The largest cities in the world are the top in terms of area and population. The largest cities in the world by population and territory How many large cities are there in the world

Finding out which is the largest city in the world is easy. True, there will be several such megacities. After all, some are leaders in size, others in population.

When studying a modern geographical map, it is difficult to determine which settlements have the most people and which city is the largest in the world. After all, over time, large metropolitan areas were joined by numerous suburbs: small towns, villages, large and small villages. Neighboring settlements formed vast areas of continuous construction - agglomerations. Such areas are clearly visible on satellite images in clear weather due to the artificial lighting used in cities and suburbs. The largest agglomerations are located in different parts of the globe, each of them is home to millions of people.

The tenth place in the world is occupied by Sao Paulo, the largest city in Brazil and the most populated metropolis on the American continent. It is a multinational port with developed tourism and a rich cultural life with a population of about 20 million people. It harmoniously combines ancient buildings and modern architectural ensembles made of glass and metal.

The largest city in the United States, New York, is in 9th place. It is home to more than 8 million people, and the New York metropolitan area has about 21 million residents. This metropolis is an influential economic and financial center not only of the country, but also of the world. Broadway theaters and the Statue of Liberty are the city's most famous attractions. New York has experienced the bulk of the saddest events in the history of the United States in recent decades - the terrorist attacks of September 11, 2001. Foreign tourists consider this city the most attractive place to visit in the United States.

Mumbai (formerly Bombay) is in eighth place. Together with its suburbs, India's most populous city has more than 22 million inhabitants. This is a place where the cultures of Asia and Europe are combined, national traditions are preserved, and local residents enjoy participating in festivals and celebrations of numerous ethnic groups.

Chinese Shanghai ranks seventh in the ranking with a population of more than 23 million inhabitants. The city has low crime and unique modern architecture. In it, new buildings coexist with historical structures, and the second largest skyscraper in the world is located. Among agglomerates it is in seventh place, and among cities Shanghai takes the lead.

Karachi used to be the capital of Pakistan. Now it remains simply the largest city in the country, the center of its business, trade and industrial life. At the beginning of the 18th century, Karachi was a small fishing village, now it ranks sixth among the largest metropolises in the world. The population of Karachi is more than 23 million people, the city is actively developing and is considered one of the fastest growing.

Seoul is the capital of the Republic of Korea and the center of the fifth largest agglomeration in the world with a population of more than 24 million people. Royal palaces of past ruling dynasties, museums, national parks with Buddhist temples and centers of contemporary art - there is something for the curious tourist to see. Seoul is considered one of the best cities for shopping, and you can always try something delicious in its establishments.

The fourth place belongs to the capital of the Philippines. The city of Manila and its surrounding areas are home to more than 24 million people. It is one of the busiest ports in the world with developed industry. Ancient buildings attract tourists; there are many religious and historical attractions.

In 3rd place is the oldest city among megacities - Delhi. The capital of India is more than 5 thousand years old. The city has nine distinct administrative districts with a total population of more than 26 million people. New Delhi is the central part with rich skyscrapers, a government quarter and excellent infrastructure. It is very different from the Delhi slums with miserable shacks lacking basic sanitation. There are no running waters, and more than twenty families share one toilet. Numerous mosques, temples, historical monuments, regular religious festivals, markets with a wide variety of goods and exotic Indian cuisine - all this is also the hallmark of Delhi.

Jakarta is home to almost 32 million people and ranks second among the cities with the largest population. This province with capital status has many mosques, temple complexes, parks and entertainment venues to suit every taste.

The population of Tokyo together with the city of Yokohama is almost 38 million people. This record is unlikely to be broken by any metropolis in the near future. People have inhabited these places since the Stone Age, but only in the last 100 years has Tokyo gradually developed into one of the modern and developed cities in the world and has become the largest city in the world in terms of population. It consists of many islands and mainland. It is one of the three world financial leaders along with London and New York. The population of the Tokyo agglomeration is larger than the entire Asian part of Russia.

Top 10 largest settlements by area

Some cities are distinguished not by the number of people living in them, but by their size.

Order number	City name	A country	Area, sq. km
1	Chongqing	China	82403
2	Hangzhou	China	16847
3	Beijing	China	16801
4	Brisbane	Australia	15826
5	Chengdu	China	14312
6	Asmara	Eritrea	12158
7	Sydney	Australia	12144
8	Tianjin	China	11943
9	Melbourne	Australia	9990
10	Kinshasa	Congo	9965

The leader of the rating is Chongqing, which occupies approximately the same territory as Austria. It has become the largest city in the world in terms of area due to the peculiarities of dividing the territory adopted in China. In Chongqing, the densely populated area is very small, and more than 90% are suburban areas, which are also administratively considered urban areas.

No.	Capital, name	Area, square kilometers
1	Beijing, China)	16801
2	Asmara (Eritrea)	12158
3	Kinshasa (Democratic Republic of Congo)	9965
4	Naypyitaw (Myanmar)	7054
5	Brasilia (Brazil)	5801
6	Ulaanbaatar (Mongolia)	4704
7	Vientiane (Laos)	3920
8	Muscat (Oman)	3500
9	Hanoi (Vietnam)	3344
10	Ottawa (Canada)	2790

The recognized favorite of this list is the Chinese city of Beijing. It is not only the largest capital in the world, but also a fairly populated city - it is home to more than 20 million inhabitants. Beijing is developing rapidly, has an amazing atmosphere and attracts millions of tourists every year.

It is impossible to answer the question about the largest city in the world unambiguously. You can create many different ratings and each time get acquainted with new interesting cities in the world.

Chongqing - largest city in the world by its area. Its size is comparable to the territory of Austria. It is home to about 30 million people, approximately 80% of them live in the suburbs, in rural areas. Together with other important cities in China, it is recognized as a city under the central jurisdiction of the People's Republic of China.

Geography

The largest city (Chongqing) is located in the upper reaches of the Yangtze. Mountain ranges stretch around it, their height is relatively small. Since these areas are dominated by hilly terrain, largest city in the world also called a mountain city. It is located on the lands of the Red Basin, which is considered the breadbasket of China. This location had a beneficial effect on population growth.

IN the biggest city in the world Subtropical climate prevails. The temperature here rarely drops below 18°C ​​and the area is considered very rainy.

Story

Chongqing is one of the most ancient Chinese cities and has great cultural and historical significance. Its history goes back at least 1000 years. Even during the Paleolithic period, primitive people appeared in these areas. In the period from ΧVI BC. e. to 2nd century AD e. in its place was the capital of the Kingdom of Ba. The city's name translates to "double celebration." It appeared after the enthronement of Prince Guan-wan, who, not being a direct heir, before becoming Emperor of the Celestial Empire, formally ordained himself to an intermediate rank, which showed loyalty to traditions. From the 14th century largest city in the world was the most important transport hub, where numerous lines of caravans passed. It was also a huge port with customs and warehouses. Since 1946, it has been considered the second most important city after Nanjing, the former capital of China, in which the country's political and economic life is concentrated.

Attractions

In scenic areas biggest city , or rather in the mountainous area of ​​Jinyunshan, there are several warm healing springs. On the far outskirts you can see the “stone forest”, high mountain meadows and even the jungle. For lovers of river travel, there is the opportunity to enjoy picturesque views of gorges, waterfalls, canyons and a man-made lake, the length of which is about 600 kilometers.

Among the historical monuments, noteworthy are the Geleshan memorial complex, ancient rock paintings and writings in the Fundu and Fuling areas, as well as magnificent examples of cave-temple architecture and a fortress in Hechuan.

There are only four centrally subordinate cities (GC) in China and one of them is - Chongqing. This status means that this settlement is subordinate only to the central government and annexes all nearby areas to its territory. It appeared more than 3,000 years ago and today is the largest financial, cultural, economic and educational center of the PRC. Chongqing is known as the city occupying the largest area in the world. Its area is almost equal to Portugal.

General information

The city is located in the central part of the country on the Yangtze River. By territory largest city in the world by area , carry their waters from more than 70 rivers, flowing between beautiful mountains and hills. Because of its special landscape, it is called Shancheng, which means “city among the mountains.” Chongqing's population is approximately 30 million, and more than 2/3 of them live in the suburbs. These lands are surrounded by low, picturesque mountains.

Story

Chongqing is a city with a rich history. The first people appeared on these lands about 20 thousand years ago. In the 1st millennium BC. in its place was the capital of the ancient kingdom. Translated from Chinese, its name means “double celebration.” By your own name largest city in the world by area obliged to the ruler Guan-wang, who, in order to become emperor, twice organized a ceremony for accepting the royal title. In the 14th century, this place was an important transport hub with a gigantic port, which housed spacious marinas, shipyards, numerous warehouses, customs and commercial organizations. During the Japanese occupation, the city was the capital of China.

Due to the subtropical climate, largest city in the world by area There is a period of warm, prolonged downpours. They almost always go at night.

• In the city, due to the hilly mountainous terrain and the confusing streets of the historical district, cyclists and auto-rickshaws do not travel. This is a unique case for China. Baby strollers have not taken root here either. Babies are carried mainly in small baskets on their backs.
• On the far outskirts of the city, while drilling gas wells, the remains of dinosaurs were discovered. The Chinese called the first specimen found a gasosaur.

This area has many different attractions, and among them there are absolutely unique masterpieces. These include carvings and paintings on rocks, the “Heavenly Staircase” in Shizhu, the Three Gorges Nature Reserve and many others.

You've probably once wondered: ? In terms of size, Shanghai is the third largest in China, and in terms of population it occupies a leading position among all cities in the world. It has more than 25 million inhabitants, and this figure continues to grow. The city is considered an important economic, scientific, technical, industrial and cultural center of the PRC.

general information

Shanghai is located in the eastern part of China, at the very mouth of the Yangtze. Located on the coast of the East China Sea, it is a major port. It ranks first in the country in terms of cargo turnover, and in the region it is second only to Singapore; its income provides almost 13% of the country's GDP.

The industrial sector is represented by machine and automotive manufacturing, oil refining, steel and cast iron production. The business center of the city is the Pudong district. There are offices and representative offices of world-famous companies here.

Shanghai successfully combines traditional flavor and modern style. Next to the pagodas and Buddhist temples there are skyscrapers, casinos, and respectable restaurants. Thanks to the harmonious combination of different cultures, the metropolis is of interest to tourists and investors. In addition, a large number of international festivals and exhibitions are held here every year. Shanghai is great for exciting shopping, which is why it is called a “shopping paradise”. There is a very low crime rate here, and the only thing to be wary of is pickpockets.

Story

The name of the metropolis can be translated as “city by the sea.” The first settlements of fishermen in these territories appeared around the 7th century, but they grew to the level of an administrative unit only in the 15th century. The city was surrounded by an impregnable wall, which reliably protected its inhabitants from enemies, and developed through fishing and trade. In the 19th century this region experienced an influx of large numbers of Europeans, which significantly affected its appearance. Since then, Shanghai has become the richest and most developed city in China. There are many beautiful places here, including historical monuments. The most famous of them are: Yu Yuan - Garden of Joy and Bund.

Interesting Facts

• There is a real marriage market in Shanghai, where on the shelves and in improvised display cases, instead of goods, there are profiles of people who have found their soul mate.
• There is a monument to A.S. Pushkin in the city.
• The largest shopping street in China, Nanjing Street, is located here. There are more than 600 different stores open on it.

Shanghai like largest city in the world by population , is one of the largest cities in China. Its population numbers more than 25 million people, which is an absolute world record. The metropolis is considered a major industrial, economic, cultural, scientific and technical center of the country.

General information

It is located in the center of the Yangtze Delta in eastern China. It is located on the coast of the East China Sea and is the largest trading port in the world. Its cargo turnover is considered the best in China and ranks second in southeast Asia. The operation of the port provides the state with more than 12% of GDP.

