Band 7+: The charts below show the growth in the population in some of the world's largest cities as well as the population distribution in urban and rural areas. Top 5 biggest cities by population (millions)

The bar chart gives information on the changes in population growth in megacities all around the world between 1970 and 2010.

Overall, the chart shows that during the period the population grew significantly in all the presented cities. Compared with the population in other places, the number of people living in New York did not change very much, remaining almost the same as in 1970.

In 1970 the population in Tokyo was approximately 15 million, increasing steadily over the next 40 years, until it almost reached 30 million. The number of residents living in New York in 1970 was close to 15 million, however, it has not increased much in 2010, it has slightly become more than 15 million. In Shanghai the population was almost the same in 1970 and 1990, reaching the mark of a little over 10 million. In 2010, although, it showed a strong growth, resulting in a population reaching over 20 million. Population in Bombay presents substantial increase over the period, starting with 5 million in 1970 and reaching almost 30 million in 2010. A similar situation can be seen in Jakarta. Compared with its population in 1970, the number of residents gradually increased by 2010, almost reaching 20 million.