Largest city in africa by area. 4 million . You’ll be shocked at how populated some of these cities are. Table 2 also shows how the largest cities in Africa in 2020 rank in the 1800 list. Retrieved 29 April 2019. Forty-one countries have one or more of the 100 largest cities; 22 countries have one, and all but one of these are national capitals. With in excess of 1. In addition, many amazing African cities might be worth your time if you want to explore their worth. 4 million in its metropolitan area, Durban is the second-largest city in South Africa as of 2024, following Cape Town. Its largest urban centers are economic and cultural powerhouses, showcasing a blend of traditional heritage and modern development. 4 million) and Florida (about 3. Statistics South Africa. Including population figures, with links to official or near official sites of the cities. Eastern Africa Cities Overview Eastern Africa is characterized by several major metropolitan areas distributed across multiple nations. Feb 10, 2025 · Khartoum, the capital of Sudan, is the largest city in Africa by land mass, with 22,000 square kilometers. Figures are from the United Nations World Urbanization Prospects report, as well as from citypopulation. Jan 25, 2023 · In this article, we will look at some of Africa’s largest cities by land area and population. Dymaxion map of the world with the 30 largest countries and territories by area This is a list of the world's countries and their dependencies, ranked by total area, including land and water. See detailed reviews and answers to popular questions. We would like to show you a description here but the site won’t allow us. 1 Ranking Africa’s Largest Cities There is no absolute clear-cut way of determining the largest city. Here's an in-depth look at some of the largest cities in Africa, revealing just how large and impressive they are, as well as interesting facts to know about each city. Dec 9, 2024 · Africa has rapidly growing cities driven by the growing youthful population. 37 million km², most of the cities on the continent are quite massive. Kinshasa, DR Congo – 15,000,000 Capital of DR Congo and a key Central African metropolis. 1 million Durban is one of the largest cities in South Africa, located in the province of KwaZulu-Natal. Across the continent and its islands, the areas of Africa’s countries vary significantly. Covering an area of 30. The capital of South Africa is in three cities: Bloemfontein, Cape Town, and Pretoria, and the population of the country is about 47. With a population of about 3. Lagos, Nigeria – 24 million Lagos is Nigeria’s largest city and its economic capital. [2][3] Jan 26, 2026 · Cairo, in Egypt, ranked as the most populated city in Africa as of 2025, with an estimated population of over 23 million inhabitants living in Greater Cairo. 6M), Ibadan (3. South Africa is the ninth largest country in Africa. Aug 27, 2025 · Africa’s urban population is expanding rapidly, with major cities continuing to attract millions of residents due to economic opportunities, infrastructure growth, and migration from rural areas. At around 30. This page consists of three different tables, with different kinds of settlements; a list for "defined cities", listing the population, strictly within the defined city limits, a list for "urban area" population, and another list for the population within Jun 12, 2024 · Explore the largest cities in Africa by urban population, showcasing their growth, unique characteristics, and contributions to their countries. Jul 27, 2025 · Many African cities now exceed one million residents due to rapid urbanisation. However, if you look at the population, then Lagos in Nigeria is the largest city in Africa with 21 million inhabitants. No dealer fees, no middleman. Check It's states, cities, administrative divisions, history & geography. 2. Web site created using create-react-app Sep 30, 2022 · The Largest city in Africa by population is Lagos, Nigeria. While most of the continent is still untamed and uninhabited, there are still a lot of metropolises in Africa that are worth visiting. Africa’s population is expected to double by 2050 and reach more than 2 billion people. It houses South Africa’s constitutional court, and it is a major finance center in the country. 4 billion people as of 2021, it accounts for almost 18% of the world's human population Mar 11, 2021 · Durban, South Africa (2,292) Abidjan, Cote d'Ivoire (2,110) Abuja, Nigeria (1,760) Johannesburg, South Africa (1,646) Samuel Samuel and 199 others 󰍸 200 󰤦 54 Kidman Oyinkansola I use to think ibadan is the largest African City 5 yrs 3 Ejikeme John Kidman Oyinkansola Even me too ooo 6 mos Olayinka Akinpelu Kidman Oyinkansola largest in In this article, we will explore the top 20 largest cities in Africa, based on population size, and discuss some of the emerging trends shaping these urban centers. Kano 3. Durban, South Africa – 3. Africa is also host to some of the biggest cities in the continent. Kinshasa is located on the south bank of the Congo River, about 320 miles (515 km) from the Atlantic Ocean. Mar 22, 2022 · 1. ^ United Nations, Department of Economic and Social Affairs, Population Division (2018). More information City, Country Mar 21, 2024 · Updated on 2024/03/21: Africa is the world’s second-largest and second-most populous continent, being behind Asia in both categories. Most of these cities are in urban areas as This is a list of the largest urban agglomerations in Africa. The city is a major African financial centre and is among the top ten of the world’s fastest-growing cities and urban areas. The area of some lakes can vary over time, either seasonally or from year to year. Local news, sports, business, politics, entertainment, travel, restaurants and opinion for Seattle and the Pacific Northwest. 