The Huangpu River divides the city into two parts. On its western side there are residential areas, and on the eastern side there is a business center with numerous offices of world-famous companies. Nanjing Street is considered the main street of Shanghai. Thanks to her, the city is called a “shopping paradise”, as there are about 600 retail outlets with a fantastically diverse range of products.

IN largest city in the world by population The construction of new buildings does not stop. The modern style of the city is determined by skyscrapers, a television tower and various high-tech buildings. Due to the abundance of fashionable boutiques, respectable restaurants and casinos, some streets resemble the avenues of European capitals. The harmonious combination of traditional color and newfangled trends attracts investors and tourists. Shanghai is home to various international competitions and festivals.

History of the metropolis

Shanghai is translated from Chinese as “city by the sea”. The first inhabitants of this territory were fishermen who moved here during the time of the mighty Tang Empire at the beginning of the 7th century. Around the 15th century. the settlements became an independent administrative unit. The city developed rapidly due to maritime trade. The metropolis owes its modern appearance, among other things, to emigrants from Europe who began arriving here in the 19th century. After the establishment of the communist regime and until the end of the 19th century. there was an economic downturn. Then harsh laws were introduced, thanks to which the crime rate significantly decreased. IN himself largest city in the world by population There are amazing monuments of cultural and historical heritage. The most famous of them are: the Jade Buddha Temple, the Bund, the Garden of Joy, the Old City, and Yan'an Temple. In the last century, local residents erected a monument to A.S. Pushkin.

What is the largest city in terms of area and population in Russia?

Many people are interested in the question: what is the largest city in Russia ? Moscow is rightfully considered one of the most unique capitals in Europe. This city breaks many not only European, but also world records, including in such indicators as population and agglomeration area. Over 12 million people live in the millionaire city, and this is only according to official data. At the same time, the number of people does not stop growing, and every year the flow of immigrants increases the population more and more.

The first mention of the formation of a city on the territory of modern Moscow dates back to the mid-12th century. But the status of the capital was assigned to Moscow only at the end of the 14th century, already during the formation of the Grand Duchy of Moscow.

Historical center Borovitsky Hill is considered. It was this territory that was first surrounded by a palisade, and within the boundaries of the resulting settlement, houses and public institutions began to be actively built. Today at this place you can see one of the main symbols of the capital - St. Basil's Cathedral. As the number of people living around the Kremlin increased, new defensive walls began to be built, including Kitaygorodskaya and Bely Gorod. The first legal border of Moscow is considered to be an earthen rampart, the length of which was 19 kilometers. Today this boundary is known to everyone as the Garden Ring.

In history the largest city in Russia There were a lot of tragic events, including at the beginning of the 13th century the city was completely plundered and destroyed by the army of Batu Khan. Then there was a whole series of large-scale fires, during which up to 90 percent of the buildings burned out, since absolutely all the buildings were built of wood, including the Kremlin itself. But, despite historical failures, the largest city in Russia , one of the few European capitals that was able to preserve monuments from all eras, almost from the very moment of its foundation.

The main waterway of Moscow is the river of the same name, the length of which is about 80 kilometers. In addition to it, several dozen more small rivers and streams flow through the city, some of which are contained in underground sewers.

Like other metropolises, the largest city in Russia has pressing issues that are facing the Moscow government today. And the most important thing can be considered not the problem of an ever-increasing population, but the environmental situation in the city. To resolve this issue, an environmental program has been drawn up until 2030, the main goal of which is to achieve a balance between the protection of natural resources and their reasonable use. Now you know Which the largest city in Russia and what tasks are facing him .

3. TOP 10 largest cities in the world by population (2016)

1. Tokyo - Yokohama

IN included, which is the capital of Japan. The city is located in the south of the island of Honshu off the coast of the Pacific Ocean. It is in fifth place in the world in terms of population, which is 13.5 million people. The metropolis is the largest financial, political and cultural center of the country.

General information

Formally, it is not considered a city, but a prefecture or metropolitan area of ​​special importance. On its territory there are several enterprises producing the latest models of electronics, cars, and modern equipment. Here is the famous Tokyo stock Exchange. The Japanese capital has two international airports and a major seaport. Tokyo Subway is the busiest subway in the world. It transports almost 3.3 billion people every year.

History of the capital

Although the founding date is considered to be 1457, the capital is a fairly young city in Japan. Its history began with the construction of Edo Castle. The city was rebuilt twice: first, in 1923, it turned into ruins after a strong earthquake, then it was destroyed by the Second World War. The name of the metropolis translates as “Eastern Capital”.

Attractions

Tokyo residents protect their cultural heritage. Next to skyscrapers and high-tech buildings are ancient palaces, temples and pagoda buildings. The most famous historical site in the capital is Edo Castle. It is worth highlighting the architecture of the Imperial Palace and such ancient monuments as the Matsudaira Family Estate, Koishikawa Korakuen Garden, and Ueno Park. Among modern attractions, the Tokyo Sky Tree deserves special attention. Locals love to stroll and shop along Ginza Street, which is over a kilometer long.

Yokohama is one of the most important cities in the Land of the Rising Sun. The Japanese called it “the city that never sleeps.” It is the center of Kanagawa, a prefecture in the south of the country. Since Yokohama is located not far from Tokyo, it is, as it were, a continuation of the capital, its residential area.

general information

The city is the second largest in Japan. The population of the metropolis is about 3.5 million inhabitants. Since 1859 it has been considered an important center of international trade. The economic base of this region consists of water transport and enterprises related to biotechnology and the production of various models of equipment.

Story

At the end of the 19th century, after the abolition of the policy of total self-isolation, Yokohama was declared the first port to which foreign ships had access. Just a couple of years later, the first newspaper in the empire began to be published here, and the streets were illuminated with gas lamps. It was in Yokohama that the first railway line was opened, which connected this city with the capital. The rapid development of these lands was stopped by the bombing of World War II and a terrible earthquake.

Attractions

Landmark Tower is considered the tallest building in Yokohama. It is part of a unique business center designed in a futuristic style. This building has the world's fastest elevators. Next to the complex there is a giant Ferris wheel, which is also a giant clock. There is no analogue of them, either in complexity or size, on the planet. The Chinese noodle museum, called the "Ramen Museum", which is also a huge park, is a success among tourists. Yokohama's amusement parks deserve special mention. The maritime theme is represented by the Hakkeijima center, and the largest fairy-tale places are Dreamland and Joypolis. There is even a whole quarter for an interesting and fun pastime, which contains a huge number of clubs, discos, theaters, restaurants and cafes.

IN also listed as the capital and largest city of Indonesia. There you can observe sharp cultural and social contrasts that are not found anywhere else in the world. Next to respectable avenues are the poorest neighborhoods. On the same street there are churches of various faiths. The historical center with museums and other attractions is surrounded by skyscrapers.

General information

The city is located in the north of the island of Java. Since Jakarta is the central district, it has several surrounding districts. The population is approximately 10.5 million people. Numerous communities of Muslims, Protestants, Catholics, Hindus and Buddhists coexist peacefully in the capital.

The local climate is subtropical, characterized by hot weather and high rainfall. 13 rivers flow through these lands, some of them flow into the Java Sea. The Ciliwung River divides Jakarta into two parts, eastern and western. The Sunter and Pesangrahan floods cause flooding and inundation of large areas. The government, with the help of international environmental organizations, is fighting this problem, and by 2025 it should be completely eliminated.

Story

It has a centuries-old history, during which its name changed several times. It was founded at the beginning of the 4th century and was mentioned in ancient sources as the capital of the Taruma kingdom. The first name, which she retained until the 16th century, was Sunda-Kelapa. The ruler, who made the city the center of his possessions, installed memorial stones on the lands under his control with mentions of important events, and thus this information reached his descendants. During the Demak Sultanate, in honor of the victory over the Portuguese on June 22, 1527, the capital received the name Jayakerta, which means “city of victory.” A century later the city was captured and destroyed by Dutch conquerors.

They founded a fort on this site and named it Batavia. Gradually, the military settlement grew to the size of a large city and in 1621 it became the center of the Dutch East Indies. At this time, the city territory was divided into two parts. Subsequently, official institutions were concentrated in one of them, and houses for Europeans were built in the other. By the 19th century. Between these areas a large Chinatown formed. During the Japanese occupation of the city in 1942, Jakarta its historical name returned, which has not changed since then.

Attractions

The city is home to the 260-meter Wisma 46 skyscraper, the tallest building in Indonesia. The central attraction of the metropolis is Freedom Square - the largest square in the world. The Istiklal Mosque, which is considered the largest religious building in southeast Asia, is striking in its gigantic size. More than 100 thousand people can pray here at the same time. This capacity is of great importance, because more than 80% of the population of the multi-million capital are Muslims.

This city is famous for its parks, palaces and temples. Taman Mini theme park has 27 sites representing all the provinces of the country. It allows you to get acquainted with the history and culture of Indonesia in one day. The Wayang Museum displays a huge collection of local dolls, the making of which is considered a real art. The National Art Gallery deserves special mention. In the center Jakarta , on Freedom Square there is a very beautiful and very tall Monas monument, with an observation deck at the top. The best beaches are located on the coast of the Seribu islands, which can be easily reached by boat or pleasure boat. Tourists try to visit the local Ragunan Zoo, which houses rare animals and a huge park with tropical plants.

Another city in top largest cities in the world – . It is a metropolitan self-governing territory that does not belong to any state in India. One of its districts is New Delhi. It is a noisy, lively, contrasting city. From the 4th century BC e. he rose from the ashes several times, like a Phoenix. The old center has preserved evidence of the greatness and wealth of the empires that were born and died on these lands.

General information

Delhi, or more precisely New, like most modern capitals, is a city where people of different nationalities and religions live. Hinduism is considered the most popular religion in the country; it is professed by about 80% of the capital's residents. The population of this cosmopolitan city is approaching 16 million people.

The metropolis is located on the banks of the Dzhamna River, in the north of the country. The capital consists of three separate "corporations", which are subordinate to different institutions: the Military Council, the Municipal Committee, the Municipal Corporation. In addition to the “normative” division, the city’s territory is divided into districts, and those, in turn, into districts. Delhi is a huge agglomeration, with an area of ​​about 34 thousand km2. New Delhi is considered part of it, one of the districts, and the capital of India, where the central government offices and the residence of the head of state are located.

Since the middle of the last century, the population of these lands has increased 10 times, which has led to overpopulation. This resulted in the emergence of slums, increased crime, illiteracy and total impoverishment of residents. Over the past few decades, the country's government, with the support of the international community, has taken a number of measures to improve the situation.

Story

There are more than 5 thousand cultural and historical monuments of world significance here. Some of them are several thousand years old. mentioned in the world famous epic "Mahabharata" under the name Indraprastha. The city has long been considered the largest trading center in Asia. These regions were the intersection of several large trade routes. All this attracted various conquerors here. Legends indicate at least ten invasions of aggressors, after which the city was completely destroyed, but each time it rose from the ruins.

There is an assumption that the name of the capital came from the name of King Kanaujd Delhu, who ruled the ancient capital in 340. Throughout its history, Delhi often became one of the richest regions of Asia, so it was often attacked and plundered. In 1911, in the historical part of the city, the British colonialists built a complex with modern buildings, which was called New Delhi. When India gained independence in 1947, it became the capital, and New Delhi became an autonomy.

Attractions

Delhi's attractions include well-preserved exhibits and partially destroyed architectural monuments. In the capital there is a harmonious combination of two worlds - ancient and new. The economically developed part of New Delhi attracts with the rich decoration of mansions and the splendor of respectable areas. There are many buildings from the colonial era, skyscrapers and beautiful modern buildings. Particularly noteworthy are the Akshardham complex and the Lotus Temple. You can admire these architectural masterpieces absolutely free.

The Old Town contains many different temples, noisy bazaars, narrow streets, ancient palaces and many monuments of cultural and historical value and are protected by UNESCO. The main monuments of old Delhi are Jama Masjid, Humayun's Tomb, Qubt Minar, Red Fort.

