01/28/2016 at 15:54 · Pavlofox · 89 810

Top 10 largest cities in the world by area

Exploring cities is an extremely interesting activity. Each of them has its own history, and they are all so different: industrial giants, resort areas and tiny provincial towns. But among them there are largest cities in the world by area And. We'll find out who made it into our top 10 later.

Let us note right away that it is quite difficult to determine the boundaries of the territories of modern cities and make a rating of the largest of them. To be as accurate as possible, the researchers use a so-called light footprint - this is an area of ​​​​artificial illumination of a populated area and its suburbs from the height of an airplane. Satellite maps are also used, which clearly show cities and rural areas that are not included in them.

10. London | Area 1580 km²

The list of the largest cities in the world by area opens with the capital of the foggy Albina. It is the largest metropolis in the European Union and the leading financial, political and economic center of the country. It occupies an area of ​​about 1580 square kilometers. London is a favorite place for tourists who want to see Buckingham Palace, Big Ben, the famous Royal Guards and many other equally interesting attractions.

9. Sydney | Area 2037 km²

Ninth place in the ranking of the largest cities in the world by area is Sydney. It covers an area of ​​2037 square kilometers. In many rankings it occupies a leading position as the largest metropolis. The fact is that the Australian Bureau of Statistics includes the nearest national parks and the Blue Mountains in Sydney. As a result, Sydney's formal territory is 12,145 square kilometers. Be that as it may, it is the largest metropolis in Australia and Oceania.

8. Tokyo | Area 2189 km²

In 8th place among the largest cities in the world by area, it occupies an area of ​​2189 square kilometers. The capital of Japan is the most important economic, political and cultural center of the “Land of the Rising Sun”. Tokyo is an incredibly beautiful city in which modernity and antiquity are closely intertwined. Here, next to ultra-modern high-rise buildings, you can find tiny houses on narrow streets, as if straight out of ancient engravings. Despite the severe earthquake of 1923 and the destruction caused to the city during World War II, Tokyo is one of the fastest growing modern metropolises.

7. Karachi | Area 3530 km²

The Pakistani port city with an area of ​​3,530 square kilometers ranks 7th in the list of the largest metropolises in the world. It is the first capital of Pakistan and the main industrial, financial and commercial center of the state. At first XVIII century Karachi was a small fishing village. After Karachi was captured by British troops, the village quickly grew into a major port city. Since then, it has grown and played an increasingly important role in the country's economy. These days, due to the influx of migrants, overpopulation has become one of the main problems of the metropolis.

6. Moscow | Area 4662 km²

– in 6th place in the list of the largest cities in the world by area. The capital of Russia is considered the second largest city in Europe after Istanbul. The area of ​​the metropolis is 4662 square kilometers. This is not only the political and financial, but also the cultural center of the country, attracting a huge number of tourists.

5. Istanbul | Area 5343 km²

The center of trade and industry, as well as the main port of Turkey, with an area of ​​5343 square kilometers, ranks 5th in the ranking of the largest cities in the world. It is located in a picturesque location - on the shores of the Bosphorus Strait. Istanbul is a unique city, which at one time was the capital of four great empires and is located simultaneously in Asia and Europe. There are many beautiful ancient monuments here: the thousand-year-old St. Sophia Cathedral, the majestic Blue Mosque, the luxurious Dolmabahce Palace. Istanbul amazes with the abundance of a wide variety of museums. Since most of them are located in the center, it is convenient for many tourists to combine their visit with walks around this beautiful city.

4. Brasilia | Area 5802 km²

It ranks fourth in the ranking of the largest megacities in the world by area. The city is located on an area of ​​5802 square kilometers. The city received the status of capital of the Republic of Brazil relatively recently - in 1960. The construction of the metropolis was planned in such a way as to attract people to sparsely populated areas and develop them. Therefore, Brazil is located far from the main economic and political centers of the country.

