Understanding Mega City Population Ranking in 2016

The question asks us to arrange four major mega cities based on their population size in the year 2016, specifically in descending order (from largest population to smallest). To do this, we need to consider the estimated populations of these cities in 2016. Population figures for large cities can vary depending on whether 'city proper', 'urban area', or 'metropolitan area' is used. For ranking mega cities, the urban agglomeration or metropolitan area population is typically used as it better reflects the true extent of the urban sprawl and population concentration.

Let's look at the approximate populations of the given cities in 2016 based on common urban/metropolitan area estimates:

• C. Tokyo, Japan
• A. Shanghai, China
• B. Karachi, Pakistan
• D. London, United Kingdom

Estimating Populations in 2016

Based on various global city population studies and estimates for 2016, we can approximate the populations as follows:

Note: Population figures for mega cities can vary depending on the source and the specific definition of the city's boundaries (urban agglomeration, metropolitan area, etc.). However, the relative ranking among these specific four cities is generally consistent across major studies for 2016.

Arranging Cities in Descending Population Order

Based on the approximate populations in 2016, we can arrange the cities from the largest population to the smallest:

1. Tokyo (C) - Largest Population
2. Shanghai (A) - Second Largest Population
3. Karachi (B) - Third Largest Population
4. London (D) - Smallest Population (among these four)

Therefore, the descending order of population in 2016 for these cities is C, A, B, D.

Comparing with Given Options

Let's compare our determined order (C, A, B, D) with the provided options:

• Option 1: B, C, A, D
• Option 2: B, C, D, A
• Option 3: C, A, B, D
• Option 4: C, A, D, B

Our determined order C, A, B, D matches Option 3.

Revision Table: Mega City Population Ranking

The correct descending order based on population in 2016 is C, A, B, D.

Additional Information on Mega Cities and Population Data

What is a Mega City?

A mega city is generally defined as an urban agglomeration with a population of more than 10 million people. These cities are significant centers of economic, political, and cultural activity, facing unique challenges related to infrastructure, housing, environment, and social services due to their massive scale.

Why do Population Figures Vary?

Population statistics for large urban areas can vary significantly depending on the source (e.g., national census, UN data, independent demographic studies) and the definition used:

• City Proper: Refers to the population within the administrative boundaries of the city. This often underestimates the actual urban population in many large metropolitan areas.
• Urban Agglomeration: Includes the city proper plus the surrounding built-up areas or continuously inhabited regions connected to the city.
• Metropolitan Area: Includes the urban agglomeration plus surrounding areas that are socio-economically linked to the city through commuting patterns and economic activity. This is often the largest figure and is commonly used for comparisons of mega cities.

The ranking provided in the solution uses figures that typically represent the urban agglomeration or metropolitan area population, which is standard for comparing the size of global mega cities.

Understanding these definitions is crucial when comparing urban populations across different cities and regions.