4. Seoul - Incheon

Included in and is the largest city in the Republic of Korea and the capital of this country. It has a special status as a separate administrative unit of the state.

general information

It is located in the north of the Republic of Korea, on the banks of the deep Han River, which divides the city into two parts: Gangnam and Gangbuk. The metropolis is located near the Yellow Sea, surrounded by picturesque mountains. Its population is approximately 12 million people. Together with Incheon, the capital forms an agglomeration of 25 million inhabitants.

Story

At the beginning of the 4th century BC. e. became the main city of the state of Baekje and bore the name Viresong. Later it is mentioned in sources as the mighty Hanson fortress. At the end of the 4th century, it was the capital of a unified Korea and was called Hanyang. Then they built a multi-kilometer wall to protect against nomads. Exactly 200 years after its founding, the city was completely destroyed and rebuilt only in 1868. During the years of Japanese occupation, the administrative center of Gyeongsong was located on these lands. The modern name was assigned to the capital in 1946. During the Korean War, there were fierce battles for this city, as a result of which it suffered greatly. Tens of thousands of homes and more than 1,000 businesses were reduced to rubble. Several priceless historical monuments were destroyed.

Attractions

Monuments of ancient Korea located in this city can be considered Namdaemun and Dongdaemun - fortress gates of the 14th century. A masterpiece of ancient architecture from the same time is the “Palace of Brilliant Happiness” or Gyeongbokung. On its territory you can get acquainted with Korean history and culture by visiting museums, exhibitions, and gardens. In the amazingly beautiful residence of the ancient rulers of Changdeokgung, the Forbidden Park was preserved, where only members of the royal family could enter. Buddhist temples have a special atmosphere. Among the modern attractions, it is worth highlighting the 262-meter Golden Tower with an observation deck, an aquarium, a wax museum and the Lotte World amusement park with attractions, an ice skating rink, and a 4-D cinema.

Incheon is a port city in the west of the Korean Peninsula, in the north of China. It consists of an agglomeration with and has a great influence on the economic growth of the country.

General information

Incheon is located on the shores of the Yellow Sea in the wide Ganghwaman Bay. Its population is almost 3 million people. It is a dynamically developing economic center that attracts many foreign investors. It is an important transport hub in South Korea and the largest port in the western part of the country. The metropolis amazes with its gigantic international airport, on the territory of which there are hotels, cinemas, casinos, and mini-golf courses.

Story

On the site of Incheon during the Neolithic period there was a settlement of the first people. In the Middle Ages, it became the trading center of the Korean Peninsula. This is one of the very first ports in the region. During the years of Japanese occupation, the city bore the name Jinsen. Until 1981, Incheon was part of the large Gyeonggi province.

In 1904, two Russian warships were sunk near Inchon: the Varyag and the Koreets.

Attractions

On the island of Ganghwado, in the northern part of Incheon, giant dolmens and an ancient Buddhist monastery have been preserved. In the “Village of Potters” you can get acquainted with the traditional craftsmanship of local residents and purchase unique products, ready-made or made here with your own hands. Wolmido is the largest seafood market.

In the metropolis, numerous ancient pagodas are located next to futuristic-style buildings. At Jongdensan Temple, visitors can stay for several days to practice monastic life. Among the modern wonders of Incheon, one can highlight the twenty-kilometer bridge of the same name.

The second largest metropolis in the Philippines and the capital of the country is the city of Manila, which is also located in TOP 10 largest cities in the world . It is the most populous city in the world, with approximately 1.8 million people living in an area of ​​less than 40 square kilometers. The founding year of the capital of the Philippines is considered to be 1571, when a settlement of Spanish-speaking families on the island of Luzon received city status. The old town of Intramuros was founded by the Spanish administration, and was named after the fortress wall that surrounded the settlement to protect against attacks.

During its existence, it has experienced a huge number of disasters, including destructive wars, during which hundreds of architectural, historical and cultural monuments were destroyed. But even despite this, the city has managed to preserve many interesting and unique attractions that make Manila not only the cultural center of the Philippines, but also attract the attention of tourists from all over the world. In a small but very cozy city you can visit ancient churches, museums, exhibitions and parks, so you definitely won’t get bored here.

One of the main symbols Manila considered to be the Church of San Agustin. This is the oldest building in the city, dating back to 1607. The Augustinian temple was erected during the period of Spanish colonization of these lands. Also in Manila there are several Buddhist and Taoist temples that were built by the city's Chinese community, and two mosques (Golden and Green) in the Quiapo area, where the Muslim community lives.

The bulk of all attractions are located in the historical old town. Most often, tourists visit the Coconut Palace, which was built in honor of the arrival of the Pope to the Philippines from palm wood and coconut shells and made in the shape of a coconut fruit. No less popular is the Malacañan Palace, which has been the official residence of the authorities, first Spanish and then Manila, for more than two hundred years. The largest park in Southeast Asia, Rizal Park, as well as a planetarium, a pavilion of exotic butterflies, and an orchid garden are also worth visiting.

Manila's economy develops largely due to the country's main port located here. This port is considered the busiest not only in the Philippines, but it is also the leader in trade turnover throughout the world. Other sectors of the economy that are sufficiently developed are the production of chemicals, textiles and clothing, and the food industry. The tourism industry makes a significant contribution to the development of the country: more than a million tourists visit the country every year.

The city's transport system includes the main transport route Roxas Boulevard, a major railway junction and an international airport. There is also a metro in the city, but its branches cover only a small central area. A convenient way to get around the city are jeepneys - local minibuses, as well as bicycles and auto-rickshaws.

Among the most pressing problems Manila environmental situation is at stake. Due to the development of industry and transport, the city suffers from air pollution. The Pasing River, which flows through the city, is considered one of the most polluted in the world and biologically dead. Up to 250 tons of industrial and household waste are dumped into its waters annually, most of which arises due to the poorly developed infrastructure of the city.

Manila is located in the subequatorial climate zone, with distinct dry and wet seasons. The rainy season here lasts from June to November, the peak is in August, the rest of the time it is dry and hot. The average annual temperature is 28.5 degrees Celsius.

The most populous city in India is TOP 10 largest cities in the world . It is located on the shores of the Arabian Sea in the western part of India. In fact, the metropolis occupies the entire territory of Bombay Island and part of Solsett Island, which are connected by a complex system of dams and bridges. The total number of residents of the Mumbai agglomerate, together with its satellite cities, is 22 million people, who are spread over an area of ​​600 square kilometers. It is the second city in the world after Manila in terms of population density.

There is a deep natural harbor on the territory, as a result of which the prerequisites arose for the organization of a maritime transport hub. Today the port is considered the largest in the western part of India. One of the most interesting features of the city’s economic development is the fact that there is a very high contrast between the rich population and the financially poor class. The city juxtaposes ultra-modern neighborhoods that are immersed in luxury with the slums of the poor, where poverty breeds disease, hunger and high mortality.

The Indian metropolis received its name in honor of the goddess Mumba Devi only in 1995, when it was renamed from the anglicized Bombay, although the old name can be used by both locals and Europeans even today.

It is characterized by a subtropical climate. There are pronounced rainy seasons (June-September) and dry periods (December-May). The average annual temperature is 30 degrees Celsius, the coldest months are January and February.

According to archaeological research, the first settlements in Mumbai appeared in the Stone Age. At different times, these lands were owned by the Magadha Empire, Hindu rulers, the Portuguese, and the British. The modern history of Mumbai begins at the end of the 17th century, when the city was awarded the status of capital and became the base for the British colonization of Western India. This is where the origins of Indian industry began. And thanks to the sailors' revolt in Bombay in 1946, India gained its independence.

Mumbai's economy is highly developed. A tenth of all the country's workers are employed in this city. And 40 percent of all revenues from trade operations come from the trade of this city. In the western part of the metropolis there is a business district, the offices of which belong not only to Indian companies, but also to foreign firms. The center of the film industry - the famous Bollywood - is located in Mumbai.

The city has many interesting and unique attractions. Among the must-see places, it should be noted: the Bandra-Worli Bridge - the longest in the country, Jama Masjid - the oldest mosque, the Jehangir Gallery, the Prince of Wales exhibition, the only symphony orchestra in all of India, the Public Library, which is almost two hundred years old .

Most of all the buildings in the city appeared during the period of colonial English rule. It was from the 19th to the 20th century that buildings in the neoclassical and neo-Gothic style appeared in Bombay, and houses in the American spirit were erected. Historically, the city center was actively built around a former English fort in the southeast of Bombay Island. Here the layout of the blocks was correct with wide streets and a large number of parks and alleys. At the same time, residential areas with chaotic buildings were established to the north of the fortress, which later received the name “Black City”.

One of the unique cities of Pakistan, located in the list TOP 10 largest cities in the world, can be called the administrative center of the province of Sindh. It is located on the southern coast of the country. It is one of the largest metropolises not only in Pakistan but throughout the world. According to official data alone, at least 12 million people live here, although in fact the population figure has long crossed the line of 18 million. The area of ​​the city is 3.5 thousand square kilometers.

is, first of all, a port city in which institutions such as finance, banking, trade and industry are highly developed. The largest corporations in Pakistan prefer to open their offices and representative offices in Karachi. And this is even despite the fact that the status of the capital of the state has been assigned to a completely different city, Rawalpindi, for almost 60 years. Karachi is also the largest center of education, culture, fashion, art, medicine, and scientific research in Southeast Asia.

It should also be noted that this ancient city is very revered among local residents and is a kind of mecca among Pakistanis: people come here from all over the country to honor the memory of the great Muhammad Ali Jinnah, the founder of Pakistan, who awarded the status of the capital of the state.

It’s hard to imagine, but back in the early 18th century, on the territory of a huge modern city there was only a tiny fishing village. The successful geographical and climatic location of the settlement created conditions for the construction of a Sindhi fortress on these lands. But the modern history of the city begins with its capture by the British in the 30s of the 19th century, when the latter began to actively develop trade here, built a huge port with access to the Arabian Sea, after which the city’s infrastructure began to develop rapidly, and soon one of the the largest cities on the coast.

But the active development of the city also has its disadvantages. Due to the booming economy, whole streams of immigrants poured into the region from neighboring and distant rural regions, as well as from other cities. This circumstance not only caused a multiple increase in the population, but also led to an overload of the infrastructure, which could not serve such a large number of people. Immigrants could no longer find housing in the city, and were forced to settle in slums, where there were no social amenities, unsanitary conditions were rapidly developing, and with it, hotbeds of terrible outbreaks of epidemics. Until today, the problem of overpopulation in Karachi has not been solved.

The geographical region of Karachi is characterized by a dry tropical climate, where rain falls only during the arrival of the monsoons, a couple of months a year (July-August). The hottest months are in the summer, when temperatures reach above 40 degrees Celsius, so trips should be planned for the winter season for a more comfortable trip.

Among the most important attractions of the city of Karachi are such cultural relics as the 19th-century Freer Hall Palace, which today houses the National Museum of Pakistan, the City Gardens, which today have been converted into a zoo, the Hamdard Center for Oriental Medicine, and the Monjo Daro Museum. On the territory of the old city you can see many architectural monuments that were erected several centuries ago, but have retained their unique original appearance to this day. One cannot help but be surprised by the majestic mausoleum of Kuaidi-Aza-ma, in which the body of the great leader Mohammed Ali Jinnah rests, the mysterious tomb of Chau-kondi, the Zoroastrian Tower of Silence, the pool of sacred crocodiles, etc.

Some people are interested in the question: what is the largest city in the world by area, and, what is the largest city in the world by population ? Shanghai is one of the largest metropolises in China and one of the three largest cities in the country. In terms of population density it is the largest city on the planet. Currently in Shanghai Home to 25 million inhabitants. For comparison: the total population of Kazakhstan is 17 million people. located on the coast of one of the two great rivers of China, the Yangtze, flowing in the eastern part of the Celestial Empire. About an hour's drive from the city is the East China Sea. Translated, Shanghai means “city above the sea.” The largest city occupies an area of ​​6340.5 sq. km.

