How Many Big Cities Exist Worldwide? UN Data on Million+ Metros

According to the United Nations World Urbanization Prospects 2022 revision, there are 433 cities globally with populations exceeding 1 million inhabitants.

Context and Caveats

• Definition: "City proper" (administrative boundaries) vs. "urban agglomeration" vs. "metropolitan area" yields different counts. The 433 figure typically refers to urban agglomerations.
• Growth: In 2000, there were 371 such cities; in 1990, 282. The number is rising rapidly, especially in Asia and Africa.
• Megacities (10M+): 33 as of 2022 (Tokyo, Delhi, Shanghai, São Paulo, Mexico City, Cairo, Mumbai, Beijing, Dhaka, Osaka, NYC, Karachi, Buenos Aires, Chongqing, Istanbul, Kolkata, Manila, Lagos, Rio, Tianjin, Kinshasa, Guangzhou, LA, Moscow, Shenzhen, Lahore, Bangalore, Paris, Bogotá, Jakarta, Chennai, Lima, Bangkok, Seoul)
• Regional distribution: Asia ~55%, Africa ~15%, Latin America ~12%, Europe ~10%, Northern America ~8%

Why It Matters

Million-plus cities concentrate economic activity, innovation, infrastructure demand, and environmental impact. Understanding their number and distribution is critical for sustainable development planning.

Note: Figures update biennially. Next revision expected 2024.