The 3 largest cities in the world. The largest cities in terms of population. What is the largest city in terms of area and population in Russia

According to approximate data, there are about 3 million cities on the planet. Small and large, developed and poor, beautiful resorts and fascinating historical ones. Each is good in its own way. And there are those that are remarkable precisely for their area. In this article we will tell you about XXL cities. The criterion for the rating was the "clean" area of ​​the city, which it occupies without taking into account the districts and agglomerations. Meet, here are the largest cities in the world!

Sydney (12144.6 sq km)

The rating opens the largest city on earth by area - Sydney. Concurrently, it is the largest and one of the most popular Australian cities. It was founded by Arthur Phillip in 1788. The city got its name from the name of Lord Sydney - the famous minister of the British colonies.

Area: 12144.6 sq. Km Of this, only 1.7 thousand square meters. km is allocated to residential areas, the rest of the territory is mountains and numerous picturesque parks. With a population of 4.5 million, Sydney is the most populous city in the entire country.

Sydney is built around Port Jackson, one of the largest natural bays on earth! From the west, the city is bounded by the Blue Mountains, from the east by the Pacific waters, from the south by the Royal National Park, and from the north by the incredibly beautiful Hawkesbury River.

Kinshasa (10,550 sq. Km)

The giant capital of the Democratic Republic of the Congo used to have a funny name - Leopoldville. In 1966 it was renamed Kinshasa. Area: 10550 sq. km. Most of it is in sparsely populated rural areas. The population is over 10 million people.

Kinshasa stretches along the southern bank of the Congo River and lies directly opposite Brazzaville (capital of the Republic of Congo). This is a unique phenomenon when two capitals are located so close to each other - on opposite sides of the same river!

Fun fact: Kinshasa is the 2nd city in the world after Paris where the majority of the population speaks French.

Buenos Aires (4,000 sq km)

The three largest cities in the world by area are closed by the delightful capital of Argentina - Buenos Aires. It ranks among the most beautiful and lively cities in the country. It was created in 1580 on the coast of the Gulf of La Plata. Twice in its history, it was rebuilt from the ruins: a few years after its foundation, it was burned by the Indians, and in the 19th century it suffered from a series of earthquakes.

Area: 4,000 sq. km. The population is about 2.8 million people.

On the east and south sides, the city is bordered by the bays of Rio de la Plata and Riachuelo. The remaining perimeter is occupied by the legendary Avenida General Paz motorway - it surrounds the city from the west and north.

Karachi (3,530 sq km)

Karachi is a giant port city in Pakistan, the capital of Sindh province. The history of the city dates back to the era of Alexander the Great.

Area: 3530 sq. km is 4 times the area of ​​Hong Kong. The population is over 12 million people. It rightfully bears the title of one of the most densely populated cities on the planet.

The city is geographically located in the south of Pakistan, on a flat area off the coast of the Arabian Sea.

Alexandria (2,680 sq. Km)

This ancient city is more than one millennium old. It was created in 332 BC by the same Alexander the Great. It is the second largest city in Egypt and the main seaport of the state. Included in the top 5 largest cities in terms of area on earth!

Area: 2680 sq. km. The population is about 4.5 million people.

Alexandria is nestled in the Nile Delta and is about 32 km long along the Mediterranean coast.

Ankara (2500 sq. Km)

The Turkish capital Ankara is one of the oldest cities in Asia Minor and the second most important city in Turkey (second only to Istanbul). It dates back to the 7th century BC!

Area: 2500 sq. km. The population is about 4.9 million people.

The city is located at the confluence of the Chubuk and Ankara rivers, on the Anatolian plateau.

Istanbul (2,106 sq. Km)

The former capital of the Great Empires also boasts of its scale. Previously, the city bore the proud name Constantinople and was a real cradle of civilizations.

Area: 2106 sq. km. The population is about 14 million people.

Located along the shores of the Bosphorus. This is one of the most beautiful cities on the planet, which is included in the top 10 popular tourist routes.