It maintains leading positions in the country in many areas: in the financial and economic, scientific and technical, cultural, trade, industrial and technical sectors. Over many centuries, Shanghai has transformed from a fishing village into the largest port of the state. For ten years, its port has handled the largest volume of Chinese cargo, contributing 12.5% ​​to its GDP.

The largest corporations in the world have located their head offices, branches and representative offices in the business center of the Pudong metropolis. attracts their interest with very favorable tax breaks - for three years, investors working together with Chinese companies receive the right to be exempt from paying taxes.

Paris on the banks of the Yangtze

Shanghai combines the features of both a Western city and Eastern mystery. The city is so hospitable that, having visited it once, you want to come back again. It perfectly coexists skyscrapers reaching to the clouds and sedate pagodas, luxurious hotels with casinos and modest monasteries, huge shopping centers and small souvenir shops. Shanghai is famous for its beautiful architecture, thanks to which it is called the Paris of the East. The large number of river canals in the city evokes an analogy with Venice.

Shanghai has long been favored by various international festivals and exhibitions. Those who are far from the world of art and prefer shopping will indulge their souls in the “four streets”, where their heads are simply spinning from the fabulous abundance of goods.

In the evening, life in Shanghai is just as vibrant as during the day. Entertainment complexes operate in the city from sunset to dawn: restaurants, casinos, concert and dance venues for every taste and budget.

Sights of Shanghai

The most visited attractions in Shanghai include the Bund, Nanjing Road, Yu Yuan Garden of Joy, Jade Buddha Temple, and Shanghai TV Tower.

Bund of the Bund

The visiting card of Shanghai is the Bund, which conditionally separates the old part of the city from the city of the future. In the evenings, many lights create an exciting spectacle, reflected as in a mirror in the Huangpu River, along which compact steamers slowly float.

Nanjing Street (Nanjing Street)

All tourists arriving in Shanghai strive to visit Nanjing Road - the main shopping street of China. It’s simply unrealistic to get around it in one day - after all, more than 600 shops are lined up in the shopping row! Here you can find whatever your heart desires - fashionable clothes, shoes, household appliances, jewelry, souvenirs.

Garden of Joy Yu Yuan

Yu Yuan Garden or in other words the Garden of Joy is a favorite vacation spot for Shanghai residents and city guests. It is the largest and oldest in the city, each of its parts is made in six unique styles. In the center of the garden there is a pond on which there is a pentagonal house for tea ceremonies.

Jade Buddha Temple

This temple, located near the business center, has gained worldwide fame thanks to the almost 2 m high Buddha figure, carved from jade, which weighs almost a ton. It came to China from Burma and was presented to a monk from Putuoshan Island. The monk, in turn, donated the statue to the Shanghai Temple. Superstitious businessmen rush to the temple to pray before concluding an important deal.

Shanghai TV Tower

Her image is found on many tourist avenues in Shanghai. The height is a dizzying 468 m, and it tops the rating of TV towers in Asia, for which it rightfully bears the name Pearl of the Orient. As for the world ranking, she deservedly takes an honorable third place.

Despite the fact that the city is huge, crime is low. The country has strict legislation, so you just need to watch your bags and wallets, and not walk at night in unsafe areas.

In addition to shopping markets, in Shanghai there is a marriage market, where single young people with their parents come on weekends in search of a life partner. The counters of this market are covered with advertisements about the desire to start a family.

The Maglev high-speed train literally “flies” in the city, capable of reaching speeds of up to 430 km/h. The Shanghai metro network is the longest in the world - 434 km, some stations have about 20 exits. The monument to A.S. Pushkin is the only one in China erected to a non-Chinese representative of literature. The men of Shanghai enjoy hobbies that are not at all adult - they like to fly a kite into the sky on weekends.

To attract prosperity and good luck, Shanghai men grow long nails on their index finger, thumb, and little finger.

It is one of the most recognizable cities in the world. How many films have been filmed on its streets, how many songs have been composed in its honor. This metropolis is located on the east coast of the United States, on several islands connected by bridges. The city itself is home to almost 9 million people. This city rightfully bears the title of “world capital”, because important political, economic and trade issues are resolved here.

The most active area, in which life is in full swing from morning until late at night, is Manhattan. Here, on Wall Street, financial tycoons decide the fate of the world, on Broadway, famous actors perform in famous theaters, and Fifth Avenue, with its many expensive shops and chic restaurants, attracts playmakers like butterflies. Times Square is always crowded.

New York constantly hosts various economic forums, political summits, world premieres, major sporting competitions, and fashion shows. The movement in this city never stops, and it seems that this is where the perpetual motion machine is located.

Skyscrapers, these glass-concrete jungles, are visible from afar. With their majestic appearance, they evoke the idea of ​​modern pyramids. The city's buildings themselves speak of its power and strength. Climbing to the upper floors you can see everything in full view.

Districts, blocks

It is divided into five administrative districts. The brain of the city is Manhattan, where the most important objects are concentrated. In Queens, city visitors step onto blessed soil through the air gates of two airports. Brooklyn has the highest population density, and the Russian diaspora is located here on Brighton Beach. North of Manhattan is the residential community of the Bronx. Staten Island represents the American dream - many private homes have been built here.

Manhattan

The most famous county in New York City for most people is New York City itself. Fifth Avenue runs through the center of the island - the personification of luxury and wealth, where famous jewelry stores and luxury hotels are located. The famous Rockefeller Center and the Metropolitan Opera building are also located here. Avid theatergoers will be delighted to catch Broadway productions. Madison Square Garden remembers the performances of many celebrities from the field of music and sports stars.

The Chrysler Building, shaped like a swordfish, is very beautiful. Another supergiant, the Empire State Building, rises above the ground with all its 102 floors. From its observation deck you can see sea vessels located at a distance of over 60 km. A special feature of this architectural giant is its ability to change the color of the facade to green in honor of St. Patrick's Day or the colors of the American flag on Independence Day.

New York once briefly became the capital of the United States, and Manhattan was home to the Congressional building where the first President, George Washington, swore allegiance to the people.

Hospitable hostess

The Statue of Liberty is one of the first to greet visitors to New York. This most famous woman in the United States was given as a gift by the French people as the personification of the unity of the ideas of the Great French Revolution and the War of Independence, which took place in the years preceding the formation of the United States.

Chinatown

The ubiquitous ethnic Chinese, as well as many other peoples, have settled in Manhattan. In addition to the inscriptions in English in Chinatown, all shop windows are also duplicated in Chinese. Having been here, you get the feeling that you were on an excursion in China: there are Chinese shops and restaurants everywhere, you can see roofs decorated in the form of Chinese pagodas.

In addition to Chinatown, New York has both Jewish and Italian with all the attributes of its historical homeland.

Holidays in New York

You can take a break from the bustle of the business city in Central Park, created in the English style. It's hard to believe that almost two hundred years ago there was no lake, lawns, forest or paths in this place. All this was created by human hands, not nature. Residents of the city love to jog along the paths of the park and boating on the lake. There are also bike paths, tennis courts, playgrounds, an ice skating rink, and skiing in winter.

What's delicious in New York

Thanks to the multinational composition of the city's residents, the cuisine of many nations of the world is represented here. Americans are especially fond of all kinds of meat dishes - steaks, beefsteaks, chops, as well as fast food - hot dogs and hamburgers.

Closes top largest cities in the world – . Despite the lack of capital status, it is the largest city in Brazil in terms of population, with over 11 million people living there. It is located in the southeast of the country on the coast of the Triete River, just 70 km from the Atlantic Ocean. The city itself is built on a multi-meter plateau, and is surrounded on all sides by tropical jungle.

The proximity of the ocean contributes to a mild climate, thanks to which the beach season lasts many months a year, which attracts numerous tourists. Throughout the year, the air temperature ranges from +18 to +30 degrees, the climate is humid, it often rains, so the vegetation amazes with its lush flowering. You can go from winter to the hot summer season by purchasing a tourist ticket to Sao Paulo for January-February.

- a kind of Brazilian Babylon, in which people of different races live: Arabs, Indians, Japanese, Africans. Despite their different origins, the inhabitants of São Paulo are united by one name: "Paulitas". This diversity of the population has contributed to the fact that you can meet many beautiful people on the streets of the city - after all, mixing of blood usually leads to this result. Such multinationality affected the diversity of architectural styles and the richness of local cuisine.

It has very beautiful ancient architecture, many museums, parks that coexist with modern skyscrapers. The city is the center of business activity in Brazil: many large firms and banks in Latin America have their headquarters here. For its booming industry and numerous skyscrapers, it received the honorable nickname of Latin American Chicago. The city's free spirit and leadership qualities are reflected in its motto “NON DVCOR DVCO - “I am not governed, but I govern.”

But Sao Paulo attracts the attention not only of businessmen, but also of art lovers. The Brazilian metropolis attracts them with a rich and intense cultural program. Every year the International Art Biennale is held here, which attracts over two million admirers.

Walking around the city, tourists notice not only impressive skyscrapers, luxurious restaurants, beautiful old colonial-style mansions, but also favela slums where many people live. But, despite such contrasts, the residents of Sao Paulo have a philosophical approach to life, rejoice in all its manifestations and dream of a better life, like the heroes of Brazilian TV series.

Main attractions of Sao Paulo

There are many attractions in São Paulo: the Catedral da Sé, Paulista Avenue, Praça da Sé, Pacaembu Stadium, Ibirapuera Park. They are mainly located in the historical center of the city and along Paulista Avenue. Visitors are surprised by the lack of outdoor advertising, which was banned in 2007: if not for skyscrapers, the city would lose the sense of time.

Avenue Paulista, which is translated from the official language of Brazil as “resident of Sao Paulo,” is the longest in Brazil, with a length of 3 km. Its layout is reminiscent of Wall Street in New York. Just like Wall Street, Paulista Avenue is the business and educational center of the business city. This is where the University of Sao Paulo is located with its campus, the largest in the country.

The Cathedral da Se, or Cathedral, is the largest jewel of the architectural circle of São Paulo, made in the neo-Gothic style. The interior of the cathedral is made of marble, and the capitals have a Brazilian flavor - they are decorated with coffee and pineapple beans, as well as sculptures of local fauna. Of particular value is the organ, the size of which is impressive.

Next to the ancient buildings there are also masterpieces of modern architecture - skyscrapers with from 36 to 51 floors. From the heights of such skyscrapers as Banespa, Italia, Miranti do Vali, a magnificent panorama of the city opens up. Tourists will appreciate the beauty of Sao Paulo while dining at one of the restaurants located in skyscrapers.

Like all Brazilians, Paulitas firmly believe in football, because football is the Brazilian religion. Pacaembu Stadium remembers the brilliant goals and passes of the “King of Football” Pele.

If you accidentally find yourself in the Liberdade district, you might think that you have moved to Japan: the streets here are decorated with lanterns, there are sushi bars and restaurants, and in souvenir shops you can buy netsuke and fans. Sakura blossoms in spring. There are many such ethnic corners in Sao Paulo, and each diaspora honors its own national traditions.

A whole day can be spent exploring the local museums; the most visited are the Paulista Museum, which displays many sculptures and photographs, the Painting Museum, the State Art Gallery and the Football Museum. Fans of contemporary art will be delighted to visit the museum, located in Ibirapuera Park. Here you can admire installations by artists from around the world and exhibits representing all of South America.

Sao Paulo: for body and soul

• In addition to Paris, Milan, New York, Fashion Week also visits Sao Paulo. After all, many famous models come from Brazil.
• Bavaria's Oktoberfest beer festival crosses the Brazilian border in October to bring a beer extravaganza to Sao Paulo.
• Like Rio de Janeiro, Sao Paulo holds its own carnival. This is a vibrant spectacle in which all samba schools compete.

