The main reasons for the enormous populations in most West African cities are natural population growth rates and rural-to-urban migration.
These sizable populations increase the demand for goods and services while providing more labor for their creation. As a result, several towns in West Africa have seen substantial economic expansion, becoming the continent’s principal commercial, economic, and political centers.
This article reveals the most populous city in West Africa as well as other significant cities in the region that are also quite affluent economically.
The dense population in West African cities also increases tax receipts. However, the poverty rates in some areas of these cities also show that, in some cases, higher numbers and increasing population density do not ensure that everyone in that area will be economically successful. For instance, the growing populations in these places have had negative effects, including increased slum development and high unemployment rates.
What is the largest city in West Africa in 2023?
Even though large populations in West African cities have resulted in challenges such as an increase of slums and high unemployment rates, significant economic growth in these areas indicates that, in most situations, the benefits of having a large population outweigh the bad impacts.
The following are the 10 largest cities in West Africa:
1. Lagos city in Nigeria: over 15.9 million people
- Area size: 1,171 km²
- Population: Over 15.9 million people
In terms of population, Lagos is the most populous city in West Africa. There are almost 15.9 million people living here. Lagos is Nigeria’s commercial capital and West Africa’s major industrial and commercial center. The city is located on the banks of the Benin and Lagos Lagoons.
What is Lagos’ official language?
English is the primary language of daily contact among most Lagosian . Igbo, Awori, Hausa, and Yoruba are the four most widely spoken regional dialects in the city.
2. Abidjan in Côte d’Ivoire – Over 5.6 million people
- Area size: 2,119 km²
- Population: Over 5.6 million people
Abidjan is the Republic of Côte d’Ivoire’s economic and political capital, as well as the administrative headquarters of La Région des Lagunes and the country’s largest city. Abidjan is located on four peninsulas on the La lagune Ébrié coasts of the Gulf of Guinea, southeast of Côte d’Ivoire. It is the second-largest city in West Africa in terms of population. Abidjan has a population of around 5.6 million people.
What is Abidjan’s official language?
As the official language of Ivory Coast, French is most often spoken in Abidjan. Nevertheless, English is also a common language in this city.
3. Kano city in Nigeria – Over 4.3 million people
- Area size: 499 km²
- Population: Over 5.6 million people
The capital of Kano State, Kano is the second most populous city in Nigeria after Lagos. The population of the city is above 4.3 million. Kano offers a calm atmosphere, friendly locals, and is simple to navigate on a daily basis.
What language do they speak in Kano?
Hausa and Fulfulde are the official/most spoken languages in Kano State.
4. Abuja city in Nigeria – Over 3.8 million people
- Area size: 1,476 km²
- Population: Over 3.8 million people
Abuja is referred to as “The Center of Unity.” On December 12th, 1991, the government moved the capital of Nigeria from Lagos to Abuja due to Abuja’s central position, ease of accessibility, low population density, healthy climate, and the availability of land for future growth. Over 3.8 million people presently live in Abuja.
What is Abuja’s official language?
The official language and primary language of Abuja is English. Additionally, this region has a strong presence of key Nigerian languages including Hausa, Yoruba, and Igbo.
5. Kumasi city in Ghana – Over 3.7 million people
- Area size: 254 km²
- Population: Over 3.7 million people
There are more than 3.7 million people living in Kumasi. The old Ashanti Empire’s industrial, economic, and cultural center, it is situated in a rain forest area close to Lake Bosomtwe. The Asantehene (Asante monarch) continues to reside at Kumasi, which is also the location of the Golden Stool, a representation of both the unification of the populace and royal authority.
What language is used in Kumasi, Ghana?
Kumasi’s official languages are English and Asante Twi. Popular languages in this city are Fante and Akuapem Twi.
6. Ibadan city in Nigeria – Over 3.6 million people
- Area size: 3,080 km²
- Population: Over 3.6 million people
The capital and largest city of Oyo State is Ibadan, which is located in southwest Nigeria. It is the biggest city in terms of area and population in the nation, after Lagos, Kano, and Abuja. Over 3.6 million people live in the city of Ibadan.