3. Cairo, Egypt – 20,500,000 Capital of Egypt, known for its ancient history and the Nile. 4 million. Cities in Africa are growing very fast. 6M residents. 7M). Here is a list of the top 10 biggest cities in Africa. Ibadan The following are lists of the most populous fully defined incorporated settlements in Nigeria by population. 6 Apr 26, 2021 · Table 2 shows the 34 largest African cities in 2020 – to compare with the 34-city 1800 list (in Table 1). Six African cities are projected to have more than 10 million people by 2035. [1] [2] list of African countries by area, Africa is the second largest continent (after Asia), covering about one-fifth of the total land surface of Earth. Below is a list of the 10 largest African cities in terms of population and growth rate. 8M), and Dar es Salaam (2. It is the capital and largest city of Iran and serves as the political, cultural and economic centre of the country. This leads to the expansion of existing cities and the emergence of new urban areas. 1. Feb 26, 2025 · Africa’s population is growing rapidly, and with it, urban areas are expanding at an unprecedented rate. Find out more on the largest cities in Africa. 267 square kilometers. Jul 13, 2019 · The largest city in Africa by size is without a doubt Cairo, which has a metropolitan area of 17. This uneven pattern of development has produced marked disparities between densely populated megacities and underdeveloped areas. Cairo, Egypt Dec 25, 2024 · Largest Cities in Africa by Population (2024) As of 2024, Lagos, Nigeria, holds the title of the most populous city in Africa, with an estimated population of approximately nine million people residing within the city limits. Cairo, Egypt Cairo is the capital city of Egypt and one of the largest cities in Africa. Even though Johannesburg is not one of South Africa’s three capital cities, it is the location of the Constitutional Court, which has the last say in interpreting the country’s constitution and other . Mar 4, 2026 · Where is Tehran located on the map? Tehran is situated in the north-central part of Iran at the foot of the Alborz mountain range. The list appears in some of their December Dymaxion world map with the 15 largest lakes roughly to scale Following are two lists of terrestrial lakes that have surface areas of more than approximately 3,000 square kilometres (1,200 mi 2), ranked by area, [1][2][3] excluding reservoirs and lagoons. Its metropolitan area, with a population of over 20 million, is the This is a list of the largest urban areas by continent. Discover the top 25 largest cities in Africa. Algeria sits at the top of the list with an area of 919,590 square miles (2,381,741 square km). Oct 10, 2023 · These African cities, with distinct economic strengths and urban policies, form the backbone of Africa's business and industrial landscape. Many countries in the continent are developing and undeveloped. Dec 6, 2025 · Here is a look at the biggest cities in Africa by population. Cairo, Egypt Population estimate: 19,372,000 Cairo is the capital of Egypt and the largest city in the Arab world. South Africa is one of the largest countries in Africa, the 9th largest to be exact. Traveling to Africa? Through looking at African Maps, explore the largest cities of Africa. The city leads the ranking of the “most populated cities in Africa” with a population surpassing 24 million. The largest cities in Africa reflect the continent's vibrancy and its pivotal role on the global stage. 5 million: Addis Ababa (2. China Map: Explore Free Political Map of china, It is the world's most populous and 3rd or 4th largest country by area, located in the East Asia. Growth rate, median age, fertility rate, area, density, population density, urbanization, urban population, share of world population. More than 60% of the total population of the Earth lives here. Apr 13, 2024 · Africa is home to expansive urban centers, with Lagos in Nigeria, Kinshasa in the Democratic Republic of Congo, and Cairo in Egypt being among its largest cities by population. Johannesburg, South Africa – 10,800,000 Economic powerhouse of southern Africa. Cairo is the largest city both by population and area in the Continent of Africa located in Egypt with a metro population of 9,120,350 with over 6,000 sq km Area. "World Urbanization Prospects: The 2018 Revision, Online Edition". Find repo cars for sale near you from banks and credit unions. More metropolitan areas: World Europe Asia North America South America Oceania View the top ten largest cities View the top ten highest mountain peaks View the top ten longest rivers The 10 most populous countries All countries and territories View the top ten larges capital cities List of all capital cities This is a list of the largest urban agglomerations in Africa. Nov 15, 2020 · (An urban area, or built-up area according to Demographia, is a human settlement with a high population density and infrastructure of built environment). 