Overcrowded train in Prayagraj.
Credit: PTI photo
The United Nations released a report which highlighted the population density in mega cities across the world.
The report also underscored two facets in terms of population density— it stated that a well-managed city can make life easier for the common man by showering him with 'development amenities'.
However, lack of urban planning and management can also lead to inadequate living conditions and cause major problems. The report also discovered that in 2025 the most densely populated cities were also among the world’s most populous cities.
Out of 10 most densely populated cities in the world, India is home to 4 of them namely—Mumbai, Bengaluru, Surat and Ahmedabad. Let's take a look at the top ten densely populated cities in the world.
The population density indicates the compactness of the city.
Mumbai, India
Known as the financial capital of India, Mumbai tops the list as the most densely populated city in the world with 27,000 people per square kilometre.
Kasaï−Oriental, Democratic Republic of the Congo
Credit: Wikimedia Commons
The Kasaï−Oriental in Democratic Republic of the Congo has attained second position in the list of densely populated cities.
It was one of the 21 new provinces created in 2015 after repartitioning of Congo.
Beni, Democratic Republic of the Congo
Credit: Wikimedia Commons/By Razdagger
After Kasaï−Oriental, Beni is the most densely populated city in the world. This city lies in the north eastern Democratic Republic of the Congo.
Karachi, Pakistan
Credit: Reuters photo
The fourth most-densely populated city in the world is Karachi in Pakistan. The city has 25,000 people per km and is considered Pakistan's most metropolitan city.
Surat, India
Credit
Surat is the fifth most densely populated city in the world. Known as the hub of diamond and textile industry, the city witnesses lakhs of people flocking to this hub from various parts of India in search for jobs.
Tamar, Hong Kong
Hong Kong's Tamar is the sixth most densely populated place in the world. An administrative center, Tamar is located in the Admiralty district in Hong Kong.
Kinshasa, Democratic Republic of the Congo
Credit: Wikimedia Commons
Democratic Republic of the Congo's capital city Kinshasa is the largest of the country and is also one of the most densely populated. It has population density of 25,000 people per km2.
Muqdisho (Mogadishu), Somalia
Credit: Wikimedia commons
Muqdisho or Mogadishu is the capital and the largest city in Somalia. It ranks 8th in the population density chart.
Ahmedabad, India
Credit: Reuters photo
Ahmedabad has earned 9th position in terms of population density. It is the largest city and most populous city of Gujarat.
Bengaluru, India
A busy road in Bengaluru.
Credit: DH Photo
Also known as the IT capital of India, Bengaluru plays home to more than 13 million people as citizens from across the country flock to the city in search of jobs.