smashing entry into the top tier with 27.6 million inhabitants. Thanks to the new UN methodology which takes into account the continuity of built-up areas in the Pearl River Delta, its real population is finally recognized at its true value.
Historically China’s opening port to the world, Guangzhou is a commercial powerhouse. For the traveler, it is the birthplace of Cantonese gastronomy (Dim Sum was born here!). The architecture mixes ancient temples, colonial buildings on Shamian Island, and the iconic Canton Tower which lights up at night.
7. Cairo, Egypt: The Only Non-Asian Giant
The only city in the top 10 not located in Asia, Cairo counts 25.6 million inhabitants. It now surpasses Latin American megacities like Mexico City or São Paulo. It is the largest city in Africa and the Arab world.
A millennial city, Cairo (Al-Qahirah) offers a dive into human history. The Pyramids of Giza, on the edge of the city, are eternal. But the real Cairo is experienced in the souk of Khan el-Khalili, in the Coptic Quarter, or at the Citadel of Saladin. The density is extreme and the chaos permanent, but the charm always works. Egypt is currently building a “New Administrative Capital” to the east to try to decongest this urban monster.
8. Manila, Philippines: Record-Breaking Density
The capital of the Philippines reaches 24.7 million inhabitants. Metro Manila is one of the densest urban areas in the world. It is a vibrant, noisy, and incredibly warm city.
The contrasts are striking: the business district of Makati or BGC (Bonifacio Global City) resembles Singapore with its impeccable skyscrapers, while historic districts like Intramuros (the Spanish walled city) offer a trip back in colonial time. Getting around in a Jeepney, those typical colorful buses, is an essential experience to grasp the local energy.
9. Kolkata, India: The Cultural Soul of Bengal
The former Calcutta, capital of British India, makes a notable return to the top 10 with 22.5 million inhabitants. It embodies the intellectual and artistic soul of India.
Kolkata is a poetic and dilapidated city, magnificent and challenging. The white marble Victoria Memorial, the immense Howrah Bridge spanning the Hooghly River, and the old trams give it a unique cachet. It is the city of poets, College Street booksellers, and Asia’s largest flower market, Mullik Ghat.
10. Seoul, South Korea: Between Tradition and High-Tech
Closing out this ranking with 22.5 million inhabitants, Seoul is, like Tokyo, a city whose population is projected to decline. But it remains a global cultural (K-Pop, K-Drama) and technological powerhouse.
Seoul manages the impossible marriage between its 5 grand royal palaces (such as Gyeongbokgung) and the glittering skyscrapers of Gangnam. It is a city that never sleeps, where night markets rub shoulders with cafes open 24/7. Nature is very present, surrounded by mountains accessible by subway for weekend hikes.
Why Does This Ranking Change Everything? (UN Methodology)
Until now, rankings were based on national definitions of what constitutes a “city,” which varied enormously from one country to another. The 2025 UN report now uses the “Degree of Urbanization.” This harmonized method uses satellite imagery to measure the continuity of built-up areas and real population density.
This explains why cities like Jakarta (whose strict administrative zone is small but real agglomeration huge) jump to first place, while cities like Chongqing (which administratively includes huge rural areas) fall back. This new ranking better reflects the reality experienced by residents and travelers: that of endless metropolises.
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FAQ: Common Questions
What is the most populous city in the world in 2025?
According to the UN’s World Urbanization Prospects 2025 report, Jakarta (Indonesia) is now the most populous city in the world with 41.9 million inhabitants in its agglomeration, dethroning Tokyo.
Why is Tokyo no longer number 1?
Tokyo lost its top spot due to two factors: Japan’s natural demographic decline (aging population) and the UN’s new calculation methodology (“Degree of Urbanization”) which better measures the real extent of urban areas in emerging countries like Indonesia or Bangladesh.
What are the forecasts for 2050?
UN projections indicate that Dhaka (Bangladesh) will likely become the world’s most populous city around 2050, exceeding 52 million inhabitants. Other cities like Karachi (Pakistan), Kinshasa (DRC), and Lagos (Nigeria) will also experience explosive growth.
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