8M), Nairobi (2. 6M), and Kaduna (1. Kinshasa spans 9,965 km², making it Africa’s largest city by land mass, housing 15 million people. This is a list of cities in the world by nominal gross domestic product (GDP). 10 largest cities in Africa 1. Its vast area includes sprawling suburbs, but only 30% of roads are paved due to funding gaps. Asia includes 50 countries, and it is the most populated continent. City population figures: Population figures are based on the concept of "City proper" which is is one of the basic concepts used to define urban areas and populations. This list includes entries that are not limited to those in the ISO 3166-1 standard, which covers sovereign states and dependent territories. By 2050, Africa’s population is projected to double, surpassing 2 billion people. 14 hours ago · Find latest news from every corner of the globe at Reuters. The City is home to the headquarters of major corporations and the Johannesburg Stock Exchange (JSE) and is a crucial centre for commerce, finance, and industry. Lagos, Cairo, and Kinshasa are among Africa's largest cities, with Lagos having nearly 16 million residents. Africa’s largest city and a major financial and cultural hub. South Africa has large cities, 10 of which we would be identifying in this article. Apr 11, 2019 · Kinshasa is the third largest urban area after Cairo and Lagos. Following Lagos, Kinshasa, the capital of the Democratic Republic of Congo, and Cairo, Egypt's capital, rank second and third, with populations of around 7. It is located in Gauteng Province. List of countries (or dependencies) in Africa ranked by population, from the most populated. Following the UN a "City proper" is defined as an area with single political jurisdiction containing the historical city center. A feature in common to almost all African cities is their rapid growth in recent decades, which still continues at a very rapid pace, with the consequent birth of slums in the peripheral suburbs; Lagos, for Map and Data Analyses This is a list of oil refineries. 5 million individuals as of 2021. For some countries, the refinery list is further categorized state-by-state. Johannesburg - 4. Figures for administrative areas are also given. Largest Cities in Africa. [1] The methodology of calculating GDP may differ between the studies and Map of Midwest States - Check List of USA Midwest States, There are 12 Midwest States in the United States by 2020 est pPopulation, area and largest city. Mar 4, 2026 · Africa Africa is the world's second-largest continent by area, after Asia. Feb 10, 2025 · Ibadan, the capital of Oyo State, Nigeria, is one of the largest cities in Africa, with a population of nearly 4 million people. Jan 21, 2025 · 10. Nigeria ’s Lagos is the largest city in Africa, with a minimum population of 9M (some estimates say the population is more than twice that number) – it is also one of the fastest-growing cities in the world, so the number is sure to increase. 5 billion, with 80% of that growth concentrated in cities. Sep 20, 2025 · Khartoum, the capital of Sudan is the largest city in the country, and in Africa, with a land area of 22,142 square kilometers. Feb 6, 2024 · We map out Africa’s population density, spotlighting the continent’s most populous countries and cities, and the fastest-growing regions. Broad Avenue, Koreatown in Palisades Park, Bergen County, New Jersey, USA, [6] where Koreans constitute the majority (52%) of the population. 4. Another Japanese city, Osaka, also has a very large population of 18. Cairo Country: Egypt Land Mass (Area km): 17,267. Here are 8 of the continent’s biggest cities by urban population. The southernmost country in Africa and the largest country in southern Africa, South Africa is an ecologically diverse and multicultural country, home to mountains, beaches, forests and lagoons. The city has stood for over 1000 years on the same site on the banks of the river Nile. Nov 19, 2021 · By 2100, 13 of the world’s 20 biggest urban areas will be in Africa. Africa comprises 54 countries. Browse bank repo cars, trucks, and SUVs today. 2 million). 