Tehran (1,881 sq. Km)

It is the majestic city of Iran, one of the first places in the list of major cities in Asia. Archaeological excavations indicate that settlements on the site of the city existed as early as the 6th century BC.

Area: 1881 sq. km. The population is about 9 million people.

Tehran is located in the north of Iran at the foot of the Elbrus mountain range.

Bogota (1,590 sq. Km)

It is worth saying "thanks" to the Spanish conquistadors for the appearance of this amazing city. They were the ones who founded Bogotá in 1538! Today it is the capital of the Republic of Colombia with an area of ​​1590 sq. km. The population is about 7 million people.

The city is geographically located in the basin of the western slope of the Eastern Cordillera, right at the equator. It is famous for its chic futuristic architecture, rich selection of museums, incredibly beautiful colonial churches and destructive frequent earthquakes.

London (1,580 sq. Km)

"London from the capital of Great Britain" - every student knows this. Did you know that it is also one of the largest ports in Britain, as well as a giant city, completing the top 10 largest cities in the world by area?

London was founded back in 43 AD when the Romans invaded Britain. It is located on the Greenwich meridian, on the River Thames and bears the "title" of the city of fogs. Yes, fogs are frequent here, as are rains.

Area: 1580 sq. km. The population is about 8 million people.

Once the population of the largest cities was measured in tens of thousands of people. Today the situation has changed, and many megacities have grown to a huge scale both in terms of area occupied and in terms of the number of residents. Against this background, real giants stood out, where the account of the inhabitants went to the millions. Of these, a TOP list of the largest, most active and developed cities was formed.

The largest cities on the planet 2018

The TOP-10 largest cities in the world in terms of population includes the following megacities:

1. Chongqing
2. Shanghai
3. Karachi
4. Beijing
5. Lagos
6. Istanbul
7. Tianjin
8. Guangzhou
9. Tokyo

Each of these giants is impressive in its own way and has a unique inimitable atmosphere.

1st place in the ranking - Chongqing

Chongqing, China, is the largest city in the world in terms of population. 30,751,600 people are officially registered in it. The territory of a huge metropolis exceeds the area of ​​Austria. Only 20% of the citizens of the largest city on the planet live in areas of modern development. The remaining 80% live in rural suburbs.

Most of the inhabitants of the largest city in the world are employed in the industrial sector. Chongqing has about 400 car factories and almost as many factories producing synthetic drugs. The mighty Yangtze River flows through the world's largest city in terms of population. Within the metropolis, 25 bridges cross it. The most popular of them, Chaotianmen, is recognized as the longest arched span and is considered the hallmark of the giant Chongqing.

2nd place in TOP-10 - Shanghai

The second largest city in the world is Shanghai, located in China. Its population is 24,152,700. Citizens from smaller settlements and people from neighboring countries come here hoping to find work and settle in Shanghai permanently.

There are more than 200 different countries in the world, in which there are a huge number of urban settlements, differing from each other in area and population. In our article you can get acquainted with a list of the largest cities in the world.

Area rating

Chongqing

Chongqing is a large and ancient city in China, even though it is not the capital of this country. Its area is 82,400 sq. km, so it is included in the top of the most populous cities in the world. Chongqing was built about 3000 thousand years ago. The architecture of Chongqing is quite peculiar and unique, because it combines two eras at once: modern skyscrapers and buildings, as well as ancient buildings and structures of the Ming and Qing dynasties (for example, the Dazu rock carvings, the Arhat temple, Diaoyu fortress, Fuzhong cave). Chongqing has a fairly well-developed infrastructure, there are about 5 automobile factories, many small factories, famous world companies.

Chongqing

Hangzhou

Hangzhou is one of the provincial cities in China, located 200 km from Shanghai. Hangzhou ranks second in terms of area - 16,900 sq. Km. Currently, this city is the main supplier of tea in all of China, the main number of tea plantations in the country is concentrated here. Also, coming here, you can look at the unique Lake Xihu, visit natural parks and reserves, for example, the National Tea Museum, the Park of contemplation of flowers and fish, Songchen Park, as well as historical architectural monuments - the railway station of the city, the Six Harmony Pagoda of Liuhet, the Baochu Pagoda ...

