Since the 14th century the world has witnessed a rise in the human population. And in recent decades this has only accelerated, with a current estimated world population of just over eight billion people.
Some locations are of course more affected by population growth than others. One city in particular has seen a huge surge in both its population and its economy in recent years.
According to the United Nations World Urbanization Prospects 2024, Delhi in northern India tops as the fastest growing cities in the world.
In the past year the capital’s population grew by 2.73 percent, making it home to around 33.8 million people.
This is especially staggering when you compare this to its population in 1950 of 1.3 million.
Overall, Delhi has seen a nine percent growth rate in 2024 – the highest growth rate of any city in the world.
This takes into account population, urbanisation and disposable income.
Other cities that saw large growth in 2024, according to the UN, were Bangalore in India, Shanghai in China and Dhaka in Bangladesh.
But aside from its growing economy and population what makes Delhi such an interesting place?
It is believed Delhi as a fortified city was founded in around 1052. However, architectural relics provide evidence that humans were living in the area in 300BC.
As a result, the city is home to a host of historic buildings, as well as a specific area known as Old Delhi – filled with winding, narrow streets of bazaars.
And while it might seem an obvious choice as India’s capital city now, this was not always the case as it took the title from Kolkata in 1911.
You also cannot talk about the history of Delhi without mentioning the British rule of India, which lasted from 1857 to 1947. Remnants of this can still be seen in some parts, such as Coronation Park in the new part of the city.
Old meeting new is probably one of the best ways to describe Delhi.
The Lonely Planet says: “Steeped in history yet overflowing with modern life, colourful, cacophonous Delhi pulsates with the relentless rhythms of humanity like few other cities on Earth.
“Delhi serves up an astounding cornucopia of history, culture, cuisine, commerce and street life, with countless sights and activities to keep visitors thoroughly engaged.
“At first glance, the Indian capital can seem an overwhelming place to negotiate but give it time and you’ll feel the chaos subside, revealing delicate vignettes of daily life and layer upon layer of ancient history, built up over 2000 years of settlement.”
If visiting it recommends the city’s “delectable” street food as well as historic sites such as the Red Fort.
“The street food in Delhi is legendary,” the travel guide says.
It also lists Old Delhi as an unmissable place to visit. “Get lost and confused in the narrow bazaars of Old Delhi, and feel like you’ve wandered into the Medieval period,” the guide says.
“Every wrong turn springs a new surprise as you stumble upon such hidden delights as the home of the legendary Urdu poet, Mirza Ghalib, the towering Jama Masjid, India’s largest mosque or Khari Baoli – Asia’s largest spice bazaar.”
But outside of what tourists see there is also the reality of everyday life for residents.
It is widely known that Delhi has an air pollution issue. According to the World Health Organization (WHO), Delhi was the most polluted city in the world in 2014.
The city is also home to large areas of slums, with 49 percent of the population thought to live in makeshift homes and unauthorised colonies without any civic amenities.