3. Shanghai | Area 6340 km²

With a territory of 6340 square kilometers, it ranks third in the list of the largest cities in the world by area. Shanghai is inhabited by about 24 million people. This is one of the most interesting and unusual Chinese cities. It can be said to reflect modern China - energetic, fast-growing and future-oriented. Shanghai is one of the largest shopping centers in the world.

2. Guangzhou | Area 7434 km²

The Chinese metropolis with an area of ​​7434.4 square kilometers ranks second in the ranking of the largest cities in the world. It is the industrial, political and cultural center of the southern regions of China. Population: approximately 21 million people. Guangzhou has a thousand-year history. Previously in Europe the city was known as Canton. The maritime part of the Great Silk Road began from here. The city has long provided refuge for all those who opposed state power and often became the center of unrest against the power of the Beijing emperors.

1. Beijing | Area 16,801 km²

The largest city in the world by area is one of the most significant settlements in China. The total area of ​​the giant metropolis is 16,801 square kilometers. Almost 22 million people live in Beijing. The city harmoniously combines antiquity and modernity. It has been the residence of Chinese rulers for three thousand years. Ancient monuments are carefully preserved in the very center of the metropolis, where everyone can admire them. Particularly interesting is the former residence of the emperors of China, the Forbidden City. This is the main attraction of the city, which is visited annually by more than 7 million tourists from all over the world.

While preserving ancient and medieval buildings and monuments, Beijing is developing as a modern high-tech metropolis.

Readers' Choice:

In the world today there are more than 2.6 million cities, the population of which can amount to tens of millions of inhabitants, or may not exceed twenty citizens. In the world ranking of the most populated cities, Russia is in eleventh place with 12.3 million people living in Moscow. The first ten places were distributed among such countries as China, India, Pakistan, Nigeria, Turkey, Japan.

1. Chongqing

Chongqing takes first place in the ranking of the largest cities by population in the world, with 53.2 million people and an area of ​​82.4 thousand km 2. The settlement is located in China, in terms of the number of inhabitants and territory, significantly ahead of all other cities, at the confluence of the Yangtze and Jialingjiang rivers; in total, about eighty rivers flow through the city and its suburbs. The city is 470 km long and 450 km wide. The urbanized area of ​​Chongqing occupies 1,473 km 2 . The city consists of 26 districts, 8 counties and 4 autonomous okrugs.

2. Shanghai

The second largest city in terms of population is also occupied by a Chinese city, which is Shanghai. 24.152 million people live on an area of ​​6.34 thousand km2. Located in the eastern part of the country in the Yangtze River Delta, the city is a major seaport and the most important cultural and financial center of the state. Shanghai is divided into 17 districts, to the east of the city is the East China Sea. The economic development of this locality is carried out according to a unique system, including several designated growth zones corresponding to certain areas of industry, trade or science.

3. Karachi

The third position in the ranking of the largest cities is occupied by Karachi, a port city in Pakistan with a population of 23.5 million people. It is an important banking and industrial center in the country, significantly influencing the economic development of the state. The area of ​​the city occupies 3530 km2. Karachi is the largest educational center in South Asia. The settlement is located on the coast of the Indian Ocean, in particular the Arabian Sea. The city belongs to the Sindh province and has a three-tier division principle; it includes 18 tehsils.

4. Beijing

The capital of China, Beijing, with a population of 21.7 million people, ranks fourth in the world in terms of population. The area of ​​the territories is estimated at 16.8 thousand km 2. For China, the city has the most important political, cultural, and transport significance. The administrative division includes 14 regions and 2 counties. Beijing's architecture has a bizarre mixture of styles, including a fusion of 50s buildings with the latest skyscrapers with a futuristic appearance. The city's rich history has made it a global tourist destination with an ever-increasing flow of foreign tourists.