Hangzhou

Beijing

Beijing is the capital of the People's Republic of China, as well as the third largest city in the world - 16801 sq. Km. Beijing is the largest railway and road junction, the largest political, economic and historical center of the country. The architecture of the city is striking in its diversity: here you can see a huge number of ancient buildings, monuments and national parks, for example, the Forbidden City, the Temple of Heaven, the National Museum of China, the summer imperial palace, the Beijing TV tower.

Beijing

Brisbane

Brisbane is the largest Australian city with a total area of ​​15,800 sq. Km, located in the state of Queensland on the banks of the Brisbane River of the same name. This city is considered an important economic center. Brisbane's architecture combines modern homes and skyscrapers with an old colonial style. Here you can see, for example: Story Bridge, Brisbane Botanical Garden, Island of Wrecks, Sir Thomas Brisbane Planetarium.

Brisbane

Sydney

Sydney is a large administrative, political and economic center of Australia with a total area of ​​12,200 square kilometers, located on the southeast coast of Sydney Harbor, which is part of the Tasman Sea. This city is the capital of New South Wales. The architecture of Sydney is made in the colonial style, but there are also modern monuments and buildings, as in any other metropolis. In Sydney, you can see, for example: the opera house, the house of Queen Victoria, the Royal Botanic Gardens, the Maritime Museum, the Taronga Zoo.

Sydney

Melbourne

Melbourne is the capital of Victoria, Australia. The total area of ​​the settlement is 10,000 sq. Km. Melbourne is located in the southern part of the country on the banks of the Yarra River. The city is the "sports and cultural" center of Australia. Melbourne's architecture combines Victorian and modern styles. Tourists can visit many museums, national parks, gardens, see the most beautiful buildings and structures, for example: the circular tram, the Royal Botanic Gardens, an open zoo, Federation Square, a monument of memory, princess theater.

Melbourne

Kinshasa

Kinshasa is the capital of the Republic of the Congo, located on the banks of the Congo River. The area of ​​the city is 9960 sq. Km. About 60% of the urban area is occupied by poor rural buildings and green spaces. Tourists who come to Kinshasa can visit the following attractions: Albertin Rift Crater Lakes, Bonobo Chimpanzee Nursery, Lukaya Park, Kinsuka Falls.

Kinshasa

Naypyidaw

Naypyidaw is the capital of Myanmar, located near the former capital city of Yangon. The total area of ​​the urban district is 7060 sq. Km. The unofficial name of Naypyidaw is "Royal Country". The architecture of the city is built in a typical Asian style. The main historical monument is the "Golden Tower" - a Buddhist temple. Also, tourists can visit: the Mahabodhi temple, zoological garden, botanical park.

Naypyidaw

Istanbul

Istanbul is located on the shores of the Bosphorus Strait and is one of the largest cities in Turkey, with a total area of ​​5461 sq. Km. This city is considered the former capital of the Roman and Byzantine empires. Istanbul is a famous tourist center. There is a huge number of palaces, mosques, historical churches and other places of great beauty, for example: Hagia Sophia, Blue Mosque, Suleymaniye Mosque, Golden Horn Bay, Bosphorus Strait.

Istanbul

Anchorage

Anchorage is a city located in the state of Alaska, USA. The area of ​​the city territory is 4415 sq. Km. Anchorage is the northernmost city in the United States and the largest transport hub. The main attractions of Anchorage are: a reindeer farm, the village of Ekluta, the headquarters of the Iditarod.

Anchorage

Karachi

Karachi is a large port in the southern part of Pakistan with a total area of ​​3530 sq. Km. Karachi is the financial, banking and industrial center of the country. Several automobile factories, textile factories are located here, publishing activities are well developed. The main tourist places of the city of Karachi are: St. Patrick's Cathedral, railway station, "Three Swords" monument, "Ranikot" fort.