What language is spoken in Ibadan, Nigeria?
Yoruba is one of the most widely spoken languages in Ibadan, Nigeria.
7. Dakar city in Senegal – Over 3.4 million people
- Area size: 83 km²
- Population: Over 3.4 million people
Over 3.4 million people live in the city of Dakar. Its Atlantic port is located on the Cap-Vert peninsula and it serves as Senegal’s capital. Being one of the main seaports on the coast of western Africa, the city’s economy grows every year.
What dialect is used in Dakar?
The most common vehicle language in Dakar is Wolof, but French is the official language.
8. Ouagadougou in Burkina Faso – Over 3.2 million people
- Area size: 520 km²
- Population: Over 3.2 million people
The population of Ouagadougou City is more than 3.2 million. The city serves as Burkina Faso’s administrative, communications, cultural, and economic hub. Although Wagadugu is another name for it, most people prefer to call it Ouaga (the abbreviation for Ouagadougou). The residents of the city are known as ouagalais.
What are the top languages used in Burkina Faso’s Ouagadougou?
Although Mooré, Dyula, and Fulfulde are the main native tongues, French is the city’s official language.
9. Accra in Ghana – Over 2.6 million people
- Area size: 225.7 km²
- Population: Over 2.6 million people
The Greater Accra Region’s administrative and economic center is Accra City. Additionally, it acts as the GAMA’s (the Greater Accra Metropolitan Area) anchor. Accra is one of the ten most populous cities in West Africa with a population of about 2.6 million.
What language dominates Accra?
English, Ga, Twi, Ada, and Eve are the languages that are most often spoken in Accra.
10. Benin city in Nigeria – Over 1.9 million
- Area size: 1,204 km²
- Population: Over 1.9 million people
The population of Benin City is above 1.9 million. It is the fifth-largest city in terms of population in Nigeria and the capital of the Edo State. Strong economic growth has been seen in Benin city over the years.
What language do people in Benin City speak?
The Edo people (also known as the Benin people) and the Oredo are the native inhabitants of Benin City. People from Edo speak Edo, whereas those from Oredo speak Bini. Visit Legit.ng/Ask-Legit/Top/1115443-Largest-City-West-Africa-Top for more information.
What is the largest city in West Africa in 2023?
Nigeria is home to the majority of West Africa’s largest and most developed cities in terms of both population and area. The 10 most populous cities in West Africa include
- Lagos city in Nigeria – Over 15.9 million people
- Abidjan city in Côte d’Ivoire – Over 5.6 million people
- Kano city in Nigeria – Over 4.3 million people
- Abuja city in Nigeria – Over 3.8 million people
- Kumasi city in Ghana – Over 3.7 million people
- Ibadan city in Nigeria – Over 3.6 million people
- Dakar city in Senegal – Over 3.4 million people
- Ouagadougou city in Burkina Faso – Over 3.2 million people
- Accra city in Ghana – Over 2.6 million people
- Benin city in Nigeria – Over 1.9 million people
Which city has the highest population density in West Africa?
Lagos, Nigeria, which has a population of about 15.9 million, is the biggest metropolis in West Africa.
Which city in West Africa has the greatest land area?
With a total size of 3,080 km2, Ibadan is the biggest metropolis in West Africa.
What West African city is the most developed?
The most developed city in West Africa is Lagos, Nigeria.
Which African city is the biggest?
By population, Lagos, Nigeria, is the biggest metropolis in Africa. More than 15.9 million people live there.
Which three African cities are the biggest?
The three cities with the highest populations in Africa are Lagos, Kinshasa, and Cairo. Kinshasa and Cairo each have a population of roughly 7.7 million, whereas Lagos has 15.9 million residents.
What African city is the smallest?
The smallest city in Africa by population is Pólo, Angola. The city has a population of about 4,000 and a square kilometer of land.
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