Night city

Theater lovers can turn their attention to the Municipal Theatre, which is the city's main music stage. You can listen to symphonic music at the Julio Prestis Cultural Center.

Young people will be more attracted to the nightclubs in Vila Madalena and Pinheiros. In the evenings, many residents of Sao Paulo love to dance in national dance schools, where they teach the art of performing samba and salsa. Live music can be heard everywhere.

The most significant music event in São Paulo is the Virada Cultural festival, which is free to attend.

A holiday for the stomach

It is impossible to go hungry in Sao Paulo, as there are over one thousand restaurants in the city. Traditional Brazilian cuisine offers such dishes as shashlik kebabs, feijoada - a hot dish of meat, beans, vegetables and flour, embalaya meat, for dessert - bananas sprinkled with cinnamon, washed down with a caipirinha drink. Many restaurants serve European, Arabic and Japanese cuisine. You can taste pizza at almost every step, and even Pizza Day has been established.

The national drink is considered strong coffee, which is drunk without sugar to experience its true taste. From tropical fruits, juice bars in Sao Paulo prepare various refreshing drinks from juices to cocktails.

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Hello, dear readers of the site “I and the World”! We are glad to welcome you again! What do you think is the largest city in the world and what is its name? In our new article we want to talk about cities and present the top 10 largest in the world by area and population.

10th place - New York - 1214.4 sq. km

America starts the list. If you look at the population for 2017, the city is small - 8,405,837 people. Quite young, about 400 years old.

In the territory where New York is now located there were Indian tribes. Arrows, dishes and other Indian attributes are found here. Throughout the 19th century, emigrants from different countries came here, due to which it grew. It includes several islands, the largest of which is Manhattan. People of almost all religions live here, but Christians predominate.

We give 9th place to Mexico City – 1485 sq. km

The population of the capital of Mexico is 9,100,000 people. Mexico City was founded by the Aztecs in 1325. According to legend, the Sun God ordered them to come to this place.

At the beginning of the 16th century, Mexico City was the most beautiful in the Western Hemisphere until it was destroyed during the reign of Cortez, but was soon rebuilt. It is located at an altitude of more than 2000 km above sea level and is surrounded by mountains.

London is in 8th place – 1572 sq. km

London is the capital of Great Britain and the largest city in the country. It was founded in 43 AD. e. There are now 8,600,000 people living in London.

The terrible plague of the 17th century claimed about 70,000 lives. This is a place of remarkable historical and architectural monuments: the Tower, Buckingham Palace, St. Paul's Cathedral and others.

We put Tokyo in 7th place - 2188.6 sq. km

But the population is quite large - 13,742,906 people. Tokyo is one of the modern cities and the capital of Japan. Even if you live here for a month, you won’t see all the sights.

The main part is solid concrete and wires. Tokyo was inhabited by tribes of people back in the Stone Age. Over the course of several years from 1703 to 2011, Tokyo suffered many earthquakes, and as a result of one of them, 142,000 people died at once.

In 6th place is Moscow – 2561.5 sq. km

Moscow is the capital of the Russian Federation, located between the Oka and Volga rivers. 12,500,123 people live here. In terms of length, Moscow is quite long - 112 km. It is an important tourist center in Russia.

The age of the city is still unknown exactly, but there is evidence that the first settlements appeared on this territory around 8 thousand years BC. e.

Middle of the top - Sydney - 12144 sq. km

The development and history of Australia began with a small settlement. 200 years ago the navigator Cook landed here. Sydney is the largest metropolis and capital of the state of New South Wales.

The capital is home to 4,500,000 people. The city is located in one of the beautiful bays of the world, where business skyscrapers coexist with cozy beaches, which are always full of tourists.

In 4th place is Beijing – 16,808 sq. km

Beijing is the capital of the People's Republic of China. Huge and noisy, its population numbers 21,500,000 inhabitants.

In the 13th century, it was almost completely burned by Genghis Khan, but rebuilt 43 years later in a different place. Here is a famous architectural monument - the Forbidden City - the residence of the rulers.

At the beginning of the 20th century it was occupied by the Japanese. After Russia's victory in World War II and the fall of Japan, the capital became free again.

We give 3rd place to Hangzhou – 16847 sq. km

The city has 8,750,000 inhabitants. The metropolis is famous for its tea plantations and natural beauty.

Previously, it was the capital of China, and now it is a major religious center. In the 19th century, as a result of an uprising, it was partially destroyed and restored in the 50s, where industry began to rapidly develop.

Weaving folk items, harvesting tea leaves, and making bamboo products are still done by hand.

In second place is Chongqing – 82,300 sq. km

Chongqing is the largest city in the world in terms of population, with about 32 million people living here. The highest population density is 600 people per square meter. km.

The metropolis arose 3,000 years ago and at that time was the capital of the kingdom of Ba. Now it is a huge industrial center. There is a large base for the production of automobiles - 5 factories and 400 - for the production of car parts. Real estate construction here is proceeding at such a fast pace that 10 years of construction for Moscow is 1 year for Chongqing. Old buildings are being demolished very actively, and skyscrapers are appearing in their place. It is more business than architectural. And the main attraction is the overpasses that entangle the entire city.

We give 1st place to the unusual city of Ordos - 86,752 sq. km

Ordos is a ghost town. Where is the strange metropolis, the largest in territory, but empty? In China, it began to be built 20 years ago for people involved in the extraction and sale of coal.

A large city was built with museums, theaters, and a stadium. There is everything for the life of a city dweller here. But almost no one wanted to move here. Over the past few years, the number of people has increased to 300,000. There are so few inhabitants in the huge settlement that even in broad daylight, the streets are completely empty.

Beautiful, abandoned houses, museums, cinemas. There are even unfinished buildings - there is no one to build for. Everywhere is clean and well-groomed. And silence! A metropolis inhabited by “ghosts”. There are several of these in China.

Also, there are cities beyond the Arctic Circle and living there is quite cold. The largest “cold” city is in Russia - Murmansk - 154.4 square meters. km. It is quite small in size and has a population of 298,096 people.

We showed you the ranking of major cities in the world with photos and descriptions. Ten different megacities, with different numbers of inhabitants, different lengths and architecture. 2018 will be a new year for everyone and everything, and our rankings may change. In the meantime, if you liked the information, share it with your friends.

Do you know what is the largest city in the world?

Let those who don’t know try to guess, and those who know - I’ll give you a separate answer - “I won’t guess, I know!” Let’s start...

What is the largest city in the WORLD?

9 (5.0 % )

2 (1.1 % )

28 (15.5 % )

7 (3.9 % )

25 (13.8 % )

Buenos Aires

6 (3.3 % )

2 (1.1 % )

10 (5.5 % )

81 (44.8 % )

I won't guess, I KNOW!

11 (6.1 % )

Now let's find out the history of the largest city in the world...

Tokyo is the city that everyone who comes to Japan wants to see first in any case. A huge metropolis, with a population of 12 million people, it is one of the youngest of all major Japanese cities.

The word "Tokyo" translated from Japanese means "Eastern Capital". The city bearing this name is the capital of Japan and is an agglomeration located in the Kanto region, in the east of the main Japanese island of Honshu. It consists of 23 districts on the territory of the former independent administrative unit - Tokyo city. In 1943, the city of Tokyo was abolished as an administrative unit. Now these districts, together with the cities and municipalities of the western Tama region, as well as the southern islands of Izu and Ogasawara, form Tokyo Prefecture.

Archaeological excavations indicate that the place where the capital of Japan is now located was inhabited by ancient tribes back in the Stone Age. The early inhabitants of the Jomon period (10,000 BC) were fishermen, hunters, and farmers. This valley of abundance has now been swallowed up by a huge city on the shores of Tokyo Bay.

By 300, Japan was already more or less a single nation. The main life was concentrated in the Kansai region, where the cities of Kyoto, Nara, and Osaka are currently located. The eastern region of Kanto remained a distant, quiet backwater, forgotten by gods and people. It was not until the 12th century that a small Edo village was built on this site. The people who lived in these places were mainly engaged in fishing and actually lived on subsistence farming.

In 1457, on the site where the Eastern Garden of the Imperial Palace is now located, Ota Dokan began building a castle on the site of an old fort near the small Hibiya Bay. Ten years later, the devastating Onin War raged on the streets of the capital city of Kyoto. Many aristocrats left the capital and took refuge in the far eastern domains of Dokan. Even then, all the prerequisites were created for the transformation of the poor Edo village into a city, but Ota Dokan was killed, and his contribution to the development of the region was wasted.

But Tokyo in the 50s

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In 1543, Portuguese missionaries and traders first set foot on Japanese soil. By that time, the feudal lords (daimyo) had turned the country into a patchwork of independent provinces. One of the most powerful daimyos, Oda Nobunaga from Chubu Province, where the city of Nagoya is now located, quickly realized that the Portuguese could serve his ambitious plans in the struggle for power. The new religion - Christianity could be used in the fight against the power of Buddhist monks, in addition, Nobunaga found widespread use of firearms that the Portuguese brought with them. Oda was killed in 1581, but by that time he had managed to unite most of central Japan under his influence.

Nobunaga's work was continued by Toyotomi Hideyoshi, but he did not look so favorably on the spread of Christianity, organizing the persecution of its representatives.

The power of Toyotomi tried to challenge Tokugawa Ieyasu, who was the son of a dayyo who served the Oda clan, however, after an unsuccessful attempt, he concluded a truce with Toyotomi, for which he received eight provinces in the eastern region, including the entire Kanto region with the town of Edo. Toyotomi tried to weaken Tokugawa's influence in this way by excommunicating him from his native lands of Chubu Province, but Tokugawa took this gift as an opportunity to strengthen his power and decided to turn Edo into a real city.

After the death of Toyotomi Hideyoshi in 1598, power passed to his son, Toyotomi Hideyori. Tokugawa, having overthrown the heir and his followers in the legendary Battle of Sekigahara in 1600, seized real power. In 1603, the emperor awarded him the title of shogun (military ruler). The Tokugawa chose Edo as his capital, beginning the two-hundred-and-fifty-year reign of the Tokugawa clan known in Japanese history as the "Edo period" (1603-1868).

Under the Tokugawa shoguns, Edo developed at an unprecedented pace. Completed in 1637, Edo-jo Castle became the largest castle in the world during Ieyasu's lifetime. The Tokugawa seized power in the country for a long time. However, they wanted to be completely sure that not a single daimyo (as the rich feudal princes of that time were called) in a remote province could gain a foothold and become rich enough to usurp power. After all, this is what Tokugawa Ieyasu himself did in his time. The sankin kotai system was established, according to which each daimyo was required to live in Edo for a certain number of months a year “in front of” the shogun. Further more. When the feudal lord left for his province to put his personal affairs in order, he was obliged to leave his family in the capital, practically as hostages.

In the 17th century there were 270 daimyo in Japan, each maintaining several houses in Edo for family members and retinues, the opulent houses complemented by elaborate and extraordinarily expensive landscape gardens. Naturally, spending a huge amount of time and money traveling back and forth, maintaining luxurious residences both in the province and in Edo, it was difficult for the daimyo to plan anything against the shogun.

To satisfy the needs of this entire crowd of princes, samurai, and their servants, led by the shogun, traders and artisans from all over Japan rushed to the new capital. To settle them all, hills were torn down and swampy areas were filled with this earth, forming what is now called Ginza, Shimbashi and Nihombashi. By 1787, the population had risen to 1.3 million, and Edo had become one of the largest cities on Earth.

The shogunal government considered the spread of “free” ideas coming from the West, and primarily Christianity, dangerous. In addition, international trade was capable of uncontrollably enriching some daimyo. In 1633, the Tokugawa shogunate adopted a policy of complete isolation, slamming the country's doors to the outside world for more than 200 years. Foreigners were prohibited from entering the country and Japanese were prohibited from leaving it. Anyone who violated this regulation faced the death penalty. The only exception was a colony of tightly controlled Chinese traders in Nagasaki, and a handful of Dutch who were given a small trading post on a tiny island in Nagasaki.

