What is the population of Paris?
Paris's metropolitan area has about 11,142,000 people, making it the 30th largest metro area in our dataset of 140 major cities.
In France · Also known as City of Light, City of Love, La Ville Lumière
Metro population
11,142,000
0.134% of world population
Archive estimateAnnual growth
+0.25%
About 76 people a day
Archive estimateDensity
3,916/km²
2,845 km² metro area
City proper
2,138,551
Within the administrative boundary
GeoNamesAbout Paris
Paris is the capital and largest city of France, with a metropolitan population exceeding 11 million. Known as the 'City of Light,' Paris is a global center for art, fashion, gastronomy, and culture. The city's romantic ambiance, historic architecture, and cultural institutions make it one of the world's most visited destinations.
Key Facts
Airports
Scheduled-service airports within 100 km, nearest first.
- Paris-Le Bourget International AirportLBG
14 km from the city centre
- Paris-Orly AirportORY
14 km from the city centre
- Charles de Gaulle International AirportCDG
23 km from the city centre
- Beauvais-Tillé airportBVA
69 km from the city centre
Source: OurAirports, matched by distance.
History
Paris was founded in the 3rd century BCE by a Celtic tribe called the Parisii. The city flourished in the Middle Ages and became Europe's largest city. The French Revolution (1789) transformed France and the world from Paris. Baron Haussmann's 19th-century renovations created the boulevard system. Paris hosted World Expos and Olympics, shaping modern urban planning.
Economy
Paris has Europe's largest city economy. Key sectors include finance (La Défense is Europe's largest business district), fashion and luxury goods (headquarters of LVMH, Kering, L'Oréal), tourism, and aerospace. The city contributes about 30% of France's GDP. Paris is a global hub for art markets and design.
Culture
Paris is a global cultural capital. World-famous museums (Louvre, Musée d'Orsay, Centre Pompidou) house priceless collections. The fashion industry hosts premier shows. Café culture, fine dining, and wine are central to life. Philosophy, literature, and art have flourished for centuries. Cinema, theater, and music thrive.
Transportation
Paris Metro is one of the world's densest subway systems with 16 lines. RER commuter rail extends to suburbs. TGV high-speed trains connect to all of France and Europe. CDG and Orly airports serve the city. Vélib' bike-sharing is popular. The city is increasingly pedestrian-friendly.
Current Challenges
Paris faces challenges including extreme housing costs, air pollution, periodic protests and social unrest, and the integration of diverse populations in banlieues (suburbs). Tourism overcrowding affects certain areas. The city is working to address climate change and improve quality of life.
Highlights
Landmarks & Attractions
- Eiffel Tower
- Louvre Museum
- Notre-Dame Cathedral
- Arc de Triomphe
- Sacré-Cœur
- Champs-Élysées
- Musée d'Orsay
- Versailles (nearby)
What Paris Is Known For
- Eiffel Tower
- Art museums
- Fashion
- Cuisine
- Romance
Universities
- Sorbonne
- Sciences Po
- École Normale Supérieure
- HEC Paris
Sports Teams
- Paris Saint-Germain (football)
- Stade Français (rugby)
Interesting Facts
- The Louvre is the world's largest and most visited museum
- Paris has only one stop sign in the entire city
- The Eiffel Tower was supposed to be temporary
- Paris has over 400 cheese shops
- The Catacombs hold the remains of 6 million people
- Paris hosted the 2024 Olympics
Compared with the World's Largest Cities
Metropolitan population against the fifteen largest metro areas.
| Name | Metro population |
|---|---|
| Tokyo | 37.4M |
| Delhi | 32.9M |
| Shanghai | 29.2M |
| São Paulo | 22.6M |
| Dhaka | 22.5M |
| Mexico City | 22.3M |
| Cairo | 22.2M |
| Mumbai | 21.7M |
| Beijing | 21.5M |
| Osaka | 19M |
| New York | 18.9M |
| Karachi | 17.1M |
| Kinshasa | 17.1M |
| Chongqing | 16.9M |
| Lagos | 15.9M |
| Paris | 11.1M |
Population Trend in France
No free source publishes metropolitan population back to 1950, so the parent country's series is shown instead.
| Year | Population |
|---|---|
| 1950 | 41,883,119 |
| 1960 | 46,428,134 |
| 1970 | 50,813,075 |
| 1980 | 53,941,061 |
| 1990 | 56,990,238 |
| 2000 | 59,483,717 |
| 2010 | 63,417,363 |
| 2020 | 65,905,277 |
| 2030 | 67,107,691 |
| 2040 | 67,938,904 |
| 2050 | 68,219,675 |
| 2060 | 67,850,295 |
| 2070 | 67,678,905 |
| 2080 | 68,024,937 |
| 2090 | 68,421,883 |
| 2100 | 68,484,558 |
Nearest Major Cities
Closest cities in our dataset by great-circle distance.
Paris Population FAQ
What is the difference between Paris's city and metro population?
About 2,138,551 people live within the city proper, while the wider metropolitan area holds roughly 11,142,000. Metro figures include surrounding commuter areas that fall outside the city's administrative boundary.
Is Paris growing or shrinking?
Paris is growing at +0.25% a year.
What share of France's population lives in Paris?
Paris's metro area holds about 16.2% of France's total population.
How densely populated is Paris?
Paris has roughly 3,916 people per km² across a metro area of about 2,845 km².
Which airports serve Paris?
The nearest major airports are Paris-Le Bourget International Airport (LBG), Paris-Orly Airport (ORY), Charles de Gaulle International Airport (CDG).
Which country is Paris in?
Paris is in France, in Europe.
Explore More Cities
- #1 TokyoJapan · 37.4M · −0.14%
- #2 DelhiIndia · 32.9M · +2.78%
- #3 ShanghaiChina · 29.2M · +0.86%
- #4 São PauloBrazil · 22.6M · +0.75%
- #5 DhakaBangladesh · 22.5M · +2.89%
- #6 Mexico CityMexico · 22.3M · +0.80%