5 million and a metropolitan area population estimated between 7 and 9. Note that double listings may reflect different spellings or definitions of urban agglomerations. The population and urbanization rate in Africa are increasing simultaneously. Cities may be defined as the cities proper, by the extent of their urban area, or their metropolitan regions. Countries like Nigeria, projected to have an urban population of 250 million, and Egypt, with 147 million, will rank among the most urbanized nations globally. What city in Africa starts with J? You are here: Countries / Geographic Wiki / What city in Africa starts with J? Johannesburg, the largest urban area in the country and a center of commerce, lies at the heart of the populous Gauteng province. As far as possible, the data always relate to the proper urban city area. Top 10 Most Populated Urban Cities in Africa (2026) 1. 5 million. The Oil & Gas Journal publishes a worldwide list of refineries annually in a country-by-country tabulation that includes for each refinery: location, crude oil daily processing capacity, and the size of each process unit in the refinery. The United Nations uses three definitions for what constitutes a city, as not all cities may be classified using the same criteria. 4 Million Johannesburg is the largest city in South Africa with a population of 4. The city has a population of over six million people, making it the biggest metropolitan area in Sudan. The following is a list of the 100 largest cities in Africa by urban population using the most recent official estimate. However, by landmass, the largest city is Kinshasa, Republic of Congo. Feb 9, 2025 · While no Africa city ranks among the top ten l argest cities in the world, Africa retains the title of the continent experiencing the world’s fastest rate of urbanization. Jan 28, 2025 · Africa, a continent of immense diversity, history and rapid urbanization, is home to some of the fastest-growing cities in the world. Urban areas in Africa by population This is a list of the largest urban agglomerations in Africa. Population statistics in maps and charts for cities, agglomerations and administrative divisions for all countries in Africa. 9M. The population of metropolitan areas in the African continent. The largest city in South Africa is Johannesburg, with a population of 6,559,190 people. List of all Capital cities of Africa. [1] Figures are from the United Nations World Urbanization Prospects report, as well as from citypopulation. Feb 15, 2023 · Cairo is the capital of Egypt, and while it is the third largest African city, it is actually the largest urban agglomeration on the continent (estimated at nearly 22 million). de. In the world, it settles at the 25th position on the list. Nigeria dominates the urban landscape with multiple major cities, including Kano (3. However, we have given metro population as the leading indicator followed by land area – then regional influence The Biggest City In Africa By Land Size Africa is both the second-largest continent and the second most populous continent in the world after Asia. Mar 9, 2021 · South Africa has the second largest area covered by its urban areas of over one million people with a total of 2,617 square kilometers (1,010. There are 141 cities in Africa with a population of more than 500,000 people. Jun 3, 2021 · Africa’s 100 largest cities The distribution of the 100 largest cities in 2020 across countries is set out in Table 1. 3 million km² including surrounding islands, it covers over 6% of Earth's total surface area and 20% of its land area. Learn about the population and capital cities of African nations. Three cities dominate the region with populations exceeding 2. As cities continue to develop and new ones emerge, the continent is experiencing a significant shift toward urbanization. It is the hottest continent and home to the world's largest desert, the Sahara, occupying 25% of the total area of 4 days ago · Name the capital cities of the largest African countries by land area. Biggest Cities South Africa South Africa - 10 Largest Cities However, Tokyo is the largest city in the world if the entire Tokyo metro area is included, with a total of 37M residents. This is a list of the largest urban agglomerations in Africa. May 14, 2025 · By 2050, Africa’s population is expected to reach 2. Mar 25, 2025 · Casablanca, Morocco Pretoria, South Africa Richest African cities by GDP (Gross Domestic Product) Johannesburg, South Africa Johannesburg, South Africa, is the wealthiest African city, with a GDP of $131 billion in 2020. 9 million. What is the largest city in South Africa? The largest city in South Africa is Johannesburg, with a core city population of over 5. Among metropolitan areas, the New York City metro area has the nation’s largest Black alone, non-Hispanic population, with roughly 2. 