1980 Megacities

In 1980, the world’s megacities—urban areas with populations exceeding 10 million—were rare and primarily concentrated in the Global South, reflecting both historical growth and rapid urbanization trends. Tokyo stood as the largest, with over 17 million residents, its expansion fueled by postwar economic boom and efficient infrastructure. New York City, with roots as a colonial port, remained a global hub with about 15 million in its metropolitan area, though its growth had slowed compared to earlier decades. Mexico City surged past 13 million, its explosive growth tied to rural migration and industrialization, but also plagued by pollution and housing shortages. São Paulo and Shanghai were emerging megacities, each surpassing 10 million, shaped by waves of migration and economic transformation. While cities like London and Paris had once dominated global urban rankings, their populations stabilized or declined due to suburbanization and demographic shifts. The 1980s marked a pivotal era when megacities became emblematic of both opportunity and challenge, setting the stage for the even more dramatic urban growth that would define the late 20th and early 21st centuries.

Data from UN World Urbanization Prospects