5. Delhi

Located in northern India on the Jumna River, the city of Delhi with a population of 16.3 million people occupies fifth position in the ranking. The settlement is distinguished by its multinational composition and mixture of cultural traditions. The city's economy is entirely dependent on the activities of various ethnic groups. Delhi is home to more than 60,000 monuments of global significance. The area of ​​the city occupies 1483 km 2, the territory is divided into three city corporations. Delhi has nine districts, each comprising three districts. The city is a National Capital Region.

6. Lagos

Nigeria's most populous city, Lagos is the sixth most populous city in the world. With 15.1 million citizens, the settlement is recognized as the largest in Africa. Until 1991, the city with an area of ​​999.5 km2 was the capital of Nigeria. Lagos has a complex location, occupying the territory of islands and the coast of the Atlantic Ocean. The city includes 16 local government areas, almost entirely occupying the state of the same name. Almost 50 percent of Nigeria's industry is located in this locality, and the city is recognized as the center of the national film industry.

7. Istanbul

Istanbul ranks seventh in the world in terms of population, with a population of 13.8 million people. An important cultural and industrial center of Turkey, the country's major port is located on the shores of the Bosphorus Strait. The area of ​​the settlement occupies an area of ​​5343 km 2 . The city is located in Europe and Asia, in the former there are two urban districts, in the latter there are 35 districts. Most of the residents profess Islam, while the townspeople are loyal to foreign citizens who unintentionally violate religious traditions.

8. Tokyo

In eighth place in the ranking of large cities in the world is Tokyo with 13.3 million inhabitants. The capital of Japan has an area of ​​2,188 km 2 and is located on the island of Honshu on the Pacific coast. The city is a prefecture of the country and has the most important economic, cultural and financial importance for the state. Tokyo ranks among the world's leading cities in terms of urban economic growth. The city includes 23 special districts, 26 cities, 1 county and 4 districts. Some of Tokyo's administrative units are located on other islands.

9. Guangzhou

Located in the south of China, the city of Guangzhou and the administrative center of Guangdong province with a population of 13 million people occupies an area of ​​7434 km 2. The settlement is a major commercial and industrial center, a seaport of the South China Sea, and a city with more than 2000 years of history. Administratively, Guangzhou is divided into ten districts and two counties. The tourism industry has a significant impact on the economic development of the city; the settlement is known beyond the borders of China and is popular among foreign guests.

10. Mumbai

The tenth place in the ranking of the largest cities is occupied by Mumbai. The settlement, located on the coast of the Arabian Sea, has a population of 12.4 million people. The area of ​​the territories exceeds 600 km 2 . Mumbai is located in the western part of India and is an important international transport center and major seaport. In the life of the state, a settlement plays a decisive cultural and economic role. Mumbai consists of two parts, the city itself and the suburbs, which are administratively divided into 23 districts.

Our planet is amazing and beautiful. There are hundreds of countries and several million cities on the globe. Among them there are old and young, traditional and ultra-modern, attractively charming and frighteningly dangerous. Today we will go on a short trip to the largest metropolises in the world.

The largest cities in the world by area

Have you ever wondered what the largest city on earth is and where it is located? We will tell you about the wonderful and unusual corners of our planet. This is a ranking of the 10 largest settlements on earth by territory.

Kinshasa, Congo – 9,965 km²

Kinshasa is the capital of the Democratic Republic of the Congo. Most of its area is rural and sparsely populated. Kinshasa is the most French-speaking city, beating even Paris.

The population is growing rapidly, and if 5 years ago there were 9.4 million people living here, then in 80 years this figure could increase to 83.5 million.

Melbourne, Australia – 9,990 km²

Melbourne is the southernmost million-plus city in the world. The city was founded as an agricultural settlement, but quickly grew into the cultural and industrial capital of Australia.

And in 2017, it was awarded the title of the most comfortable city in the world to live in. This is where tourists leave the most money. And this is not surprising, because major sports tournaments and various festivals often take place here, between which you can move along the largest tram network in the world.