The Edo period (1603-1867) was characterized by political stability, the country was completely controlled by the shogunate. Japanese society was divided into four classes: samurai, farmers, artisans and merchants. The manner of dressing, the neighborhoods to live in, and even turns of speech were strictly regulated, and moving from class to class was prohibited.

METRO scheme

The city was divided into two parts: the Upper City (Yamanote) and the Lower City (Shitamachi). Yamanote, which means "hand of the mountains", was home to the wealthy daimyo and their samurai, while the lower strata of society, which included merchants and artisans, inhabited the "lower city" of Shitamachi. Residents of Shitamachi and neighboring neighborhoods lived in dirty, squalid, closely packed plywood buildings with dirt floors.

Since Edo was largely made of wood, it goes without saying that fires, which the locals called Edo-no-hana (Edo flowers) with bitter irony, were a constant threat. In fact, it would be difficult to find a person who did not lose his home several times during his life. During the period 1603-1867, almost 100 major fires swept through the city, not counting countless local fires. One of the most tragic fires occurred in 1657 after three months of heat without a single rain. Swept by a strong wind, the flames consumed wooden buildings with thatched roofs one after another. The fire raged for three days and destroyed three quarters of the city. More than 100,000 people died then.

Despite their unenviable social position, the prosperity of the merchants grew steadily. They were forbidden to show off their wealth or to partake in the joys of life available only to samurai. In particular, they did not have the right to use the services of geishas. However, the money had to be spent somewhere. New types of luxury goods and new entertainment began to appear. The Kabuki theater very quickly gained extraordinary popularity, a new type of painting on wooden tablets appeared, Ukiyo-e engravings, expensive porcelain dishes, silk brocade for luxurious kimonos, lacquerware - all this was raised to the level of sublime art.

One of the hallmarks of that time was the entertainment districts, where samurai could find wine and women forbidden in Yamanote. The most legendary area was the Yoshiwara area, northeast of the current Asakusa area. Here the rich spent time with beautiful courtesans. During the Edo period, prostitution was legalized and, like everything else in feudal Japan, strictly controlled by the Tokugawa shogunate. Red light districts sprang up in various areas of Edo, but none could compete with Yoshiwara. Opened in 1657 in the middle of rice fields, far outside the city gates, Yoshiwara was a real "fun factory": about 3,000 courtesans worked here. They say that they were so skillful that men stayed with them for several days and, having lost their heads, often left entire fortunes here.

Many of these women, such as the famous courtesan named Tayu, were beautiful in their luxurious robes, weighing about 20 kg, including a huge obi (sash) tied in the front. Of course, not all of them voluntarily embarked on this path in the hope of getting rich: many were sold to brothels at an early age. To prevent these unfortunates from escaping, the area was surrounded by a moat of water, and entry or exit was possible only through a guarded gate. Courtesans were only allowed to leave the area once a year during the autumn festival. These "prisoners" were released only in 1900. The Yoshiwara district itself ceased to exist in 1957, when prostitution was banned in the country.

Another feature of Edo that has left its mark on today's Tokyo was the division of the large city into "machi" districts based on professional affiliation. Even today it is possible to stumble upon small enclaves that have a certain specialization. The most famous of these are Jimbocho, the bookstore district; Kappabashi, which sells kitchen utensils, and Akihabara, which now sells electronics and manga comics, and was previously a small retail and freight hub.

By the middle of the 19th century, it became clear that the feudal system had outlived its usefulness. Economic power by that time was concentrated in the hands of merchants, and money gradually entered into circulation more and more, along with rice. Many samurai clans went bankrupt and were dissatisfied with the policies of the shogunate.

Transforming Edo from a medieval city into a world-class capital required an outside push. This push came in 1854 with the American "black squadron" under the command of Matthew Perry. This military expedition arrived in Edo-wan (Tokyo Bay) on behalf of the President of the United States to demand the opening of Japan to international trade after centuries of isolation. Other Western countries soon followed the Americans. Forces dissatisfied with the regime of the Tokugawa dynasty took advantage of Western influence. In 1868, the 15th shogun of the Tokugawa dynasty was forced to abdicate power in favor of Emperor Mutsuhito (Meiji). The new Meiji government moved the capital from Kyoto to Edo Castle, renaming the city Tokyo (Eastern Capital).

This event was called the Meiji Restoration, since power again passed from the military to the emperor, and the country again received a single capital. Emperor Mutsuhito completely changed state policy, welcoming the export of ideas and technology from the West.

The Meiji Restoration was not a peaceful transfer of power. In Edo, some 2,000 Tokugawa loyalists attempted to resist the Imperial Guard forces at the brief Battle of Ueno. The battle took place in the vicinity of the picturesque Kanei-ji Temple, which, along with Zojo-ji, was one of the two family temples of the Tokugawa clan.

The word Meiji means "enlightenment", and the new rulers of Japan set a course for industrialization and militarization of society. In a relatively short time, known as the Meiji period (1868-1911), the country quickly moved from a feudal society of samurai and peasants to an industrial state. Samurai lost their power and privileges and were no longer allowed to carry swords. A government cabinet headed by a prime minister was created, a new constitution was drawn up (1889) and a parliament (Diet) was elected. The first railways were built (1872). At the invitation of the government, more than 10,000 specialists from England, the USA, Germany, and France came to Tokyo to transform the country into a modern society.

A modernization boom has begun in Tokyo. Everything changed: fashion, architecture, food, shops. For a while, everything Japanese was completely forgotten and pushed aside.

In record time, Japan achieved its first military victories over China (1894-95) and Russia (1904-05) and set itself on the path to Western empire with the annexation of Taiwan (1895), Korea (1910) and Micronesia (1914).

Taking the path of nationalism, Japan turned Shinto into a chauvinistic state religion. Buddhism was persecuted by the state at that time, and many priceless artifacts and temples were destroyed.

During the Meiji period and the subsequent Taisho period, the changes that took place throughout the country were most noticeable in the new capital. The rapid industrialization of Tokyo, united around the emerging huge industrial and trading conglomerate (zaibatsu), attracted job seekers from all over Japan, leading to rapid population growth. Electricity arrived in Tokyo in the 1880s. Formerly dirty neighborhoods were transformed into fashionable areas, such as Ginza, where the construction of brick buildings, new to the country, was carried out. In 1904, Mitsukoshi, the first Western-style Japanese department store, appeared, and the department store building in the Nihonbashi area (1914) was called the most grandiose building east of the Suez Canal.

However, although the Meiji Restoration sounded the death knell for the former Edo, two more events lay ahead that would erase the remaining traces of the old city. In the first half of the 20th century, Tokyo was almost completely destroyed twice: in 1923, the city was hit by a powerful earthquake (about 8 on the Richter scale), known as the Great Kanto Earthquake. Even more terrible than the tremors themselves was the fire that followed the earthquake, which lasted 40 hours and devastated the city, destroying about 300,000 houses. The disaster left behind 142,000 victims. Grim reminders of this event can be seen at the Kanto Earthquake Memorial Museum.

The city's reconstruction began almost immediately, following the wisdom that any business that did not resume operations within three days of the collapse had no future.

The second time a terrible disaster befell Tokyo was at the end of World War II: Allied bombs wiped out half the city, killing another 100,000 people.

Since the beginning of the reign of Emperor Hirohito (Showa Tenno) in 1926, Japanese society has been characterized by a rising tide of nationalistic fervor. In 1931, Japan invaded Manchuria, and in 1937 embarked on the path of open confrontation with China. In 1940, a tripartite agreement was signed with Germany and Italy and a new order for the Asian region was formulated: the Greater East Asian Mutual Prosperity Sphere. The project was based on the desire to create "a bloc of Asian peoples, led by Japan, and free from Western powers." On December 7, 1941, the Japanese attacked Pearl Harbor, thereby declaring war on the United States, their principal enemy in the Asia-Pacific region.

Despite initial successes, the war had disastrous consequences for Japan. On April 18, 1942, the first bombs fell on Tokyo. On the night of March 9-10, 1944, the city was subjected to an unprecedented raid, during which 2/5 of the capital was destroyed, almost the entire area of ​​the “lower city” Shitamachi” was turned into ruins. About 80,000 people died that night. Later, the Sensoji Buddhist Temple in Asakusa and the Meji Jingu Shinto Shrine were bombed. On August 15, 1945, Emperor Hirohito made a historic statement to the Japanese people about Japan's surrender. By this time, Tokyo was practically destroyed.

In 1943, the city of Tokyo was abolished as an administrative unit. During World War II, on November 24, 1944, the United States began bombing Tokyo. On February 25 and March 10, 1945, American bombers carried out heavy bombing attacks on the city. Entire areas of the city with traditional wooden architecture were destroyed and burned, killing over 100 thousand people. The historic imperial palace was also destroyed.

From September 1945 to April 1952, the city was occupied by American troops. Opposite the imperial palace was the headquarters of General Douglas MacArthur, who, as commander-in-chief of the Allied forces, led the occupation authorities. Tokyo then entered a period of rapid recovery and economic growth, which became especially intense after the outbreak of the Korean War.

The restoration of the Japanese capital from the ashes of World War II was like a miracle. True, Tokyo residents, again, as after the Great Kanto Earthquake, did not take advantage of the opportunity for a global reconstruction of the city to make the avenues and streets wider and more elegant, as happened, for example, in Nagoya, but built new houses on the site of old buildings.

During the occupation by American troops in the early post-war years, Tokyo resembled a huge cheap nightclub. Today's respectable areas such as Yurakucho were filled with so-called pan-pan girls (prostitutes), and the areas of Ikebukuro and Ueno became black market areas. A reminder of this can still be found at the Ameyoko Arcade in Ueno, where something like a cheap bazaar is still located.

Tokyo was recovering at an unprecedented pace, especially in the central regions. Tokyo residents were especially proud of hosting the 1964 Summer Olympics. During the preparation period, the city was engulfed in unprecedented construction. Many Japanese view this time as a turning point in the nation's history, with Japan fully recovering from the devastation of World War II to become a full member of the modern world economy.

Construction and modernization continued at a breakneck pace throughout the 70s, peaking towards the end of the 1980s, with rising property prices. The cost of land in Tokyo by that time exceeded the cost of the entire United States, and Japanese companies, enriched by real estate speculation, began to buy up many famous world entertainment brands, including the famous Pebble Beach Golf Course, Rockefeller Center, and the Columbia film studio. Pictures. By the early 1990s, the bubble burst and the Japanese economy experienced a long recession for more than 15 years.

The main problem of Tokyo and all of Japan is the decreasing birth rate and high population concentration. According to a published report in 2011, the birth rate has fallen again, falling to its lowest level since the Second World War, and in the capital it is even lower than the national average. The difference between mortality and birth rates exceeded 200,000 people. , at the same time, the percentage of the population of retirement age is steadily growing, which increases the burden of the social insurance and pension system. According to Japan's Ministry of National Affairs, in 2011, pensioners for the first time made up 23.3% of the country's total population. There are 21 million Japanese people over 70 years of age, and 8.66 million people over 80 years of age.

Despite the existing difficulties, Tokyo continues to develop dynamically. New subway lines and new mega-complexes like Tokyo Midtown are popping up. Modern Tokyo is a huge metropolis made of glass, concrete and steel, like all major cities in the world, looking like a huge anthill. A person who comes here for the first time unwittingly gets lost in this stone labyrinth. And yet, Tokyo can be unusually cozy if you turn away from the avenues crowded with cars and find yourself in one of the many gardens or parks, sandwiched between houses pressed closely together.

They say Tokyo has no face. Or maybe that’s part of its appeal: it can be different, changing at every step. History and modernity, traditions and Western innovations live here side by side, not interfering, but on the contrary, complementing each other and making this city unusually interesting and original.

