Most of the world’s large mountainous cities are found in the southern hemisphere in developing countries in the low to middle income bracket; high mountain cities in developed countries do not have large populations. The Bolivian cities of El Alto and La Paz have the distinction of being the two highest cities in the world and are both part of a metropolitan region with a population approaching 2 million. Mexico City is by far the largest and is part of one of the largest metropolitan areas in the world; it includes the three cities of Ecatepec, Nezahualcoyotl and Naucalpan, all of which are over 2,000 metres above sea level (ASL). Other major medium to large high altitude cities include Kathmandu (Nepal), Ulaanbaatar (Mongolia) and Kunming (China) in Asia; Harare (Zimbabwe), Addis Ababa (Ethiopia) in Africa; and Bogotá (Colombia), with more than 7 million inhabitants, in South America. Altitudes range from 1,350 metres ASL in Ulaanbaatar to more than 4,000 metres ASL in the cas.
Year: 2016
From collection: Waste Management Outlook for Mountain Regions - Sources and Solutions
Cartographer: Hisham Ashkar
Tags: cities
FAQs
The highest city in the world is Bolivia's El Alto-La Paz metropolitan area, with more than two million people at an average of 3,869m above sea level.
Which cities are the highest in the world? ›
The highest city in the world with a population of more than one million is La Paz. The Capital of Bolivia sits 3,869 meters above sea level, and is more than 1,000 meters higher than the second ranked city - Quito. La Paz is also higher than Mt. Fuji in Japan, which has a height of 3,776 meters.
Is Mexico City one of the highest cities in the world? ›
Mexico City – Mexico's capital and largest city, situated at an elevation of 2,316m, is the seventh-highest city in the world.
What cities are a mile high? ›
Denver – The Mile High City – really is exactly one mile high. The Mile High City is also extremely dry, so it is a good idea to drink more water than usual. And, with less water vapor in the air at this altitude, the sky really is bluer in Colorado.
Is Mexico City higher than Denver? ›
MEXICO CITY -- With an altitude of 7,350 feet in Mexico's capital, more than 2,000 feet higher than Denver, it would be reasonable to expect a healthy dose of home runs at Estadio Alfredo Harp Helú for the Mexico City Series on Saturday and Sunday between the Astros and Rockies.
Where in the US has the highest altitude? ›
Denali in Alaska is the highest mountain peak in North America. Denali is the third most topographically prominent and third most topographically isolated summit on Earth after Mount Everest and Aconcagua.
What is the top 1 city in the world? ›
New York is the world's best city, a new yearly list revealed. New York's food, diverse culture and vibrant nightlife make it the best city in the world, Times Out list said while Cape Town in South Africa secured second place. London, Berlin, and Madrid were in the top five.
What is considered high elevation for a city? ›
This is a list of cities in the United States by elevation. To be included on the list, a place needs to be an incorporated municipality (i.e. a city, town, or village) and it needs to be at an elevation of 3,000 feet (914 m) or higher.
What is the most inhabited city in the world? ›
As of 2024, Japan's capital, Tokyo, is the most populous city in the world, with over 37 million inhabitants. India's New Delhi and China's Shanghai occupy the 2nd and 3rd spots.
What is the highest habitable place in the world? ›
Tucked away in the eastern Andes Mountains, about 5,000 meters (3 miles) above sea level, the town of La Rinconada is the highest permanent settlement in the world. The Peruvian town does not have running water, a sewage system, or garbage disposal.
The Bolivian cities of El Alto and La Paz have the distinction of being the two highest cities in the world and are both part of a metropolitan region with a population approaching 2 million.
What city has the most square miles? ›
The biggest city in America by size is Sitka, Alaska, containing a staggering 4,811.4 square miles of land and water! That's more than three times the size of Rhode Island!
What is the highest town in North America? ›
Welcome to Alma, CO
Alma is the highest incorporated town in North America at 10,578 feet. Founded in 1873, the town boasts an estimated population of 275 (2000 census: 179), with an estimated 1,000 residents in nearby subdivisions.
What is the highest elevation you can drive to in the US? ›
As the highest paved road in North America, Mount Blue Sky Road rises to a height of 14,130 feet above sea level (learn about all 58 14ers here. Many clouds don't even make it that high, but you can. Begin your trip in the historic mining town of Idaho Springs.
Is Machu Picchu the highest city in the world? ›
Cusco Elevation
Peru also has the highest major city in the world: La Rinconada's 30,000 inhabitants live at an astonishing 16,728 feet above sea level! Cusco sits just lower than Bolivia's La Paz, the world's highest capital city at 11,975'.
Is Santa Fe higher than Denver? ›
Did you know Santa Fe is at a higher elevation the the “mile high” city, Denver? Santa Fe stands at a little over 7,000 feet above sea level, making it the highest capital city in the United States. While most Santa Fe residents are well-acclimated to the elevation, it can take visitors by surprise.
