The World's Three Largest Cities by Metropolitan Population (2021)

Ranked by metropolitan area population (latest comparable estimates):

1. Tokyo, Japan – 37.0 million (2021). Area: 6,200 km². Greater Tokyo includes Yokohama, Kawasaki, Saitama, Chiba.
2. Delhi, India – 29.4 million (2021). Area: 1,484 km² (NCT) / larger NCR. Explosive growth.
3. Shanghai, China – 26.3 million (2020). Area: 6,340 km². Financial hub, Yangtze Delta core.

Close Contenders

• São Paulo (~22M), Mexico City (~22M), Cairo (~21M), Dhaka (~21M), Beijing (~20M), Mumbai (~20M), Osaka (~19M).

Definition Matters

"City proper" rankings differ (Chongqing 32M administrative area). Metro/urban agglomeration is standard for international comparison.