Number of Metropolitan Regions In Europe With Over 5 Million People By Country

According to the UN there were 81 cities in the world with a population exceeding 5 million people in 2018.

Of those 16 can be found in Europe as the map above shows. Here is the list by country:

Metropolitan Area	Country	Population
Moscow metropolitan area	Russia	17,217,606
Istanbul	Turkey	14,693,269
London metropolitan area	United Kingdom	13,475,297
Rhine-Ruhr metropolitan region	Germany	11,300,000
Paris metropolitan area	France	11,249,025
Madrid metropolitan area	Spain	6,989,714
Randstad	Netherlands	6,787,000
Berlin/Brandenburg Metropolitan Region	Germany	6,216,845
Munich Metropolitan Region	Germany	6,200,000
Frankfurt Rhine-Main	Germany	5,907,863
Saint Petersburg metropolitan area	Russia	5,518,560
Stuttgart Metropolitan Region	Germany	5,465,093
Barcelona metropolitan area	Spain	5,345,763
Milan metropolitan area	Italy	5,301,987
Katowice-Ostrava metropolitan area	Poland/Czech Republic	5,294,000
Flemish Diamond	Belgium	5,103,000

Here’s a brief overview of each:

Moscow Metropolitan Area (Russia):
- The largest metropolitan area in Russia and Europe.
- Major political, economic, cultural, and scientific center.
Istanbul (Turkey):
- Strategically located on two continents, Europe and Asia.
- Key historical city, important economic hub, and Turkey’s largest metropolitan area.
London Metropolitan Area (UK):
- Major global financial and cultural center.
- Highly diverse population and one of Europe’s most populous metropolitan regions.
Rhine-Ruhr Metropolitan Region (Germany):
- Polycentric urban region including cities like Cologne, Düsseldorf, Dortmund, and Essen.
- Significant industrial heritage, major economic powerhouse in Germany.
Paris Metropolitan Area (France):
- Cultural, political, and economic capital of France.
- Known for landmarks like the Eiffel Tower, museums, and a high concentration of businesses.
Madrid Metropolitan Area (Spain):
- Political, economic, and cultural capital of Spain.
- Important financial center, notable for vibrant cultural life.
Randstad (Netherlands):
- Polycentric metropolitan region including Amsterdam, Rotterdam, The Hague, and Utrecht.
- Highly urbanized, significant economic and logistic hub in Western Europe.
Berlin/Brandenburg Metropolitan Region (Germany):
- Capital region of Germany, encompassing Berlin and surrounding Brandenburg area.
- Prominent political, cultural, and technology hub.
Munich Metropolitan Region (Germany):
- Major economic and technological center, especially known for automotive, engineering, and research institutions.
- High quality of life and strong economy.
Frankfurt Rhine-Main (Germany):
- Known for its financial services sector, housing the European Central Bank.
- Major transportation hub due to Frankfurt Airport, Europe’s busiest cargo airport.
Saint Petersburg Metropolitan Area (Russia):
- Russia’s second-largest metropolitan region.
- Noted for historical and architectural significance, major cultural center.
Stuttgart Metropolitan Region (Germany):
- Prominent for automotive industry (Mercedes-Benz, Porsche) and advanced manufacturing.
- High-tech region with significant research and development activity.
Barcelona Metropolitan Area (Spain):
- Significant economic, cultural, and tourist hub.
- Important port city, strong in innovation, design, and tourism.
Milan Metropolitan Area (Italy):
- Italy’s financial, fashion, and design capital.
- Major economic driver, particularly strong in services, fashion industry, and commerce.
Katowice-Ostrava Metropolitan Area (Poland/Czech Republic):
- Cross-border metropolitan region, historically industrial (coal mining, heavy industry).
- Evolving economic landscape with a shift towards services and technology.
Flemish Diamond (Belgium):
- Polycentric urban network including Brussels, Antwerp, Ghent, and Leuven.
- Economic core of Belgium, especially strong in logistics, trade, innovation, and administration (home of many EU institutions).