Most populated cities in Asia: ranking of the top 25 metropolitan areas, population and distribution
This collection showcases the 25 most populated cities in Asia, ranked by their urban area populations. The Asian continent now hosts the largest human concentrations on the planet, with metropolises exceeding 10 million inhabitants regularly. From Shanghai with 24 million residents leading the ranking to Chennai with 6.8 million, these urban centers reflect a demographic momentum unmatched elsewhere. This overview spans twelve countries: China leads with multiple megacities such as Beijing, Guangzhou, and Shenzhen, while India also has several major representatives including New Delhi and Mumbai. The list also includes capitals like Dhaka in Bangladesh, Tokyo in Japan, and Istanbul in Turkey, along with metropolises from Pakistan, South Korea, Thailand, Indonesia, Vietnam, Iran, and Iraq. Each city presents a different aspect of Asian urbanization, blending tradition and modernity, with historic districts, lively markets, and recent developments continuously shaping their urban landscapes.
Shanghai, China
Shanghai is the most populous city in Asia with 24,256,800 inhabitants. This port city on China's eastern coast stretches along the Huangpu River to the mouth of the Yangtze River at the East China Sea. As the country's primary financial and economic center, Shanghai combines historic districts such as the Bund waterfront with modern business areas like Pudong and its cluster of skyscrapers.
Karachi, Pakistan
Karachi stands as Pakistan's most populous city, located on the Arabian Sea coast in Sindh province. This metropolis serves as the country's economic and industrial hub, hosting Pakistan's largest seaport. The city spans approximately 3,530 square kilometers and combines commercial centers, financial institutions, and manufacturing facilities across various sectors. Karachi functions as a major transportation node for domestic and international trade, playing a central role in Pakistan's economy.
Beijing, China
Beijing is the capital of the People's Republic of China with a population of 21,516,000 inhabitants. This metropolis ranks as the third most populated city in Asia. Beijing combines historical sites such as the Forbidden City with modern districts and serves as the political, cultural and economic center of the country.
Dhaka, Bangladesh
Dhaka serves as the capital of Bangladesh and has a population of 16,970,105 inhabitants. This metropolis ranks as the fourth most populated city in Asia. Dhaka extends across the central region of the country along the Buriganga River. The city functions as the economic, administrative and cultural center of Bangladesh. The textile industry dominates the local economy, while numerous historical mosques and Mughal-era buildings characterize the urban landscape.
New Delhi, India
New Delhi serves as the capital of India and functions as the political and administrative centre of the country. The city spans the Union Territory of Delhi and houses key government buildings including Parliament, the Presidential Residence Rashtrapati Bhavan, and numerous ministries. With a population of 16,787,941 residents, New Delhi ranks as the fifth most populous city in Asia. The metropolis combines historical monuments from various periods with modern districts and continues to develop as an economic and cultural hub of northern India.
Istanbul, Turkey
Istanbul has a population of 14,657,000 inhabitants, making it the sixth most populous city in Asia and the largest city in Turkey. This metropolis spans two continents, connecting Europe and Asia across the Bosporus Strait. The city serves as the economic, cultural, and historical center of the country, hosting significant Ottoman and Byzantine architectural structures. Istanbul functions as a major transportation hub between East and West and attracts millions of visitors annually.
Tokyo, Japan
Tokyo serves as the capital of Japan and ranks as one of Asia's most populated cities with 13,513,734 inhabitants. This metropolis functions as the country's political, economic, and cultural center. Tokyo extends across the Kanto Plain, combining historic temples with modern business districts. The city operates an extensive public transportation network and hosts numerous universities. As home to the Japanese government and the Imperial Palace, Tokyo plays a central role in national and international affairs.
Mumbai, India
Mumbai is the capital city of Maharashtra state on India's western coast. The city extends across Salsette Island and the adjacent mainland along the Arabian Sea. Mumbai has a population of 12,478,447 residents and ranks as the eighth most populated city in Asia. The city serves as India's financial and commercial hub, hosting major banking institutions, stock exchanges, and corporate headquarters. Mumbai's port handles a substantial portion of India's maritime trade and connects the country to international shipping routes.
Guangzhou, China
Guangzhou is the capital of Guangdong Province in southern China. This metropolis has a population of 13,080,500 and ranks as the ninth most populous city in Asia. The city sits on the Pearl River and serves as the economic center of the region. Guangzhou operates one of China's largest trading ports and plays a major role in international commerce. The city hosts numerous industrial zones and functions as an important manufacturing center for electronics, textiles, and machinery.
Shenzhen, China
Shenzhen is a metropolis in Guangdong Province in southern China with a population of 10,778,900. The city borders Hong Kong and has transformed since 1980 from a fishing village into a major economic center. Shenzhen serves as a technology hub and hosts numerous electronics and IT companies. The Port of Shenzhen ranks among the world's largest container ports. The city operates a modern metro system and connects to other regions through Shenzhen Bao'an International Airport.
Suzhou, China
Suzhou is a city in Jiangsu Province in eastern China with a population of 10,650,501 inhabitants. The city is located in the Yangtze River Delta and along the Grand Canal. Suzhou is known for its classical Chinese gardens, which are UNESCO World Heritage Sites, as well as its silk production and canal networks. The city has developed into a major economic and industrial center with focus on electronics and textile industries.
Jakarta, Indonesia
Jakarta is the capital of Indonesia and the centre of the largest metropolitan area in Southeast Asia. The city extends along the northern coast of Java at the mouth of the Ciliwung River. With 10,075,310 inhabitants, Jakarta ranks twelfth among the most populated cities in Asia. The metropolis serves as the political, economic and cultural centre of the country and hosts the headquarters of numerous Indonesian companies as well as international corporations. Jakarta has several universities, museums and historic buildings from the Dutch colonial period.