With recent history Tokyo city One tragic event is connected: on March 20, 1995, members of the Aum Shinrikyo sect committed a terrorist attack using sarin gas in the Tokyo subway. In this case, 13 people were killed and over 6,200 people were injured.

According to the list of the most expensive cities to live as of 2009, which was published by the American financial and economic magazine Forbes, Tokyo is the most expensive city in the world.

Cities are usually measured by two parameters: number of inhabitants and area. The largest number of people live in the capital of Japan, Tokyo - 34 million. In second place is Mexico City (Mexico). And in third is New York (USA). But this ranking was compiled taking into account people who live in the suburbs and satellite cities. If you do not count them, then the picture changes. In this case, the South Korean city of Seoul becomes the largest city (10 million 231 thousand people), followed by Sao Paulo (Brazil) and Bombay (India). As for the territory occupied by the city, London is the leader here. Its area is 1580 square meters. In second place is Mexico City. Its area is 1547 square kilometers. This represents 0.5% of the area of ​​all of Mexico. And in third is Los Angeles (1206 square kilometers). The largest city in Russia is Moscow. Its area is 931 square kilometers and its population is 10 million people.

Tokyo is the largest city in the world, the capital of Japan, the only giant city in the world, containing over 40% of the country's population. The population continues to grow. Average population density is 800-1000 people. per 1 sq. km. According to the World Urbanization Prospects Revision (2007), this largest metropolis, as the most densely populated metropolitan area, will continue to remain Number One.

Tokyo Metropolitan Prefecture, which consists of 23 administrative districts, 26 cities, 7 towns and 8 villages, as well as the islands of Ogasawara and Izu, is located on the Kanto Plain on the Pacific coast of the island of Honshu.

Of course, the title of the largest city is very precarious - it depends on how you count it. There are many different ratings and options on the Internet. But I stopped for example at this

There are cities in the world with large populations. And nothing else if the city occupies a large territory and the population density in it is small. What if the city has very little land? It happens that the country is small, but there are rocks and the sea around the city? So the city has to build up. At the same time, the population per 1 square kilometer is growing rapidly. The city goes from simple to densely populated. We immediately note that it is population density that is taken into account here, while there are other ratings where megacities are located by area, number of inhabitants, number of skyscrapers, as well as many other parameters. You can find most of these ratings on LifeGlobe. We will go directly to our list. So, what are the biggest cities in the world?

Top 10 most populous cities in the world:

1. Shanghai

Shanghai is the largest city in China and one of the largest cities in the world, located in the Yangtze River Delta. One of the four cities under central control of the People's Republic of China, an important financial and cultural center of the country, as well as the world's largest seaport. By the beginning of the 20th century. Shanghai has grown from a small fishing town into the most important city in China and the third financial center in the world after London and New York. In addition, the city became a center of popular culture, vice, intellectual debate and political intrigue in Republican China. Shanghai is the financial and commercial center of China.

Market reforms in Shanghai began in 1992, a decade later than in the southern provinces. Before this, most of the city's income went irrevocably to Beijing. Even after the tax burden was reduced in 1992, tax revenues from Shanghai accounted for 20-25% of revenues from all of China (before the 1990s, this figure was about 70%). Today Shanghai is the largest and most developed city in mainland China. In 2005, Shanghai became the world's largest port in terms of cargo turnover (443 million tons of cargo).

According to the 2000 census, the population of the entire Shanghai area (including the non-urban area) is 16.738 million people, this figure also includes temporary residents of Shanghai, whose number is 3.871 million people. Since the previous census in 1990, Shanghai's population has increased by 3.396 million people, or 25.5%. Men make up 51.4% of the city's population, women - 48.6%. Children under 14 years old make up 12.2% of the population, the age group 15-64 years old - 76.3%, elderly people over 65 - 11.5%. 5.4% of Shanghai's population is illiterate.

In 2003, there were 13.42 million officially registered residents in Shanghai, and more than 5 million more. live and work in Shanghai unofficially, of which about 4 million are seasonal workers, mainly from Jiangsu and Zhejiang provinces. Average life expectancy in 2003 was 79.80 years (men - 77.78 years, women - 81.81 years).

Like many other regions of China, Shanghai is experiencing a construction boom. Modern architecture in Shanghai is distinguished by its unique style, in particular, the upper floors of high-rise buildings, occupied by restaurants, are shaped like flying saucers. Most of the buildings under construction in Shanghai today are high-rise residential buildings, varying in height, color and design. Organizations responsible for planning the development of the city are now increasingly focusing on the creation of green areas and parks within residential complexes to improve the quality of life of Shanghai residents, which is in keeping with the slogan of the World Expo 2010 Shanghai: “A better city - a better life.”

Historically, Shanghai was very Westernized, and now it is increasingly taking on the role of the main center of communication between China and the West. One example of this is the opening of the Pac-Med Medical Exchange, an information center for the exchange of medical knowledge between Western and Chinese health institutions. Pudong has houses and streets very similar to the business and residential areas of modern American and Western European cities. There are major international shopping and hotel areas nearby. Despite its high population density and large number of visitors, Shanghai is known for its very low crime rate towards foreigners.

As of January 1, 2009, the population of Shanghai is 18,884,600, if the area of ​​this city is 6,340 km2, and the population density is 2,683 people per km2.

2. Karachi

KARACHI, the largest city, main economic center and seaport of Pakistan, is located near the delta of the Indus River, 100 km from its confluence with the Arabian Sea. Administrative center of Sindh province. Population as of 2004: 10.89 million people. Originated in the early 18th century. on the site of the Baloch fishing village of Kalachi. From the end of the 18th century. under the rulers of Sindh from the Talpur dynasty, it was the main Sindh maritime and commercial center on the Arabian coast.

In 1839 it became a British naval base, in 1843-1847 - the capital of the province of Sind, and then the main city of the region, which was part of the Bombay Presidency. Since 1936 - the capital of the Sindh province. In 1947-1959 - the capital of Pakistan. The favorable geographical position of the city, located in a convenient natural harbor, contributed to its rapid growth and development during the colonial period and especially after the division of British India into two independent states in 1947 - India and Pakistan.

The transformation of Karachi into the main political and economic center of the country led to rapid population growth, mainly due to the influx of immigrants from outside: in 1947-1955. with 350 thousand people up to 1.5 million people. Karachi is the largest city in the country and is one of the largest cities in the world. The main trade, economic and financial center of Pakistan, seaport (15% of GDP and 25% of tax revenues to the budget).

About 49% of the country's industrial production is concentrated in Karachi and its suburbs. Factories: metallurgical plant (the largest in the country, built with the assistance of the USSR, 1975-85), oil refining, engineering, car assembly, ship repair, chemical, cement plants, pharmaceutical, tobacco, textile, food (sugar) industries (concentrated in several industrial zones : CITY - Sindh Industrial Trading Estate, Landhi, Malir, Korangi, etc.

The largest commercial banks, branches of foreign banks, central offices and branches of insurance companies, the stock and cotton exchange, offices of the largest trading companies (including foreign ones). International Airport (1992). The port of Karachi (cargo turnover over 9 million tons per year) serves up to 90% of the country's maritime trade and is the largest port in South Asia. Naval base.

The largest cultural and scientific center: university, research institutions, Aga Khan University of Medical Sciences, Hamdard Foundation Center for Oriental Medicine, National Museum of Pakistan, Navy Museum. Zoo (in the former City Gardens, 1870). Mausoleum of Quaid-i Azam M.A. Jinnah (1950s), Sindh University (founded in 1951, M. Ecoshar), Art Center (1960). Architecturally interesting are the central streets, built in the period between the world wars with buildings made from local pink limestone and sandstone.

Business center of Karachi - Shara-i-Faisal streets, Jinnah Road and Chandrigar Road with buildings mainly from the 19th and 20th centuries: the High Court (early 20th century, neoclassical), the Pearl Continental Hotel (1962), architects W. Tabler and Z. Pathan), State Bank (1961, architects J. L. Ricci and A. Kayum). To the northwest of Jinnah Road is the Old Town with narrow streets and one- and two-story houses. In the south is the fashionable area of ​​Clifton, built up mainly with villas. Buildings from the 19th century also stand out. in the Ingothic style - Frere Hall (1865) and Empress Market (1889). Saddar, Zamzama, Tariq Road are the main shopping streets of the city, where hundreds of shops and stalls are located. There are a significant number of modern multi-storey buildings, luxury hotels (Avari, Marriott, Sheraton) and shopping centers.

As of 2009, the population of this city was 18,140,625, area 3,530 km2, population density 5,139 people. per km.sq.

3.Istanbul

One of the main reasons for the transformation of Istanbul into a world metropolis was the geographical location of the city. Istanbul, located at the intersection of 48 degrees north latitude and 28 degrees east longitude, is the only city in the world that is located on two continents. Istanbul lies on 14 hills, each of which has its own name, but now we won’t bore you with listing them.

The following should be noted - the city consists of three unequal parts, into which it is divided by the Bosphorus and the Golden Horn (a small bay 7 km long). On the European side: the historical peninsula located in the south of the Golden Horn, and in the north of the Golden Horn - the districts of Beyolu, Galata, Taksim, Besiktas, on the Asian side - the "New City". There are numerous shopping and service centers on the European continent, and mostly residential areas on the Asian continent.

Overall, Istanbul, 150 km long and 50 km wide, has an approximate area of ​​7,500 km. But no one knows its true borders; it is about to merge with the city of Izmit in the east. With continuous migration from villages (up to 500,000 per year), the population is rapidly increasing. Every year, 1,000 new streets appear in the city, and new residential areas are built in the west-east axis.

The population is constantly increasing by 5% per year, i.e. Every 12 years it doubles. Every 5 residents of Turkey live in Istanbul. The number of tourists visiting this wonderful city reaches 1.5 million. The population itself is unknown to anyone; officially, according to the last census, 12 million people lived in the city, although now this figure has increased to 15 million, and some claim that 20 million people already live in Istanbul.

Tradition says that the founder of the city in the 7th century BC. There was a Megarian leader, Byzantus, to whom the Delphic oracle predicted where it would be better to establish a new settlement. The place really turned out to be very successful - a cape between two seas - the Black and Marmara, half in Europe, half in Asia. In the 4th century AD. Roman Emperor Constantine chose the settlement of Byzantium to build the new capital of the empire, which was named Constantinople in his honor.

After the fall of Rome in 410, Constantinople finally established itself as the undisputed political center of the empire, which since then was no longer called Roman, but Byzantine. The city reached its greatest prosperity under Emperor Justinian. It was a center of fabulous wealth and unimaginable luxury. In the 9th century, the population of Constantinople numbered about a million people!

The main streets had sidewalks and canopies, and were decorated with fountains and columns. It is believed that a copy of the architecture of Constantinople is represented by Venice, where bronze horses taken from the Constantinople Hippodrome after the sack of the city by the Crusaders in 1204 are installed on the portal of St. Mark's Cathedral. As of 2009, the population of this city was 16,767,433, area 2,106 km2, population density 6,521 people. per km.kv

4.Tokyo

Tokyo is the capital of Japan, its administrative, financial, cultural and industrial center. Located in the southeastern part of the island of Honshu, on the Kanto Plain in Tokyo Bay of the Pacific Ocean. Area - 2,187 sq. km. Population - 15,570,000 people. The population density is 5,740 people/km2, the highest among Japanese prefectures.

Officially, Tokyo is not a city, but one of the prefectures, or rather, a metropolitan area, the only one in this class. Its territory, in addition to part of the island of Honshu, includes several small islands to the south, as well as the islands of Izu and Ogasawara. Tokyo District consists of 62 administrative units - cities, towns and rural communities. When they say “Tokyo City,” they usually mean the 23 special districts included in the metropolitan area, which from 1889 to 1943 formed the administrative unit of the city of Tokyo, and are now themselves equated in status to cities; each has its own mayor and city council. The capital's government is headed by a popularly elected governor. The government headquarters is located in Shinjuku, which is the county seat. Tokyo is also home to the state government and the Tokyo Imperial Palace (also using the obsolete name Tokyo Imperial Castle), the main residence of the Japanese emperors.

