2010 Megacities

In 2010, the world’s megacities—urban areas with populations exceeding 10 million—were emblematic of rapid urbanization, especially in Asia and the Global South. Tokyo remained the largest, with over 35 million in its metropolitan area, reflecting Japan’s postwar economic boom and sustained urban migration. Cities like Mumbai, Delhi, Shanghai, Beijing, and São Paulo had surged past the 10 million mark, driven by rural-to-urban migration and burgeoning economies. While Tokyo and New York, both with histories as economic powerhouses since the 19th and early 20th centuries, saw slower population growth, newer megacities such as Lagos, Karachi, and Dhaka experienced explosive increases, often outpacing infrastructure development. These trends highlighted a shift: whereas 20th-century megacities were concentrated in developed nations, by 2010, the majority were in developing countries, reflecting global demographic and economic transformations. Each megacity’s history shaped its growth—Shanghai’s colonial past, Mexico City’s Aztec and Spanish roots, and Cairo’s ancient legacy all influenced their urban forms and challenges, from congestion to housing shortages.

Data from UN World Urbanization Prospects