Karachi

Moscow

Moscow is the capital of the Russian Federation with an area of ​​2500 sq. Km. The city is a major economic, industrial and educational center of the country. In Moscow, you can visit a lot of interesting and unique historical places, for example: Red Square, the Kremlin, Cathedral of Christ the Savior, Bolshoi Theater, Circus on Tsvetnoy Boulevard, New and Old Arbat.

Moscow

Population ranking

Shanghai

Shanghai is one of the most populous cities in China, with a population of 24.1 million. Shanghai is located on the banks of the Yangtze River in the eastern part of the country. The city is one of the most important economic, industrial and cultural centers in China, as well as the largest seaport in the world. Famous sights of Shanghai are, for example, the Pearl of the East TV Tower, the French Quarter, the Bund, the Jin Mao Tower.

Shanghai

Lima

Lima is the capital of Peru, located on the Pacific Ocean at the foot of the Andes. The population is 11.9 million people. Lima is the economic, political, cultural and historical center of the country. The city has a well-developed tourism industry. Millions of tourists from all over the world come here every year. The main attractions of Lima are: Cathedral, Lima balconies, Government Palace, Larco Museum, University of San Marcos, Memorial Cemetery.

Lima

Sao Paulo

Sao Paulo or "Latin American Chicago" is a city located in the southeastern part of Brazil with a population of 10.8 million. Sao Paulo was formed by a group of Jesuits (members of the Catholic community). The city is named after the Apostle Paul. Sao Paulo is home to a huge number of modern skyscrapers, offices, industrial zones, as well as various architectural monuments and reserves (the most popular are Singing Sands, Cathedral, Butantan Nature Reserve).

Sao Paulo

Mexico City

Mexico City is the capital of Mexico with a population of 8.8 million. This city is the main political, economic and cultural center of the country. Mexico City is a very beautiful and colorful city, which is rich in a wide variety of attractions, for example: the Palace of Fine Arts, Chapultepec Palace, Constitution Square, Mexico City Cathedral, Basilica of the Virgin of Guadalupe, National Palace.

Mexico City

New York

New York is a large US city located on the shores of the Atlantic Ocean. The population is 8.5 million people. New York is sometimes called the "Big Apple" and is an important economic, industrial and tourist destination. The most popular cultural and historical sites of the city are: the Statue of Liberty, Manhattan, Central Station, Central Park, Broadway Street, Brighton Beach.

New York

Bogota

Bogota is the capital of Colombia, one of the oldest cities in the country. The number of inhabitants is 8 million people. The city is divided into 4 main districts: North, South, Central and El Occidente (a part of Bogotá, which is inhabited by extremely wealthy people and billionaires). Most popular places: National Museum of Colombia, Bogota Cathedral, Faenza Theater, José Celestino Mutis Botanical Garden.

Bogota

London

London is the capital of Great Britain, located on the banks of the River Thames. The population is 7.7 million people. London is the world's leading financial, industrial and cultural center. The main attractions of the city are: Big Ben Tower, Buckingham Palace, British Museum, Tower Bridge, London Eye, Tower, Westminster Abbey.

London

Rio de Janeiro

Rio de Janeiro is one of the major cities in Brazil, with a population of 6.4 million. "Rio" is located on the coast of the Gulf of Guanabara, which flows into the Atlantic Ocean. Rio de Janeiro is a city of colors, carnivals, dances and endless smiles. The main sights of the city are included in the list of objects protected by the World Organization of UNESCO: the statue of Jesus Christ, the Sugarloaf Mountain, Copacabana Beach.

Rio de Janeiro

St. Petersburg

St. Petersburg is the "northern" capital of Russia, one of the top largest cities in the country. The population is 5.3 million people. St. Petersburg is rich in history, only here are collected a huge number of architectural monuments built in the style of early classicism and modernism. The most famous places in the city are: the Catherine Palace, the Winter Palace, the Church of the Intercession on Blood, the Kazan Cathedral, the Hermitage, the cruiser Aurora, Peterhof.

St. Petersburg

Barcelona

Barcelona is the capital of the autonomous republic of Catalonia, Spain. Population - 2 million people. The city is also the largest Mediterranean port and tourist destination in Europe. In Barcelona, ​​you can enjoy the views of: Sagrada Familia, Park Guell, Tibidabo, Casa Batlló, National Palace, Casa Mila.