Tianjin, China – 11,943 km²

One of the largest cities in China. Emperors of many dynasties loved it when they came here to rest. However, in modern Tianjin you can relax no worse than the rulers of ancient China. There are gardens, parks, temples, and rivers here. Here you can meet rare birds, a huge Buddha statue, kites and listen to the masters of Peking Opera.

Sydney, Australia – 12,367.70 km²

The capital of Australia, and also its largest, oldest and most expensive city. Sydney has the honor of hosting international sporting and political events. Here you can find entertainment for every taste. There are beaches, theaters, sports grounds, parks and much more.

Here you can also visit the world's highest landmarks - the TV tower and the headquarters of a large insurance company. At the top of the TV tower, you can dine at the revolving restaurant and enjoy breathtaking views of the city.

Al Ain, UAE – 15,100.00 km²

The city of Al Ain is located in Abu Dhabi and is a popular tourist destination. It has the largest population of people in the United Arab Emirates. The name of the city is translated as “stream”, which completely cuts off its essence.

Al Ain has a large number of parks, gardens, oases, streets lined with a variety of trees and flowers, and there are hot and mineral springs. One of the main attractions is Mount Jebel Hafeet with an observation deck at the top.

Asmara, Eritrea – 15,061 km²

Eritrea is located on the Red Sea coast and is the youngest state in Africa. In 1889, Asmara was colonized by the Italians, which affected its appearance. The city was nicknamed little Rome. Its houses are painted in soft pastel colors, wide streets and squares run along the city, and the center is decorated with a neo-Romanesque cathedral. There is a mosque, a synagogue, and an Orthodox church here.

Asmara is a cosmopolitan city. It is considered one of the safest African capitals. A large number of UN peacekeepers are stationed here on a permanent basis, and the locals are friendly and open in a European way.

Note!

Tourists visiting Asmara should first visit the volcanic field. This is the main attraction of the country.

Brisbane, Australia – 15,826 km²

Brisbane is surrounded by the Pacific Ocean's Moreton Bay and the Brisbane River. It is included in the top 100 global cities in the world. Brisbane is a modern metropolis where you can still meet local Aboriginal people. The climate here is mild and the sun almost always shines. Therefore, at any time you can safely go on a river cruise or relax on one of the many beaches.

Beijing is the heart of China and one of the oldest capitals of our planet. This city combines the frantic rhythm of a modern city and oriental traditions. Huge skyscrapers and ancient temples, beautiful gardens and major highways coexist here.

Beijing is the country's largest transport hub. Unfortunately, due to the large flow of traffic and exhaust fumes, as well as the huge number of industrial sites, Beijing has become one of the most polluted cities in the world. It is almost always shrouded in smog, and tap water is strictly forbidden to drink. Despite all this, 56 different nationalities live here and a huge number of tourists come every year.

Huangzhou, China – 16,842 km²

Huangzhou is the largest center of science and education in China. Research centers, institutes are located here, high-tech devices, textiles, cars and much more are created and produced.

There is also a fair of imported and exported goods. Well, where, if not here, could the best textile market in China be located? Huangzhou is also home to the world's second tallest TV tower and the longest metro line on the planet.

Chongqing, China – 82,403 km²

The largest city in the world. Oddly enough, but as huge as it is, it is also little known to the general public. Chongqing's area is equal to that of Austria, and 98% of it is occupied by agricultural and suburban areas.

The city is dominated by hilly terrain and has a large number of rivers. More than 30 million people live in the largest city on the planet. Most of them are localized in the so-called urban or city zone, occupying only 1.79% of the total area of ​​the city.

The most populated cities in the world

The huge size of some cities does not mean that their entire territory is inhabited. Below is the top 10 most populated cities on the planet according to 2018 data.

Moscow, Russia – 16,855,000 people

Moscow is the Russian capital. The largest city in Russia by population, the most populous city in Europe and the largest Russian-speaking city in the world. Despite the fact that it is not included in the list of the largest cities in the world, it continues to attract new residents and grow. Life is in full swing here.

