Shanghai to Become World's 3rd Largest City by 2030

Data shows that Shanghai is on its way towards becoming the world's third largest city by 2030.

The United Nations' World Urbanization Prospects has ranked cities with the largest populations and highest growth rates to work out what their global position will be by 2030.

It is expected that within the next 13 years, Shanghai’s population will grow to 30.8 million, making it the world's third largest city. Meanwhile, Beijing is expected to rank fifth overall with 27.7 million people.

Elsewhere around the world, Tokyo is expected to retain its top overall spot with 37.2 million people. Mexico City will move down to tenth place, with an expected population of 23.9 million. New York City, meanwhile, is expected to be bumped out of the top ten as populations in Asia, the Middle East and Africa skyrocket. No European or US cities appear in the top 10.

Here's a look at the top 10 biggest cities in 2030, according to the UN's projections:

1. Tokyo, Japan - 37.2 million people

Image via Yohmi

2. Delhi, India – 36.1 million

Image via Oliver Laumann

3. Shanghai, China – 30.8 million

Image via Hans-Peter Hein

4. Mumbai, India – 27.8 million

Image via Adam Cohn

5. Beijing, China – 27.7 million

Image via Mitch Altman

6. Dhaka, Bangladesh – 27.4 million

Image via Rajesh_India

7. Karachi, Pakistan – 24.8 million

Image via Suleman Sajjad

8. Cairo, Egypt – 24.5 million

Image via TheOnlyMoxey

9. Lagos, Nigeria – 24.2 million

Image via Louis Kreusel

10. Mexico City, Mexico – 23.9 million

Image via Tim Hughes