Winners & Losers: Episode 5 - Cities

The comparison of cities begins with a careful explanation of how definitions vary significantly. Official city limits, or the city proper, often prove too arbitrary due to inconsistent international standards, prompting the need to consider broader measures. The discussion outlines the built-up urban area and the expansive metropolitan region that includes connected surrounding areas. A blended approach using these criteria establishes a consistent framework for analyzing diverse cityscapes.

Urban Giants: Mega Cities and Population Boundaries Comparing cities is complex due to varying definitions and arbitrary borders, with the strict 'city proper' contrasted against broader metropolitan figures. Recognized rankings reveal Tokyo's vast 37.4 million residents outstripping Delhi, Shanghai, São Paulo, and Mexico City. The dominance of Asian urban areas, accounting for over half the world's urban population, underscores the significant impact of geopolitical and demographic factors.

Urban Legitimacy: Political Status Versus Population Size Defining city status can transcend population figures when political designations are involved. Entities such as Vatican City, with 453 residents, and Palau's capital Ngerulmud, reported at 271 inhabitants, illustrate this unique criterion. Plymouth in Montserrat, now abandoned after a volcanic eruption, remains the official capital despite a population of zero, highlighting that urban legitimacy is not solely determined by numbers.

Population density, calculated as people per square kilometer, varies widely based on how city boundaries are defined. Manila, with 43,000 people in an area smaller than Central Park, and Dhaka, when considering the broader urban area, exemplify the high densities found in some metropolises. Isolated spots like Santa Cruz del Islote and a tiny Haitian island push numbers even higher, with densities reaching up to 125,000 people per square kilometer. The extreme instance of Hong Kong’s Kowloon Walled City, which reached nearly 2 million people per square kilometer, underscores the stark contrasts in urban living conditions.

Global cities are defined as urban centers with significant competitive advantages that serve as hubs in a globalized economic system. They are measured by factors like financial strength, cultural influence, education, and innovation, with New York City standing out due to its massive economy and unparalleled finance, culture, and research sectors. London follows as a leading financial center in Europe, while other cities such as Paris, Tokyo, Beijing, Los Angeles, and emerging movers like Melbourne further illustrate the shifting dynamics of global influence. Various rankings and ratings, including the Global Cities Index and the Globalization and World Cities Research Network, consistently highlight these trends by assigning precise positions and ratings.

Homicide rates reveal that urban danger is a reality in several populous areas, with Tijuana leading as a violent hub where gang and cartel conflicts primarily affect rough neighborhoods. A close analysis shows that most of the world’s most dangerous cities are in the Americas, especially in Latin America, with notable entries from Mexico, Venezuela, and even some from the United States and South Africa. In sharp contrast, global safety rankings spotlight cities like Copenhagen, Toronto, Singapore, Sydney, and Tokyo, where comprehensive security measures create much safer environments.

Air pollution threatens public health as particulate levels in many cities far exceed the WHO safe limit of 5 micrograms per cubic metre. A ranking of over 6,500 cities reveals that several of the worst polluted areas, particularly in India, Pakistan, and China, record levels up to 20 times the recommended safety threshold, with capitals like New Delhi, Dhaka, and N'Djamena among the most affected. In contrast, many cities with superior air quality are found in Australia and even in a small town in Kazakhstan, with clean air in capitals such as Canberra, St. George’s, and Nassau. Nearly 99% of the global population lives in areas with pollution levels above safe guidelines, emphasizing a widespread environmental and health crisis.

Comparative evaluations based on safety, healthcare, education, walkability, transport, stability, culture, and entertainment reveal marked differences among global cities. Vienna, Zurich, and Copenhagen emerge as leaders, with Vienna topping several lists, Zurich consistently ranking in the top three, and Copenhagen showcasing outstanding safety records. Other high-ranking cities include Amsterdam, Tokyo, Vancouver, Wellington, and Sydney, while cities like Caracas, Baghdad, Damascus, Dhaka, and Lagos rank poorly based on these multifaceted criteria.

Urban Giants: Record-Breaking Cities and Global Reach Bangkok draws nearly 23 million annual visitors, while Asian cities dominate, with 6 out of the top 10 most visited worldwide. Hong Kong impresses with 551 skyscrapers and a public transit system that supports 1.6 billion annual metro rides, highlighting its efficient urban design. Tokyo leads in cuisine accolades with 212 Michelin stars, and Doha’s Hamad Airport tops the global best airports ranking, reflecting the dynamic blend of culture, architecture, and connectivity in modern metropolises.

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