The concrete jungle is diluted with a large number of green areas. Each street has its own history, which numerous tourists rush to get acquainted with. Moscow is the tourist, sports, economic and political center of the largest country on the planet.

Mexico City, Mexico - 20,565,000 people

The capital of Mexico and the largest Spanish-speaking city in the world. Mexico City is historically one of the most densely populated cities on the planet, as it occupies a very small area. The population density here is almost 6,000 people per 1 square kilometer. This is due to the fact that the city is an economic center and various manufacturing enterprises are located in it.

New York is a global center of economics, politics and fashion. It is called the capital of the world. The offices of the largest companies in various industries are located here. The city is known for its skyscrapers, the Statue of Liberty and the frantic pace of life. It is divided into 5 districts, each of which has its own unique features and memorable atmosphere.

New York has a lot to offer, which is why a huge number of tourists, businessmen, musicians and other people come here to grab a piece of the American dream.

Mumbai, India - 23,265,000 people

The city, located on the coast of the Arabian Sea, is called the most cosmopolitan city on the planet. Despite the incredible population, people continue to arrive here. But in Mumbai, more than 20,000 people live within 1 square kilometer.

The city is a record holder not only for population density. Here is the world's largest tropical forest, the largest slums in Asia, and an unforgettable national flavor. The city also attracts film lovers, because Mumbai (formerly Bombay) is Bollywood.

Shanghai, China – 24,115,000 people

Shanghai is the largest city in China by population. The world's largest port and the longest sea bridge are located here. The country's major financial and cultural facilities are concentrated in this city.

Shanghai attracts lovers of shopping and gastronomy. There are numerous shopping areas and the best restaurants where you can try the whole variety of national cuisine.

Unlike other major cities in China, the air here is relatively clean. Every year, about 3 million people migrate from more distant parts to Shanghai. 5% of city residents are illiterate.

Seoul, South Korea – 24,210,000 people

Seoul is a developed and safe Asian metropolis that attracts tourists and residents of other cities in the Republic of Korea. It is East Asia's leading financial center. The headquarters of major corporations are located here.

Cosmetics, household chemicals and electronics produced by Korean brands have won the love of consumers all over the world. Huge shopping centers with original Korean products make this city a paradise for shopping lovers.

The capital is developing very quickly, providing more and more people with jobs. Also, a large number of students from all over South Korea come to the city, because the most prestigious universities in the country are located here.

Manila, Philippines - 24,650,000 people

Delhi is the second largest city in India and its capital. Cultures and eras are mixed here. The population is multinational. Several languages ​​and ten dialects are spoken here, and all possible religions are practiced.

There are several thousand architectural monuments in the city. Tourists can spend time in comfort, walking through shopping centers, relaxing in cozy restaurants and enjoying the unusual Indian flavor. But many city residents live below the poverty line.

Slums have become a peculiar landmark of Delhi. They are home to more than 4 million people, most of whom are unemployed. The slums have a very low standard of living and a high crime rate, so tourists are advised to avoid this place.

Interesting!

Jakarta is the capital of the largest Muslim state in the world. It is also the largest city without a metro. Therefore, the multi-million population moves along surface highways, creating endless traffic jams. As in other large cities, wealth and poverty coexist here.

On the streets of the city you can meet representatives of various cultures and religions. There are many architectural monuments and modern buildings here. The Indonesian capital experiences frequent heat waves and smog, from which you can escape in a national park with a beach, water park and aquarium.

Tokyo, Japan – 38,050,000 people

The capital of Japan and the most populous city in the world. Center for Advanced Technologies and the Future. Tokyo is divided into 23 districts with their own municipal government. During the daytime, the outskirts of the city are empty, and the central areas are filled with workers and students.