Barcelona

In our article, you got acquainted with the largest cities in the world by area, as well as by population. We also described the most famous sights of each city, which are usually visited by tourists.

An interesting activity is the study of cities. Each of them has its own history. Besides, they are all so different: resort areas, industrial giants, provincial small towns and so on. However, among them there are also the largest cities on the planet.

The largest city in terms of area is Beijing. He is one of the most significant settlements in China. The giant metropolis has a total area of ​​16,801 square kilometers. The city is home to about 22 million people. Despite this, Beijing in itself harmoniously combines modernity and antiquity. For three millennia, it was the seat of Chinese rulers. And today you can see ancient monuments in the center of the city, which are carefully preserved. The most interesting place can be called the former residence of the emperors of China - the Forbidden City.

Another Chinese metropolis is in our top. Its area is 7434.4 square kilometers. So he is rightfully placed in second place. The political, industrial and cultural center of the southern regions of China is very popular. About 21 million people live here. Guangzhou is ready to boast a thousand-year history. In Europe, a little earlier, the city was known as Canton. It was from here that the sea part of the Great Silk Road started. Since ancient times, the city has given shelter to all opposition members of the government.

The well-known city ranks third in the list of the largest cities. Its area is 6340 square kilometers. Shanghai is home to about 24 million people. Shanghai is considered to be one of the most unusual cities in China. In other words, it reflects a modern country - forward-looking, energetic and fast in development. Shanghai has also become one of the largest shopping centers in the world.

The fourth stage of the rating was given to a large metropolis of the world - Brasilia. The city occupies 5802 square kilometers in its territory. But as for the status of the capital of the Republic of Brazil, the city received it relatively recently - in 1960. The construction of the metropolis was counted on with such a plan in order to attract the population to sparsely populated areas, and then develop them. Therefore, Brasilia is located far from the main political and economic centers of the country.

The center of industry and trade, as well as the main port of Turkey - Istanbul. Its area is 5343 square kilometers. Therefore, he is on the 5th place in the rating. Istanbul is located in a picturesque place - on the shores of the Bosphorus. It should be called a unique city, which at one time was the capital of 4 great empires and located immediately in Europe and Asia. In the city, tourists will see a bunch of wonderful monuments of antiquity: the majestic Blue Mosque, the millennial St. Sophia Cathedral, the chic Dolmabahce Palace. The metropolis will amaze you with the abundance of various museums.

Unfortunately, the capital of Russia takes only 6th place in the ranking of the largest cities. It is considered the second largest city in Europe after Istanbul. The area of ​​Moscow is 4662 square kilometers. She is not only a financial and political center, but also a cultural one. Many tourists come here every year.

The port city in Pakistan has an area of ​​3530 square kilometers. It is the first capital of the country and the main financial, industrial and trade center. Karachi was a small fishing village in the early 18th century. And when British troops captured it, the village quickly became a major port city. From that moment he returned and played an increasing role in the country's economy. Due to the influx of emigrants in our time, overpopulation of Karachi has become the most important problem.

Tokyo, not surprisingly, is on the 8th line of the rating. Its territory is 2189 square kilometers. The capital of Japan has always been the most important cultural, political and economic center. The Land of the Rising Sun has always been proud of its metropolis. The city is very beautiful. Old and modern are closely intertwined. Close to ultra-modern and high-rise buildings, you can see tiny houses in narrow streets. The impression is that they have left the engravings. Despite a massive earthquake in 1923 and damage after World War II, Tokyo never ceases to be exciting.

Sydney's area is 2037 square kilometers. In many ratings, the city occupies a leading position as the largest metropolis. This is due to the fact that the Australian Bureau of Statistics includes nearby national parks and the Blue Mountains in the city.

The leading financial, economic and political center closes our rating. London's area is 1580 square kilometers. Tourists love this place, especially Buckingham Palace, Big Ben and other attractions.

Video: Top 10 Largest Cities in the World by Area