Surat, Gujarat: Surat has secured the second position among the world’s fastest-growing cities in 2026, according to a global ranking published by World Population Review. Ghaziabad in Uttar Pradesh tops the list, while Surat ranks ahead of several major international cities, including Kabul in Afghanistan and Lagos in Nigeria.
The ranking highlights the rapid growth of cities across Asia and Africa, with Indian cities securing prominent positions. Rajkot in Gujarat and Patna in Bihar have also featured in the list.
The ranking is based on annual population growth rates, making it different from rankings that measure economic growth, infrastructure, wealth or quality of life.
Top 15 Fastest-Growing Cities in the World in 2026 (Updated)
The following list is based on the reported annual population growth rates in the 2026 ranking.
| Rank | City | Country | Annual population growth |
|---|---|---|---|
| 1 | Ghaziabad | India | 5.20% |
| 2 | Surat | India | 4.99% |
| 3 | Kabul | Afghanistan | 4.74% |
| 4 | Lagos | Nigeria | 4.44% |
| 5 | Toluca | Mexico | 4.25% |
| 6 | Lubumbashi | DR Congo | 4.10% |
| 7 | Kampala | Uganda | 4.03% |
| 8 (tie) | Luanda | Angola | 4.00% |
| 8 (tie) | Dar es Salaam | Tanzania | 4.00% |
| 8 (tie) | Nairobi | Kenya | 4.00% |
| 8 (tie) | Bamako | Mali | 4.00% |
| 8 (tie) | Patna | India | 4.00% |
| 8 (tie) | Rajkot | India | 4.00% |
| 8 (tie) | Faridabad | India | 4.00% |
| 8 (tie) | Maputo | Mozambique | 4.00% |
Source: World Population Review’s 2026 fastest-growing cities ranking, as reported by international media. Cities with the same reported growth rate share the eighth position.
1. Ghaziabad, India – World’s Fastest-Growing City
Ghaziabad, located in Uttar Pradesh near Delhi, ranks first with an annual population growth rate of 5.20%. Its location within the Delhi-NCR region makes it an important urban centre for residential development, employment and regional connectivity.
2. Surat, India – Gujarat’s Global Growth Leader
Surat has secured the second position worldwide, recording an annual population growth rate of 4.99%. Known for its diamond-processing industry, textile businesses and entrepreneurial ecosystem, Surat is one of Gujarat’s major commercial centres. Its expanding residential areas, employment opportunities and industrial activity have contributed to its importance as a growing urban destination.
The ranking places Surat ahead of cities such as Kabul, Lagos and Toluca. However, rapid population growth also creates challenges, including the need for better transport, housing, water supply, waste management and other public services.
3. Kabul, Afghanistan
Kabul ranks third with an annual population growth rate of 4.74%. As Afghanistan’s capital and a major urban centre, it remains an important destination for population concentration and urban expansion.
4. Lagos, Nigeria
Lagos ranks fourth globally, with an annual growth rate of 4.44%. It is one of Africa’s major economic centres, known for its commercial activity, financial services and large urban population.
5. Toluca, Mexico
Toluca occupies the fifth position with an annual population growth rate of 4.25%. Located in central Mexico, the city is an important industrial and administrative centre.
6. Lubumbashi, Democratic Republic of the Congo
Lubumbashi ranks sixth with a reported annual growth rate of 4.10%. It is a major city in the country’s mineral-rich southeastern region and an important centre for mining-related economic activity.
7. Kampala, Uganda
Kampala, Uganda’s capital, ranks seventh with an annual population growth rate of 4.03%. The city serves as a major hub for business, transport, administration and employment.
8. Cities With 4% Annual Population Growth (Tie)
Several cities share the eighth position, each recording a reported annual growth rate of 4%.
- Luanda, Angola: The country’s capital and a major economic centre.
- Dar es Salaam, Tanzania: A major coastal city and commercial hub.
- Nairobi, Kenya: A leading business and financial centre in East Africa.
- Bamako, Mali: The country’s capital and a major administrative centre.
- Patna, India: The capital of Bihar and an important urban centre in eastern India.
- Rajkot, India: A significant industrial and commercial city in Gujarat.
- Faridabad, India: An important industrial city within the Delhi-NCR region.
- Maputo, Mozambique: The country’s capital and a key port and commercial centre.
The presence of Patna, Rajkot and Faridabad highlights the contribution of Indian cities to the reported global urban-growth trend.
How Does Surat’s Ranking Compare With Other Indian Cities?
Surat ranks second in the global list, while Ghaziabad takes first place. Patna, Rajkot and Faridabad also appear among the cities recording approximately 4% annual population growth.
For Gujarat, Surat and Rajkot’s inclusion is particularly notable. Both cities play important roles in the state’s commercial and industrial landscape, although their economic profiles and urban-development needs differ.
Surat’s ranking also draws attention to the importance of planning for future population growth. Expanding infrastructure, efficient public transport, affordable housing and reliable civic services will remain important as the city continues to develop.
What Does This Ranking Actually Measure?
The term “fastest-growing city” can refer to different indicators. This particular ranking focuses on annual population growth, rather than the rate at which a city’s economy or GDP expands.
A city can experience rapid population growth because of migration, natural population increase and urban expansion. The ranking alone does not establish the precise contribution of each factor.
It also does not automatically mean that the fastest-growing city is the richest, cleanest or most liveable. These outcomes depend on other indicators, including employment, public infrastructure, housing affordability, healthcare and environmental conditions.
Readers should therefore interpret the figures as a measure of population growth rather than a comprehensive assessment of urban development.
Conclusion
The 2026 global ranking places Ghaziabad first and Surat second among the world’s fastest-growing cities by annual population growth. Surat’s position reinforces its importance as a major urban and commercial centre in Gujarat.
With Rajkot also appearing in the ranking, Gujarat has two cities featured among the leading entries. Their continued growth makes infrastructure planning, sustainable development and the delivery of civic services increasingly important.
For Surat, the next challenge is to ensure that rapid urban growth translates into better infrastructure, stronger economic opportunities and an improved quality of life for residents.
Also read, Top 10 Countries Where Petrol Is Cheaper Than Water in 2026
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