31. Bangkok, Thailand | Most Populated Cities
City population: 10,899,698
Called Krung Thep Mahanakhon in Thai, Bangkok became the capital of Thailand, then-known as Siam, in 1782. The metropolis’ population increased slowly through the mid-19th century, after which it increased so rapidly that it overwhelmed the city’s infrastructure. Due to this, the region today suffers from air pollution and traffic jams. Though many ethnic groups call the metropolis their home, Chinese people dominate the demography. The city even boasts one of the largest Chinatowns worldwide.
32. Hyderabad, India
City population: 10,534,418
Being one of India’s fastest-growing cities today, Hyderabad has grown due to migration from rural areas. A 2011 census revealed that about a quarter of Hyderabad’s population was from other states and regions. While the city is bustling with people, it also has difficult living conditions— with 13% of the residents living below the poverty line.
33. Seoul, South Korea
City population: 9,975,709
Seoul, the capital of South Korea, is one of the largest metropolitans worldwide, comprising at least half of the country’s population. Although it is only 233 square miles, Seoul’s population density is almost twice of New York’s population. However, the number of citizens has been declining since 2011 due to a low birth rate and an ageing population.
34. Nagoya, Japan
City population: 9,571,596
The capital of Japan’s Aichi prefecture, Nagoya, houses Honshu’s manufacturing and shipping hub. The Naka ward in the city holds museums, pachinko parlours, and the Sakae entertainment district. With the Nagoya Castle situated in north Naka, the metropolis prides itself on its history as well as modernity.
35. London, United Kingdom | Most Populated Cities
City population: 9,540,576
Being the U.K.’s largest municipality, London is the largest city in the European Union. In the second century, the city had a population of 60,000 under Roman rule and reached the million mark 17 centuries later. After World War II, there was a decrease in the population, and it began growing again only in the 1980s. Today, many people migrated to London, making up a third of the citizens.
36. Chengdu, China
City population: 9,478,521
The capital of Sichuan, Chengdu, is a financial and business centre with multiple Fortune 500 companies. The city’s financial understanding can probably be credited to the fact that Chengdu was one of the first places to produce paper money during the Song Dynasty. Due to the employment opportunities and the low cost of living, the population has grown gradually since the mid-20th century from 646,000.
37. Nanjing, China
City population: 9,429,381
Nanjing served as China’s capital twice in the past and today is the capital of the Jiangsu province. It is an important Chinese city with a commercial, agricultural, and industrial centre and Yangtze river port. The city’s population is approximately 9.5 million, quadrupling over the last 40 years.
38. Tehran, Iran
City population: 9,381,546
In 1900, Tehran housed a mere 200,000 people, after which it grew exponentially. Mass migrations persisted from other parts of Iran, which have continued to increase the numbers late into the 21st century. However, the growth rate today remains relatively stable. Today, Tehran is the largest city in western Asia.
39. Ho Chi Minh City, Vietnam
City population: 9,077,158
Initially known as Saigon, Ho Chi Minh City boasts a higher population than the Hanoi capital. While there hasn’t been a census conducted since 2009, the population density was 9,264 people per square mile, more than Vietnam’s capital. The preferred method of transportation is two-wheelers, a whopping 7.6 million owned by the residents, closing in on the number of residents.
40. Luanda, Angola | Most Populated Cities
City population: 8,952,496
The capital of Angola, Luanda, is a port city in South Africa. The city features a seafront walkway, Fortress of São Miguel, and Ilha do Cabo. With its beaches, restaurants and bars, Luanda is a city which highlights its modernity while keeping its culture close.