The life of this metropolis does not stop either day or night, filling the streets with streams of people. The longest metro in the world runs underground here. However, even it is not able to fully accommodate everyone who wants to ride. Tokyo is not only a densely populated city, but also the most expensive city in the world. But here you can buy everything: from the latest developments in the field of robotics to small national souvenirs.

Conclusion

Oddly enough, megacities, which occupy a large area, have fewer people living than smaller cities. This is due to the fact that most of the landscape may be occupied by mountains, forests or nature reserves that are not intended for urbanization, that is, the construction of modern cities.

We can see that the largest cities, both in number and in territory, are located mainly in dynamically developing Asia. And, for example, in Europe there are almost no large settlements.

But don’t forget that demographics are changing rapidly and data is becoming outdated. Some countries and cities are developing so quickly that in a few years they can easily surpass the current record holders.

It is quite possible that in 10 years we will see a completely different picture, and the ranking of the largest cities in the world will look completely different.

Video on topic

The list of the largest cities in the world depends on the criterion by which this rating is formed. For example, the CITYMAYORS analytical center takes into account only the population living in urban areas.

But the DEMOGRAPHIA WORLD URBAN AREAS rating is formed annually taking into account people living both in the city and in the suburbs. Recently, the cities of the world have long been intertwined with the surrounding territories, forming an agglomeration. Thus, the largest agglomerations in the world as of 2019 are:

1. Tokyo - 37.5 million people

The largest agglomeration in the world, which includes not only the densely populated territory of Tokyo, but also 87 adjacent cities associated with it. Many industrial, financial, and cultural centers throughout the country are concentrated here. It is located in the southeastern part of the island of Honshu.

2. Jakarta, 34 million people

Jakarta is the capital and largest city of Indonesia, the second largest city in the world by population, with about 32 million people. It is located on the northwestern coast of the island of Java. Jakarta's population is growing rapidly - it has increased almost 17 times since 1930.

3. Delhi, 27 million people

A city located in northern India on the banks of the Jumna River with a population of more than 27 million people. Delhi is a cosmopolitan city, home to a wide variety of ethnic groups and cultures, as well as a wealth of monuments, ancient architecture and cultural heritage sites.

4. Manila, 25 million people

The capital of the Philippines is one of the largest cities in the world and ranks 4th in the ranking. 25 million people live here. Manila is the most populous city with the highest population density in the world.

5. Seoul, 24 million people

The capital of South Korea, Seoul, ranks fifth in terms of the number of people living. The Seoul-Incheon agglomeration is home to about 23.5 million people. The city is located on the Han River and is the main political, economic and cultural center of the Republic of Korea, and one of the leading financial centers in East Asia.

6. Mumbai 23 million people

Mumbai is a major link in international communication routes. The city has a deep natural harbor and is the largest port in western India. Mumbai is one of the most important economic and cultural centers in India. This is a city of great contrasts, with a population of about 23 million people.

7. Shanghai, 22 million people

The largest city and financial center of China and the largest seaport on the planet. Shanghai is a vibrant, dynamic city, with many events, conferences, and festivals constantly taking place here. The population of Shanghai by 2019 is 22 million people.

8. New York, 21.5 million people

A city known throughout the world for its financial, economic, political, architectural, and cultural centers. Its territory is home to 21.5 million people. Population density is 10,654 people/km²

9. Sao Paulo, 21 million people

The capital of Brazil, São Paulo, is Brazil's main economic, corporate, transport and financial center and the country's richest city. The city hosts numerous representative offices of the world's leading corporations.
A modern large city with a large number of business centers and skyscrapers. The population of Sao Paulo is ethnically very diverse and amounts to 21 million people

10. Mexico City, 20.3 million people

Mexico City is the densely populated highland capital of Mexico and one of the largest cities in the world. The Mexico City agglomeration, in addition to the Federal District, which consists of 16 districts, includes about 40 state municipalities.
The city is home to 20.3 million people. Mexico City is the main cultural, economic and political center for the country.

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