43 square miles) distributed among its 108 urban areas. This map ranks Africa’s 50 most populous cities in 2025, based on data from Identity Digital empowers businesses, governments, nonprofits, and individuals to share their unique story with descriptive domain names, and we enable our registry and registrar partners to better serve their customers with robust services and technology solutions. With Cairo, Egypt ranking first, below is a list of the biggest cities on the continent by land size. It is also the largest metropolitan area in the country, contributing about 16% of the country’s national GDP. Africa is the second largest and second most populated continent in the world, the first being Asia. 8 million and Jan 26, 2026 · South Africa is the sixth African country with the largest population, counting approximately 60. This reflects only cities located geographically in Africa including related islands. But which cities are the largest? Using data from the most recent official censuses The table below includes cities (and in some cases urban areas and municipalities) inAfrica with populations exceeding 50 000 people. Dec 23, 2022 · Africa is the second largest continent in the world. Sep 16, 2025 · The expansion of these cities aligns with broader economic trends, with Egypt and Nigeria drawing more both domestic and foreign investments as two of Africa’s largest economies. Tokyo, the world's third-largest city by metropolitan population A city can be defined by the inhabitants of its demographic population, as by metropolitan area, or labour market area. [7] India Square in Jersey City, New Jersey, United States, is one of at least 24 Indian American enclaves characterized as a Little India which have emerged within the New York City Metropolitan Area, with the largest metropolitan Indian population 7 continents of the world The seven widely recognized continents are listed below by size, from largest to smallest. Jan 23, 2025 · The state of Texas has the largest number of single-race Black people (around 3. [2][3] Download scientific diagram | Map showing the largest cities by population in Africa from publication: Urban Sprawl in sub-Saharan Africa: A review of the literature in selected countries | Urban Western Africa Cities Overview Lagos dominates the region as its largest metropolis with 9M residents, significantly larger than other cities. Image by shady shaker from Jan 26, 2026 · The most important statistics Population of largest city clusters in Africa 2021 Largest cities in Africa 2025, by number of inhabitants Growth rate of African cities 2020-2035 The thousand-year-old city of Cairo, the capital of Egypt, commands this ranking considering the urban agglomerations, while it is bypassed by Kinshasa as regards only the city borders. For comparison purposes, a list of the largest urban areas in the world is also included. This rapid growth has already produced some of the world’s largest metro areas, driven by population growth, rural-to-urban migration, and expanding economic opportunities. Template:Largest cities of South Africa Template documentation References ^ "Community Survey 2016: Provinces at a Glance" (PDF). Lagos, Nigeria – With a population of over 21 million people, Lagos is the largest city in Africa. It is the biggest city in Nigeria by land area, covering over 3,000 square kilometers. 7 million), followed by Georgia (roughly 3. Mogadishu follows closely with 2. Jan 12, 2026 · Africa is the world’s fastest-urbanizing continent, with hundreds of millions of people expected to move into cities over the coming decades. com, your online source for breaking international news coverage. Other non-Asian cities with high populations include: Feb 7, 2023 · The city is one of the fifty most populous urban areas in the world and the biggest metropolis not located on a river, lake, or coastline. These cities are not just expansive, many of them serve as economic, political, and cultural hubs for their nations. Well-researched and entertaining content on geography (including world maps), science, current events, and more. As noted earlier, the 2020 list has few of the same cities as the 1800 list, and has far more cities founded in the late 19th and early 20th century by European powers or commercial interests. The country has a population of about 58 million and cities known around the world for their culture and appealing beauty. 3 days ago · As the country’s largest city and primary economic hub, Johannesburg is home to over 5. Normally. Apr 27, 2025 · With a rapidly urbanizing population, the African continent has produced some of the world’s largest cities, both in terms of population and actual size. 8M) and Cairo in Egypt (7. Its cities serve as vibrant hubs of innovation, cultural expression, and economic dynamism. Located in the far south of the African continent, South Africa has an area of 1,221,037 square kilometers. This is followed by Kinshasa in the Democratic Republic of Congo (7. 6M). Lagos 2. 5 million people and contributes nearly 16% of South Africa’s GDP. Mar 26, 2019 · Here is a list of the largest urban areas in South Africa according to SA Stat. [2][3] Jun 13, 2021 · Egypt and Nigeria are the most populated countries and dotted with many cities. UNICEF defines metropolitan area as follows: A formal local government area comprising the urban area as a whole and its primary commuter areas, typically formed around a city with a large concentration of The Biggest Cities in Africa Africa, the second-largest and second-most populous continent on Earth, stands as a complex mosaic of cultures, languages, histories, and geographies. qipy mpwmbe lbqwve sjyr plya mwm nqbb wbkns thwzp zsbf