As the global population surpasses eight billion, concerns about overcrowding and pollution intensify, particularly in the world’s largest cities. Predictions about when the Earth’s population will peak vary, with estimates ranging from 8.8 billion by the mid-century to over 10 billion by the 2080s.

The surge in population has led to significant congestion, raising alarms about the challenges of pollution and overcrowding. Explore the realities of living in the top 10 the largest cities in the world 2024 , where urban challenges are magnified in the face of booming populations.

10. Osaka, Japan – 19.2 million people

The Keihanshin Metropolitan Area, encompassing Osaka, Japan’s third-largest city, accommodates around 19.2 million residents. Renowned for its historical significance in commerce and industry, Osaka continues to be a financial center housing numerous large Japanese corporations.

The city’s vibrant food culture and modern architecture attract tourists, and a reliable public transport system, moving over 900 million people annually, adds to its appeal. However, challenges such as traffic congestion and difficulties in securing quality housing persist, reflecting common issues in modern megacities, even for those with substantial financial resources.

9. Beijing, China – 19.4 million people

Beijing, China’s second-largest city and one of the world’s oldest, hosts a majority of the country’s major businesses, contributing to significant population growth and increased wealth among residents over the past five decades. Notably, Beijing boasts the highest number of billionaires globally. However, challenges arise from factors like industrial pollution, frequent sandstorms, and car emissions, prompting recommendations for residents to stay indoors to mitigate potential health risks. Despite having an impressive subway system and various bicycle loan projects, car usage has surged in the past decade. With a population density of 4,600 people per square kilometer, finding personal space can be challenging for Beijing’s residents.

8. Mumbai, India – 20.1 million people

Mumbai, situated on seven islands, is a historic city renowned for its rich culture and art. As the hub of the Indian film industry, Bollywood, it enjoys global recognition for its vibrant movies and musical productions. Crucially, Mumbai serves as India’s commercial and financial capital, hosting most of the country’s largest companies.

This economic prominence has attracted a significant migration from rural areas, contributing to challenges such as poor sanitation and substandard housing. Additionally, Mumbai contends with some of the world’s busiest roads, largely due to insufficient high-capacity infrastructure and an overwhelmed public transport system struggling to meet demand.

7. Dhaka, Bangladesh – 20.2 million people

Dhaka, the capital city of Bangladesh, is growing quickly, thanks in part to a thriving publishing industry. This growth is evident in the numerous tall apartments and offices popping up across the city.

Dhaka, a city with a rich history, is the heart of Bengali culture, hosting many art festivals and religious events all year round. It houses the government of Bangladesh and historic landmarks like the Nimtali Palace and the Lalbagh Fort.

However, being located on the Ganges Delta, Dhaka is vulnerable to flooding during the monsoon and cyclone seasons.

6. Cairo, Egypt – 20.4 million people

Cairo, known for its historical architecture, is famous for housing one of the ancient wonders of the world, the Giza pyramid complex. It is also home to 11% of Egypt’s population.

To address the significant traffic problems, there are plans to construct two monorail systems in the city. Despite occasional dust storms and the desert climate, many people are still keen to visit Cairo.

5. Mexico City, Mexico – 21.6 million people

Mexico City, perched 2,240 meters above sea level on the Valley of Mexico plateau, holds the title of the oldest capital city in the Americas.

The city’s growth is noteworthy. In 1900, it housed a mere 500,000 people, but by the 1970s, it swelled to nine million due to a significant influx of people from rural areas seeking employment. This surge, coupled with housing shortages, led to the establishment of numerous illegal shantytowns around the city.

Today, Mexico City is a bustling business hub and a popular tourist destination, offering a wealth of museums and dining options. Surprisingly, if it were an independent country, Mexico City would rank as the fifth-largest economy in South America.

4. São Paulo, Brazil – 21.8 million people

São Paulo is a city known for its stark contrasts, where extreme poverty intersects with great wealth. The towering skyscrapers of the financial district overlook the slums, or favelas, creating a cityscape of significant disparity.

One challenge faced by São Paulo is water supply issues, given the scarcity of natural sources of drinking water within the city. The haphazard layout of the city and its structures exacerbates this challenge.

Despite these difficulties, the city has witnessed a decline in crime rates, and air quality has shown improvement in recent years. These positive changes contribute to making São Paulo a more pleasant living environment for its 22 million residents.

3. Shanghai, China – 26.3 million people

Shanghai, once a small fishing village, has transformed into China’s largest city and one of the world’s biggest urban centers. Located by the southern estuary of the Yangtze River, its strategic position has played a key role in its significant growth over many years.

Notably, Shanghai boasts the Nanjing Road shopping district, a vibrant blend of modern malls and traditional Chinese stores and eateries. With its 5.5km streets, this shopping area is comparable to renowned commercial hubs like Oxford Street in London and the Champs-Élysées in Paris, attracting a staggering one million shoppers daily.

2. Delhi, India – 29.3 million people

The National Capital Territory of Delhi (NCT) includes the city of New Delhi, the capital of the nation, along with other neighboring states.

With a history spanning over 2,000 years, Delhi faces challenges related to outdated infrastructure, although recent road development projects have aimed to alleviate traffic congestion.

Delhi grapples with significant pollution issues stemming from both roads and industries. Additionally, the standard of housing presents a concern, with an estimated 50 percent of the population residing in sub-standard accommodation.

1. Tokyo, Japan – 37.4 million people

Tokyo, Japan, holds the title of the world’s largest city, boasting a population of 37.4 million, more than four times that of New York City, USA. Encompassing a vast area of 13,452 km², the Greater Tokyo Area faces challenges associated with its high population density, averaging 2,642 people per square kilometer.

Residents grapple with housing shortages, prompting the popularity of tiny 9m² apartments, particularly among the younger workforce seeking proximity to the city center for employment. Navigating the densely populated city proves difficult, with congested roads and crowded public transport, albeit punctual.