Lahore, Pakistan
Lahore is the capital of Punjab province and Pakistan's second largest city, with a population exceeding 10 million residents. This historic metropolis sits on the banks of the Ravi River, close to the Indian border. Lahore serves as the cultural and intellectual center of the country, housing numerous educational institutions including several major universities. The city possesses a history spanning over a thousand years and served as an important royal residence during the Mughal era. Today, Lahore combines its historical significance with modern economic development and stands as a major industrial and commercial hub in South Asia.
Seoul, South Korea
Seoul is the capital of South Korea and home to 9,995,784 residents. The city sits along the Han River and serves as the political, economic, and cultural center of the country. Seoul covers an area of 605 square kilometers and forms the heart of the Sudogwon metropolitan area, which houses over 25 million people. The city ranks as the fourteenth most populous metropolis in Asia by population.
Bangalore, India
Bangalore is the capital of Karnataka state in southern India, with a population of 8,425,970 residents. This city serves as the center of India's information technology industry and hosts numerous national and international technology companies. Bangalore sits on the Deccan Plateau at an elevation of approximately 900 meters, providing a moderate climate. The metropolis houses major research institutions, universities, and growing aerospace and biotechnology sectors.
Bangkok, Thailand
Bangkok is the capital of Thailand with a population of 8,280,925 residents in its core city. The metropolis sits on the Chao Phraya River and serves as the political, economic, and cultural center of the country. Bangkok ranks as the sixteenth most populated city in Asia and forms the heart of a larger metropolitan area exceeding 14 million people.
Dongguan, China
Dongguan is a city in Guangdong Province with a population of 8,220,207 residents, ranking as the seventeenth most populous city in Asia. The city is located in the Pearl River Delta between Guangzhou and Shenzhen, forming an integral part of the metropolitan region. Dongguan developed into a major manufacturing hub for electronics, textiles, and toys. The industrial base shapes the economic structure of the city.
Chongqing, China
Chongqing is a major Chinese metropolis with a population of 8,189,800, ranking as the eighteenth most populated city in Asia. This city sits at the confluence of the Yangtze and Jialing rivers and serves as a significant economic and transportation hub in southwestern China. Chongqing functions as a municipality directly under the central government and features a complex urban structure with multiple districts.
Nanjing, China
Nanjing is the capital of Jiangsu Province in eastern China, situated on the lower reaches of the Yangtze River. The city has a population of 8,187,828 residents and ranks as the nineteenth most populous city in Asia. Nanjing served as the capital of various Chinese dynasties throughout history and functioned as the seat of government for the Republic of China from 1927 to 1949. The city hosts major industries including machinery manufacturing, chemicals, and electronics. Its river port connects Nanjing to maritime trade routes, facilitating cargo transport to the sea.
Tehran, Iran
Tehran is the capital of Iran with a population of 8,154,051 inhabitants. The city sits at the foot of the Alborz mountain range at elevations between 1,100 and 1,700 meters. Tehran serves as the political, economic, and cultural center of the country. The metropolis houses numerous universities, museums, and government buildings. The urban area covers more than 700 square kilometers. Tehran became the capital in the 18th century and experienced rapid growth during the 20th century. The city operates a metro system and combines traditional Persian architecture with contemporary structures.
Shenyang, China
Shenyang is the capital of Liaoning Province in northeastern China, with a population of 8,106,171 residents. The city serves as a major industrial and commercial center in the region, hosting significant machinery and automotive manufacturing facilities. Shenyang has over 2,000 years of history and served as an imperial capital during parts of the Qing Dynasty. The Mukden Palace and several imperial tombs are recognized as UNESCO World Heritage Sites.
Ho Chi Minh City, Vietnam
Ho Chi Minh City is Vietnam's most populous city with 7,681,700 inhabitants, located in the southern part of the country along the Saigon River. This metropolis serves as the nation's economic and commercial center, concentrating a major portion of industrial and financial activities. The city spans multiple districts that fulfill various functions, from business quarters to residential areas. Ho Chi Minh City features an international airport and an extensive transportation network. Urban development combines modern high-rise buildings with French colonial architecture from the 19th and 20th centuries.
Hong Kong, Hong Kong
Hong Kong is a Special Administrative Region of the People's Republic of China with a population of 7,298,600, ranking as the twenty-third most populous city in Asia. This metropolis spans Hong Kong Island, the Kowloon Peninsula, and the New Territories on the Chinese mainland. Hong Kong developed into a major financial and commercial center following British colonial rule beginning in 1842. The city operates one of the world's largest container ports and maintains an advanced transportation infrastructure including metro, tram, and ferry systems. Population density ranks among the highest globally, resulting in distinctive high-rise residential and commercial districts.
Baghdad, Iraq
Baghdad is the capital of Iraq with a population of 7,180,889 inhabitants. The city is located on the Tigris River in the central part of the country and serves as the political, economic, and cultural center of the nation. Baghdad ranks as the twenty-fourth most populous city in Asia and plays a central role in the history and present day of the Middle East.
Chennai, India
Chennai is the capital of the Indian state of Tamil Nadu, located on the Coromandel Coast along the Bay of Bengal. This metropolis has a population of 6,809,970 and ranks as the 25th most populated city in Asia. Chennai developed from the British colonial city of Madras and now serves as a major economic and industrial center of South India. The city hosts significant automobile manufacturing plants, IT companies, and India's second-largest port. Chennai maintains a strong Tamil cultural scene with numerous temples, theaters, and music institutions.