The world's most populous cities have been revealed! Here is Istanbul's ranking.

29.03.2026 14:20

The list of the world's most populous cities, prepared according to the United Nations' "Mega City" criteria, has been updated. With a population exceeding 37 million, Tokyo maintains its top position, while Istanbul ranks 14th on the list.

According to the data prepared by the United Nations, Japan's capital Tokyo continues to be the most populous city in the world with a population of 37.2 million. Following Tokyo are Delhi from India and Shanghai from China. While it is noteworthy that the Asian continent has made a significant mark on the list, a large portion of the cities in the top 10 are Asian metropolises.

ISTANBUL RANKED 14TH

Turkey's most populous city, Istanbul, ranked 14th among the world's most populous cities with a population of 15.6 million. Located on both the Asian and European continents, Istanbul stands out as one of the only two-continent cities on the list.

TOKYO MAINTAINED ITS POSITION AT THE TOP

On the list, Japan's capital Tokyo continues to be the most populous city in the world with a population of 37.2 million. Following Tokyo are Delhi from India and Shanghai from China. While it is noteworthy that the Asian continent has made a significant mark on the list, a large portion of the cities in the top 10 are Asian metropolises.

ASIAN CITIES MADE A MARK ON THE LIST

The presence of 6 cities from China and 4 cities from India on the list once again highlights that population density is largely concentrated in Asia. Megacities like Dhaka, Mumbai, Beijing, and Osaka rank high, while cities from the Americas such as Sao Paulo, Mexico City, and New York are among the important centers that made the list.