10 Most Overcrowded Cities in the World

While I was raised in a small Iowa town, I can understand the intrigue of living in a city. The job opportunities, the entertainment options, and an endless choice of restaurants makes urban life really appealing. Of course, the downside is having to share the city with millions of other people. And not just cool people either. Sometimes people suck, but if you’re living in a city with high population densities, you just have to deal with it. With that in mind, here is a look at 10 of the most crowded cities in the world.

1. Dhaka, Bangladesh
Population: 16.3 million
Density: 114,300/mi²
When it comes to urban sprawl and vast crowds, nothing compares to Dhaka, the capital of Bangladesh. It ranked 2nd on the Economist Intelligence Unit’s “least liveable cities” list in 2018, with #1 war-torn Damascus, Syria at least having an excuse. Paradoxically, it is also one of the fastest growing cities in the world, which means it is only going to get more miserable.

2. Hyderabad, Pakistan
Population: 2.9 million
Density: 106,800/mi²
Not only is Hyderabad one of the most crowded cities in the world, it gets ridiculously hot with temperatures exceeding 100F (37.7C). There also really isn’t much to do here if you’re looking for touristy activities. If you still insist on going to a city named Hyderabad, might we suggest the one in India instead? It offers a whole lot more and has a far more tolerable density of 18,480/mi².

3. Vijayawada, India
Population: 1.8 million
Density: 80,700/mi²
This city in the state of Andhra Pradesh might not be all that well-known, but it definitely worth the visit in spite of its high population destiny. It is notable for its ancient temple caves and stunning waterfront gardens. It also has tremendous potential with GDP expecting to raise to $17 billion by 2025 (up from the 2010 figure of $3 billion).

4. Chittagong, Bangladesh
Population: 3.3 million
Density: 75,600/mi²
While the area around Chittagong is picturesque, the city itself is extremely gloomy aside from being crowded. For more than 20 years, it was the site of heavy fighting between the indigenous people and the Bangladesh government. For what it’s worth, it used to be a major trading hub during the days of British colonialism.