This article lists the most populous cities in the world defined according to a concept of city proper. A city proper is a locality defined according to legal or political boundaries and an administratively recognised urban status that is usually characterised by some form of local government. Cities proper and their boundaries and population data may not include suburbs.
Rank 1: Shanghai (China) - Population: 24,150,000
Rank 2: Karachi (Pakistan) - Population: 23,500,000
Rank 3: Lagos (Nigeria) - Population: 21,324,000
Rank 4: Delhi (India) - Population: 16,787,941
Rank 5: Istanbul (Turkey) - Population: 14,377,019
Rank 6: Tokyo (Japan) - Population: 13,297,629
Rank 7: Tianjin (China) - Population: 12,938,224
Rank 8: Guangzhou (China) - Population: 12,700,800
Rank 9: Mumbai (India) - Population: 12,478,447
Rank 10: Moscow (Russia - Population: 12,197,596