21. Rio de Janeiro, Brazil | Most Populated Cities
City population: 13,634,274
The second-largest city in Brazil, Rio de Janeiro, is a popular tourist destination with a fastly growing population. While the city lost its position as the country’s capital in 1960 when Brasilia emerged, its population increased by 115% over the next 40 years.
22. Lahore, Pakistan
City population: 13,541,764
Considered Pakistan’s cultural capital, Lahore has grown to over 10 million people from barely a million in 1955. It is the second largest city in the country after Karachi, but the 2017 census revealed that the population growth was double that of Karachi from 1998 onwards.
23. Bangalore, India
City population: 13,193,035
The Silicon Valley of India, Bangalore, or Bengaluru, has seen a population increase of 47% in the past decade. Most new residents migrate to the city, drawn due to its job opportunities. Having slowly evolved from Garden City to the Silicon Valley of India, Bangalore is India’s third most populous city. The city is loved for its beautiful parks, quirky cafes, and lakes.
24. Shenzhen, China
City population: 12,831,330
Being an economic and cultural capital, Shenzhen has been named China’s Most Charitable City for its numerous volunteer social organizations. The city has also been named an “Excellent Tourist City” by the Chinese government. In 1950, Shenzhen was a village with a population of 3,000 people. From 1995 to 2000, exponential growth occurred in Shenzhen, increasing the population from 2,394,000 to 6,550,000. While it wasn’t considered a city till 1979, it is now the largest economy in China’s Greater Bay Area 42 years later.
25. Moscow, Russia | Most Populated Cities
City population: 12,640,818
Moscow has the highest population density in Europe, having grown by 10.9% in just eight years and gaining a million residents. Average salaries in Moscow are approximately double of areas outside the city, and it boasts of having the third most billionaires of any city worldwide. However, population figures are often inexact due to a large number of temporary residents and a continuous flow of legal and illegal immigrants.
26. Chennai, India
City population: 11,503,293
Formerly called Madras, Chennai is considered the “Detroit of India” due to its bustling automotive industry. In 2011, the city’s area almost tripled, from 176 square kilometres to 426 kilometres, increasing the population. Amid the traffic and the relentless humidity, Chennai boasts beautiful temples, British-era museums and monuments, culinary delights and Marina Beach. Chennai’s skyline might feature its towering skyscrapers, but the old-world charm is brought forward by its citizens and culture.
27. Bogota, Colombia
City population: 11,344,312
In the mid-16th century, the Catholic Church’s Archdiocese of Bogota classified the city as an important religious and educational centre. Migration to the city soon prevailed, increasing the population from 22,000 in 1800 to 11 million. Being Colombia’s capital, it also boasts the title of the third largest city in South America.
28. Paris, France
City population: 11,142,303
While Paris brings up the idea of cafe terraces and postcard views everywhere, it is also a place changing constantly. The French capital is becoming more diverse, with over 2 million people having migrated. The city is famous for its street food and Michelin stars, the monuments and hidden nooks, and the romantic spots one can easily find.
29. Jakarta, Indonesia
City population: 11,074,811
Jakarta, Indonesia’s capital, is one of the fastest-growing economies in the world. It holds one of the world’s highest population densities, with over 40,000 people per square mile. The city’s metropolitan region is named Jabodetabek, based on the initials for the localities of Jakarta, Bogor, Depok, Tangerang, and Bekasi. Approximately 250,000 people migrate to the area annually.
30. Lima, Peru | Most Populated Cities
City population: 11,044,607
When founded by Francisco Pizarro in 1535, Lima had a meagre population of 250. Slowly growing, the population reached 50,000 residents by 1750 and 500,000 by 1940. After World War II, many Peruvians migrated to the city looking for work. However, by 1970, Peru’s boundaries had been extended towards the seas and the mountains, increasing its population to 2.5 million. Two domestic militant groups frightened the countryside from 1980 to 2000. This led to a growth spurt that has not diminished yet.
