If there’s one thing you can guarantee it’s that the world population is going to continue to grow exponentially. According to UNICEF, more than 350,000 babies are born worldwide every day. That’s more than 250 births per minute and over 4 per second. Right now, the global population is 7.5 billion, but experts predict it will hit 10 billion by 2050. Where are all of these people going to live? According to the UN, in 2050 when the world population finally hits 10 billion, these will be the top ten most populated cities in the world.
Take a look at this visual tour of the soon-to-be-biggest. You’ll find African, Central American and Asian countries but you know what you won’t find? An American or European city. At least not until megalopolises (LA to SD) start counting!
10.) Mexico City, Mexico (23.9 million people)
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Already the largest city in the Americas with 8.8 million people, the capital of Mexico is expected to explode with population in the coming years. By 2050, it’s expected to more than double.
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9.) Lagos, Nigeria (24.2 million people)
Nigeria is already one of the most densely populated countries in the world, with almost 192 million people. Lagos, boasts a population of 21 million people already and, although it isn’t expected to get much larger, it will still be on the list for biggest cities in the world.
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8.) Cairo, Egypt (24.5 million people)
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Currently, Cairo is a city of 9.5 million people. Egypt’s capitol is one of the most historical places on earth and one of the most densely populated, with almost 20,000 people per square kilometer.
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7.) Karachi, Pakistan (24.8 million people)
At over 27 million people, Karachi is the most populous city in the world. But, in the next few decades, the city is actually expected to lose a few million people. That won’t stop the capital of the Sindh Province from cracking the top ten.
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6.) Dhaka, Bangladesh (27.4 million people)
The capital of Bangladesh has a current population of over 14 million people. That number is expected to almost double in the next few decades as people are flocking to the city that counts itself as the governmental, cultural, historical center of the country.
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5.) Beijing, China (27.7 million people)
This sprawling metropolis already has a population north of 21 million people. But, the city that traces its history back more than 3,000 years is expected to jump a few million more in the next thirty plus years. If you think visiting historical sites like Tiananmen Square is crowded now, just wait until 2050.
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4.) Mumbai, India (27.8 million)
Formerly, Bombay, Mumbai is a city of over 18 million people. India’s second largest city and its financial center is expected to gain almost 10 million more in the upcoming decades.
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3.) Shangai, China (30.8 million people)
Shangai is Chinas largest city with more than 24 million people. But, the coastal city, known for being the financial capital of China will see its population rise above 30 million by 2050.
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2.) Delhi, India (36.1 million people)
Delhi is currently, the most populated city in India with just under 19 million people. The sprawling capital territory is set to explode to over 36 million people by 2050. Luckily, the capital region is over 573 square miles so people will be able to spread out.
1.) Tokyo, Japan (37.2 million people)
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If you looked at a map, you might be surprised to know that a tiny chain of island contains over 127 million people. Currently, Tokyo is home to over 9 million people. The city is expected to more triple its size in the next thirty years. In a city that’s already running out of space, where are all of those people going to live?
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