What is the population of Lahore?
Lahore has a city population of 13,004,135. That is the population within the city's own boundary, not its wider metropolitan area. City population, GeoNames.
About Lahore
Lahore is Pakistan's second-largest city and the cultural capital of Punjab, with a metropolitan population approaching 14 million. Known as the 'Heart of Pakistan,' Lahore is celebrated for its Mughal heritage, vibrant arts scene, cuisine, and the warmth of its people.
Metro population
13,979,000
0.168% of world population
Archive estimateAnnual growth
+2.42%
Archive estimateDensity
7,888/km²
1,772 km² metro area
Key Facts
Country
Region
Rank in region
#1of 188
Elevation
216 m
Approximate — modelled, not surveyed
Time zone
Asia/Karachi
Coordinates
31.558, 74.351
Record updated
2026-04-14
Entry edited, not measured
City population, GeoNames. GeoNames publishes no year for its population figures, so “record updated” is when the entry was last edited — not the date the population was measured. Elevation is modelled from a digital elevation model rather than surveyed, so it is approximate.
Nearby Cities
All 361 in PakistanClosest listed cities by great-circle distance from the city centre.
Compared with the World's Largest Cities
City-proper population against the fifteen largest cities in the dataset.
| Name | City population |
|---|---|
| Shanghai | 24.9M |
| Beijing | 19M |
| Shenzhen | 17.5M |
| Guangzhou | 16.1M |
| Kinshasa | 16M |
| Istanbul | 15.7M |
| Lagos | 15.4M |
| Ho Chi Minh City | 14M |
| Chengdu | 13.6M |
| Lahore | 13M |
| Mumbai | 12.7M |
| São Paulo | 12.4M |
| Mexico City | 12.3M |
| Karachi | 11.6M |
| Tianjin | 11.1M |
Airports
Scheduled-service airports within 100 km, nearest first.
- Allama Iqbal International AirportLHE
6 km from the city centre
Source: OurAirports, matched by distance.
History
Lahore's history spans over a millennium, with mentions in Hindu epics. The city flourished under the Mughals (1524-1752), who built many of its famous monuments. The Sikhs ruled briefly before British colonization. Lahore was central to the Pakistan movement and barely escaped partition violence in 1947.
Economy
Lahore is Punjab's economic hub with major industries including textiles, manufacturing, IT, and services. The city hosts Pakistan's largest software technology parks. Trading and commerce are deeply rooted. The informal sector is significant. Gulberg and DHA are commercial centers.
Culture
Lahore is Pakistan's cultural capital. Festivals like Basant (now restricted) and Eid are celebrated grandly. The food scene is legendary—nihari, paye, and Lahori cuisine are famous. The Walled City preserves Mughal-era life. Music, poetry, and arts thrive. Lahore is known for its literary festivals and theater tradition.
Transportation
Lahore has Pakistan's first metro (Orange Line opened 2020). Buses, rickshaws, and taxis serve the city. The Ring Road and motorways connect to other cities. Allama Iqbal International Airport handles domestic and international flights. Traffic congestion is severe.
Current Challenges
Lahore faces severe air pollution (often world's worst), traffic congestion, water quality issues, inadequate infrastructure, and urban sprawl. Heritage sites face conservation challenges. The smog season (October-February) is debilitating. Economic inequality and informal settlements are significant concerns.
Highlights
Landmarks & Attractions
- Badshahi Mosque
- Lahore Fort (UNESCO)
- Shalimar Gardens (UNESCO)
- Minar-e-Pakistan
- Anarkali Bazaar
- Data Darbar shrine
- Walled City
- Liberty Market
What Lahore Is Known For
- Mughal heritage
- Food
- Culture
- Hospitality
- Gardens
Universities
- Punjab University
- LUMS
- UET Lahore
- GCU
Sports Teams
- Lahore Qalandars (cricket)
- Lahore City FC
Interesting Facts
- Lahore's Badshahi Mosque was the world's largest mosque for 313 years
- The city is called 'Paris of the East' for its gardens and culture
- Lahore Fort and Shalimar Gardens are UNESCO World Heritage Sites
- Lahori hospitality is legendary—guests are treated royally
- The Walled City has 13 historic gates
Population Trend in Pakistan
No free source publishes city population back to 1950, so the parent country's series is shown instead.
| Year | Population |
|---|---|
| 1950 | 35,849,260 |
| 1960 | 45,709,310 |
| 1970 | 60,166,719 |
| 1980 | 82,291,010 |
| 1990 | 116,155,576 |
| 2000 | 154,879,127 |
| 2010 | 199,239,047 |
| 2020 | 235,001,746 |
| 2030 | 276,883,255 |
| 2040 | 324,937,697 |
| 2050 | 371,863,793 |
| 2060 | 414,441,120 |
| 2070 | 451,260,265 |
| 2080 | 479,745,112 |
| 2090 | 499,173,314 |
| 2100 | 511,000,618 |
Lahore Population FAQ
Where is Lahore?
Lahore is in Punjab, Pakistan, 270 km from the capital, Islamabad. Its coordinates are 31.558, 74.351.
How big is Lahore compared with other cities in Pakistan?
It is the 1st largest of the 361 cities of 15,000 or more listed in Pakistan, holding 5.1% of the national population.