Determining the “plus grande ville du monde” (largest city in the world) is a complex question depending on how “largest” is defined. There are several metrics to consider, including population within city limits, population within the metropolitan area, and land area. Each of these metrics yields different results, leading to various contenders for the title.
Population within City Limits: If we consider only the population within the legally defined city boundaries, Chongqing in China often emerges as the leader. However, Chongqing’s vast administrative area includes a significant portion of rural land, blurring the lines between urban and rural populations. It is a municipality directly under the central government, encompassing several smaller cities and large swathes of countryside. While boasting a massive population within its administrative boundaries, only a fraction actually resides in the central urban core. Other contenders based on this metric, although usually with significantly smaller populations than Chongqing when its entire administrative area is considered, include Shanghai and Beijing, also in China.
Metropolitan Area Population: A more commonly used and arguably more accurate measure is the population within the metropolitan area. This encompasses the core city and its surrounding suburbs, which are economically and socially integrated. This metric paints a different picture, often placing Tokyo, Japan, at the forefront. The Greater Tokyo Area is an economic powerhouse and a sprawling urban landscape with a consistently large population. Cities like Jakarta, Indonesia; Delhi, India; and Seoul, South Korea, also frequently appear near the top of rankings based on metropolitan area population. This metric provides a better understanding of the actual concentration of people living in a connected urban environment.
Land Area: Measuring by land area introduces another set of contenders. Cities like Hulunbuir in Inner Mongolia, China, which encompasses vast stretches of sparsely populated territory, would be considered the largest. However, this is not representative of a typical “city” as understood by most. Similarly, other large administrative divisions might technically qualify based on land area, but lack the dense urban characteristics associated with the concept of a city.
Therefore, there is no single, universally accepted answer to which city is the “plus grande ville du monde.” The answer depends entirely on the criteria being used. While Chongqing may boast the highest population within its administrative boundaries, the Greater Tokyo Area arguably represents the largest and most densely populated urban agglomeration, offering a more relevant perspective for many. Understanding the nuances of each metric is essential when comparing the sizes of cities globally.
Ultimately, the title is fluid and constantly evolving as populations shift and urban areas expand. Population estimates are regularly updated, and definitions of metropolitan areas can vary depending on the source. Therefore, the “plus grande ville du monde” remains a subject of ongoing discussion and debate.
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