10 Largest Cities In Asia
Asia is the most populated continent on Earth. Home to more than 4.7 billion people, more than half of the world's population resides in this part of the world. Its major cities are some of the largest in the world and, in some cases, house more individuals than live in entire countries. The largest Asian cities are Tokyo at 37.2 million, in second is Delhi at 33 million, and in third is Shanghai at 29 million.
10 Largest Cities In Asia
| Rank | City | Population |
|---|---|---|
| 1 | Tokyo | 37.2 Million |
| 2 | Delhi | 33 Million |
| 3 | Shanghai | 29 Million |
| 4 | Dhaka | 23.2 Million |
| 5 | Beijing | 21.8 Million |
| 6 | Mumbai | 21.3 Million |
| 7 | Osaka | 19 Million |
| 8 | Chongqing | 17.3 Million |
| 9 | Karachi | 17.2 Million |
| 10 | Kolkata | 15.5 Million |
1. Tokyo - 37.2 Million
Tokyo is the largest city in Asia and the world, and its size and scale are almost hard to comprehend unless you have seen it firsthand. Despite being so large, Tokyo has a stellar international reputation for being remarkably clean, safe, and welcoming.
Tokyo serves Japan as the economic and cultural capital of the country. Millions of Japanese citizens have flocked to Tokyo in search of high-paying jobs and access to opportunity. Tokyo is also a tourist hot spot and attracts tens of millions of foreigners each year who are looking to gorge themselves on the culture and thriving nightlife that the city has to offer.
2. Delhi - 33 Million
Delhi is a colossal city that can be found in the north of India. Delhi has long been one of India's most important urban centers and continues to grow exponentially. It is estimated by 2030, Delhi will surpass Tokyo as the largest city in the world and will boast a population of roughly 39 million people.
The historic old city of Delhi displays the long and storied history of the city. Ancient monuments, religious buildings, and stunning new architecture are on full display. Delhi is also a crucial hub of trade and transportation.
3. Shanghai - 29 Million
China's largest city is Shanghai. Shanghai has undergone a rapid transformation since the late 20th century and now serves as an antidote for the rise of China's economic might on the world stage. Nearly 28 million people call Shanghai home, a far cry from its 5.9 population in 1980.
The downtown core of Shanghai is filled with cutting-edge modern skyscrapers and office buildings while also hosting relics of the city's ancient past. It should come as no surprise that Shanghai operates as one of the financial centers of China.
4. Dhaka - 23.2 Million
Dhaka is the largest city in Bangladesh, and it is growing at a steady pace. As more job opportunities start to arise, millions of Bengalis will continue to stream into Dhaka in search of jobs and higher-paying positions.
This large influx of new residents has caused many issues in the past decade and has put a lot of strain on the city's infrastructure and social services. Regardless of these shortcomings, Dhaka's population is projected to grow rapidly for the foreseeable future.
5. Beijing - 21.8 Million
The capital city of China, Beijing has an ancient history that quite literally spans thousands of years. Like many Chinese cities, Beijing saw considerable growth in the 1970s and 1980s as millions of people flooded into the city from rural villages and towns.
Today Beijing is the beating heart of the Chinese economy and offers plenty of high-paying prestigious jobs. A center of trade, the port of the city is one of the busiest in the world. There are endless things to do and see in Beijing and is the perfect place to see the wonders of modern China.
6. Mumbai - 21.3 Million
Another one of India's iconic cities is Mumbai, which is located in the west of the country along the coast. Its favorable geographic location has made it a shipping hub and a key contributor to India's national economy.
Due to being positioned on a narrow peninsula, Mumbai actually has one of the highest population densities in the world with 21,000 people per km2. As the city expands further, congestion and overpopulation will continue to be an issue moving forward. As a result of this high population, many different languages are spoken in Mumbai as well.
7. Osaka - 19 Million
Japan's second-largest city is the lesser-known, yet still magnificent city of Osaka. Located in the south of the country, Osaka is starting to show up on the radar of many international tourists who are looking for a new destination outside of Tokyo.
Osaka's metro area has just about anything one could ever need. Much like its sister city Tokyo, it has a thriving culinary scene and plenty of points of interest. Its population is slowly shrinking but this is part of a wider trend across Japan and not just an issue within the city itself.
8. Chongqing - 17.3 Million
Perhaps not the most well-known city to foreigners, Chongqing is one of China's largest cities and serves as a key player in the country's industrial output. The Chinese automobile sector, as well as the machinery and electronics industry, all have a heavy presence in Chongqing.
Located deep in the interior of China, Chongqing is not often a place that is visited by outsiders. Despite being relatively unknown the city is undeniably beautiful and is home to various cultural and historical monuments that are worth exploring.
9. Karachi - 17.2 Million
The largest city in Pakistan, Karachi is one of the most densely populated cities on Earth, with roughly 24,000 people for every square kilometer. Karachi is both the financial and commercial capital of Pakistan and has acted as such since the creation of Pakistan in the mid-1940s.
Karachi alone contributed to around 25% of Pakistan's annual GDP of $760 billion. Karachi struggles with poverty, and the formation of slums has become a large problem as its citizens struggle to find well-paying positions.
10. Kolkata - 15.5 Million
Formerly known as Calcutta since the days of the British Raj, Kolkata can be found in east India near the border with Bangladesh. Kolkata is regarded by many as the cultural capital of India and is home to various historic landmarks.
Kolkata's population has grown steadily over the past few decades and has followed the general trend of India's national population as a whole. As the city has developed, it has attracted many people from the rural parts of India who are in search of higher-paying jobs and a better quality of life.
Asia is the most populated place on Earth. Home to more than half of the world's population, the true size and scale of these cities is hard to grasp, especially for those who grew up in the Western World. With cities like Tokyo, Delhi, and Shanghai leading in size and influence, Asia showcases both ancient heritage and rapid modernization. These urban centers serve as economic, cultural, and social hubs, illustrating the continent's remarkable growth and dynamism.