Although the Tokyo area has been inhabited by tribes since the Stone Age, the city began to play an active role in history relatively recently. In the 12th century, local Edo warrior Taro Shigenada built a fort here. According to tradition, he received the name Edo from his place of residence. In 1457, Ota Dokan, ruler of the Kanto region under the Japanese shogunate, built Edo Castle. In 1590, Ieyasu Tokugawa, the founder of the shogun clan, took possession of it. Thus, Edo became the capital of the shogunate, while Kyoto remained the imperial capital. Ieyasu created long-term management institutions.

The city grew quickly and by the 18th century became one of the largest cities in the world. In 1615, Ieyasu's armies destroyed their opponents, the Toyotomi clan, thereby gaining absolute power for about 250 years. As a result of the Meiji Restoration in 1868, the shogunate came to an end; in September, Emperor Mutsuhito moved the capital here, calling it the “Eastern Capital” - Tokyo. This has sparked debate over whether Kyoto can still remain the capital. In the second half of the 19th century, industry began to develop rapidly, then shipbuilding.

The Tokyo-Yokohama railway was built in 1872, and the Kobe-Osaka-Tokyo railway in 1877. Until 1869 the city was called Edo. On September 1, 1923, a major earthquake (7-9 on the Richter scale) occurred in Tokyo and the surrounding area. Almost half of the city was destroyed, and a strong fire broke out. About 90,000 people became victims. Although the reconstruction plan turned out to be very expensive, the city began to partially recover. The city was again seriously damaged during World War II. The city was subjected to massive air attacks.

More than 100,000 residents died in one raid alone. Many wooden buildings burned down, and the old Imperial Palace was damaged. After the war, Tokyo was occupied by the military, and during the Korean War it became a major military center. Several American bases still remain here (Yokota military base, etc.). In the mid-20th century, the country's economy began to rapidly revive (what was described as an "Economic Miracle"), in 1966 it became the second largest economy in the world. The revival from war traumas was proven by the holding of the Summer Olympic Games in Tokyo in 1964, where the city showed itself favorably on the international stage.

Since the 70s, Tokyo has been overwhelmed by a wave of labor from rural areas, which led to further development of the city. By the end of the 80s, it became one of the most dynamically developing cities on Earth. On March 20, 1995, a sarin gas attack occurred in the Tokyo subway. The terrorist attack was carried out by the religious sect Aum Shinrikyo. As a result, over 5,000 people were injured, 11 of them died. Seismic activity in the Tokyo area has led to discussions about moving the capital of Japan to another city. Three candidates have been named: Nasu (300 km north), Higashino (near Nagano, central Japan) and a new city in Mie province, near Nagoya (450 km west of Tokyo).

A government decision has already been received, although no further action is being taken. Currently, Tokyo continues to develop. Projects to create artificial islands are being consistently implemented. The most notable project is Odaiba, which is now a major shopping and entertainment center.

5. Mumbai

The history of the emergence of Mumbai - a dynamic modern city, the financial capital of India and the administrative center of the state of Maharashtra - is quite unusual. In 1534, the Sultan of Gujarat ceded a group of seven unwanted islands to the Portuguese, who, in turn, gave them to the Portuguese princess Catarina of Braganza on the day of her wedding to King Charles II of England in 1661. In 1668, the British government surrendered the islands leased to the East India Company for 10 pounds of gold per year, and gradually Mumbai grew into a center of trade.

In 1853, the first railway line on the subcontinent was built from Mumbai to Thane, and in 1862, a colossal land development project turned seven islands into a single whole - Mumbai was on the path to becoming the largest metropolis. During its existence, the city changed its name four times, and for those who are not experts in geography, its former name is more familiar - Bombay. Mumbai, after the historical name of the area, reverted to its name in 1997. Today it is a vibrant city with a distinct character: a major industrial and commercial center, it still has an active interest in theater and other arts. Mumbai is also home to the main center of the Indian film industry - Bollywood.

Mumbai is the most populous city in India: in 2009, the city's population was 13,922,125 people. Together with its satellite cities, it forms the fifth largest urban agglomeration in the world with a population of 21.3 million people. The area occupied by Greater Mumbai is 603.4 sq. km. The city stretches along the coast of the Arabian Sea for 140 km.

6. Buenos Aires

Buenos Aires is the capital of Argentina, the administrative, cultural and economic center of the country and one of the largest cities in South America.

Buenos Aires is located 275 km from the Atlantic Ocean in a well-protected bay of La Plata Bay, on the right bank of the Riachuelo River. The average air temperature in July is +10 degrees, and in January +24. The amount of precipitation in the city is 987 mm per year. The capital is located in the northeastern part of Argentina, on flat terrain, in a subtropical natural zone. The natural vegetation of the city's surroundings is represented by tree and grass species typical of meadow steppes and savannas. Greater Buenos Aires includes 18 suburbs, with a total area of ​​3,646 square kilometers.

The population of the capital of Argentina proper is 3,050,728 (2009, estimate) people, which is 275 thousand (9.9%) more than it was in 2001 (2,776,138, census). In total, 13,356,715 people live in the urban agglomeration, including numerous suburbs immediately adjacent to the capital (2009 estimate). Residents of Buenos Aires have a half-joking nickname - porteños (literally, residents of the port). The population of the capital and its suburbs is growing rapidly, including due to the immigration of guest workers from Bolivia, Paraguay, Peru and other neighboring countries.

The city is very multinational, but the main division of communities occurs along class lines, and not along racial lines as in the United States. The majority of the population is Spanish and Italian, descendants of both the settlers of the Spanish colonial period from 1550-1815 and the larger wave of European immigrants to Argentina from 1880-1940. About 30% are mestizos and representatives of other nationalities, among which the following communities stand out: Arabs, Jews, English, Armenians, Japanese, Chinese and Koreans; there is also a large number of immigrants from neighboring countries, primarily from Bolivia and Paraguay, and more recently from Korea , China and Africa.

During the colonial period, groups of Indians, mestizos and black slaves were visible in the city, gradually disappearing into the southern European population, although their cultural and genetic influences are still noticeable today. Thus, the genes of modern residents of the capital are quite mixed compared to white Europeans: on average, the genes of residents of the capital are 71.2% European, 23.5% Indian and 5.3% African. Moreover, depending on the quarter, African admixtures vary from 3.5% to 7.0%, and Indian admixtures from 14.0% to 33%.

The official language in the capital is Spanish. Other languages ​​- Italian, Portuguese, English, German and French - have now practically fallen out of use as native languages ​​due to the mass assimilation of immigrants in the second half of the 19th - early 19th century. XX centuries, but are still taught as foreign languages. During the period of the massive influx of Italians (especially Neapolitans), the mixed Italian-Spanish sociolect Lunfardo became widespread in the city, which gradually disappeared, but left traces in the local linguistic version of the Spanish language (See Spanish in Argentina).

Among the city's religious population, the majority are adherents of Catholicism, a small part of the capital's residents profess Islam and Judaism, but in general the level of religiosity is extremely low, since a secular-liberal way of life predominates. The city is divided into 47 administrative districts, the division was initially based on Catholic parishes, and remained so until 1940.

7. Dhaka

The name of the city is derived from the name of the Hindu goddess of fertility Durga or from the name of the tropical tree Dhaka, which produces valuable resin. Dhaka is located on the northern bank of the turbulent Buriganda River almost in the center of the country and is more similar to the legendary Babylon than to the modern capital. Dhaka is a river port in the Ganges Brahmaputra delta, as well as a center for water tourism. Although travel by water is quite slow, water transport in the country is well developed, safe and widely used.

The oldest section of the city, lying north of the coastline, is an ancient trading center of the Mughal Empire. In the Old City there is an unfinished fortress - Fort LaBad, dating back to 1678, which houses the mausoleum of Bibi Pari (1684). It is also worth paying attention to the more than 700 mosques, including the famous Hussein Dalan, located in the old City. Now the old City is a vast area between the two main water transport terminals, Sadarghat and Badam Tole, where the experience of observing the daily life of the river is especially charming and interesting. Also in the old part of the city there are traditional large oriental bazaars.

The city's population is 9,724,976 inhabitants (2006), with its suburbs - 12,560 thousand people (2005).

8. Manila

Manila is the capital and main city of the Central Region of the Republic of the Philippines, which occupies the Philippine Islands in the Pacific Ocean. In the west, the islands are washed by the South China Sea, in the north they adjoin Taiwan through the Bashi Strait. Located on the island of Luzon (the largest in the archipelago), Metro Manila includes, in addition to Manila itself, four more cities and 13 municipalities.

The name of the city comes from two Tagalog (local Filipino) words "may" meaning "to appear" and "nilad" - the name of the original settlement located along the banks of the Pasig River and the bay. Before the Spanish conquest of Manila in 1570, the islands were inhabited by Muslim tribes who acted as intermediaries in Chinese trade with South Asian merchants. After a fierce struggle, the Spaniards occupied the ruins of Manila, which the natives set fire to escape from the invaders. After 20 years, the Spaniards returned and built defensive structures.

In 1595, Manila became the capital of the Archipelago. From this time until the 19th century, Manila was the center of trade between the Philippines and Mexico. With the arrival of Europeans, the Chinese were limited in free trade and repeatedly rebelled against the colonists. In 1898, the Americans invaded the Philippines, and after several years of war, the Spanish ceded their colony to them. Then the American-Philippine War began, which ended in 1935 with the independence of the islands. During the period of US domination, several enterprises in the light and food industries, oil refining plants, and the production of building materials were opened in Manila.

During World War II, the Philippines was occupied by the Japanese. The state gained final independence in 1946. Currently, Manila is the main seaport, financial and industrial center of the country. Factories in the capital produce electrical equipment, chemicals, clothing, food, tobacco, etc. The city has several markets and shopping centers with low prices, attracting visitors from all over the Republic. In recent years, the role of tourism has been growing.

As of 2009, the population of this city was 12,285,000.

9. Delhi

Delhi is the capital of India, a city with 13 million people that most travelers cannot miss. A city in which all the classical Indian contrasts are fully manifested - grandiose temples and dirty slums, bright celebrations of life and quiet death in the gateways. A city in which it is difficult for an ordinary Russian person to live for more than two weeks, after which he will begin to quietly go crazy - the incessant movement, general bustle, noise and din, the abundance of dirt and poverty will become a good test for you.

Like any city with a thousand-year history, Delhi has many interesting places worth visiting. Most of them are located in two districts of the city - Old and New Delhi, between which is the Pahar Ganj district, where most independent travelers stay. Some of the most interesting attractions in Delhi include the Jama Masjid, Lodhi Garden, Humayun Tomb, Qutab Minar, Lotus Temple, Lakshmi Narayana Temple, military fortresses Lal Qila and Purana Qila.

As of 2009, the population of this city was 11,954,217

10. Moscow

The city of Moscow is a huge metropolis, consisting of nine administrative districts, which include one hundred and twenty administrative districts. There are many parks, gardens, and forest parks on the territory of Moscow.

The first written mention of Moscow dates back to 1147. But settlements on the site of the modern city were much earlier, in a time distant from us, according to some historians, by 5 thousand years. However, all this belongs to the realm of legends and speculation. No matter how everything happened, in the 13th century Moscow was the center of an independent principality, and by the end of the 15th century. it becomes the capital of the emerging unified Russian state. Since then, Moscow has been one of the largest cities in Europe. For centuries, Moscow has been an outstanding center of all-Russian culture, science, and art.

The largest city in Russia and Europe by population (population as of July 1, 2009 - 10.527 million people), the center of the Moscow urban agglomeration. It is also one of the ten largest cities in the world.

February 15, 2013 | Categories: Places , Topper

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