What is the population of Warsaw?
Warsaw's metropolitan area has about 1,860,000 people, making it the 122nd largest metro area in our dataset of 140 major cities.
In Poland · Also known as Phoenix City, Warszawa
Metro population
1,860,000
0.022% of world population
Archive estimateAnnual growth
+0.25%
About 13 people a day
Archive estimateDensity
3,598/km²
517 km² metro area
City proper
1,702,139
Within the administrative boundary
GeoNamesAbout Warsaw
Warsaw is the capital and largest city of Poland, with 1.8 million residents and 3.1 million in the metro area. Completely destroyed in WWII and meticulously rebuilt, Warsaw is a symbol of Polish resilience. Today, it's Central Europe's fastest-growing major economy, a tech hub, and a city blending reconstructed heritage with modern ambition.
Key Facts
Airports
Scheduled-service airports within 100 km, nearest first.
- Warsaw Chopin AirportWAW
8 km from the city centre
- Warsaw Modlin AirportWMI
35 km from the city centre
- Warsaw Radom AirportRDO
94 km from the city centre
Source: OurAirports, matched by distance.
History
Warsaw became Poland's capital in 1596. The city was devastated by WWI, then systematically destroyed by Nazi Germany after the 1944 Warsaw Uprising (85% destroyed). The Old Town was painstakingly reconstructed (UNESCO World Heritage for reconstruction). Communist-era architecture dominates. Since 1989, Warsaw has transformed into a modern European capital.
Economy
Warsaw is Central Europe's financial hub, hosting the Warsaw Stock Exchange, major banks, and growing tech sector. Key sectors include finance, IT, BPO services, manufacturing, and real estate. Many multinationals have regional headquarters here. The city generates about 13% of Poland's GDP. Cost advantages attract investment, though wages are rising.
Culture
Warsaw's culture reflects its Phoenix-like rebirth. The reconstructed Old Town and Royal Castle showcase restoration dedication. Chopin, born nearby, is celebrated everywhere. The city has vibrant contemporary art, theater, and nightlife scenes. Polish cuisine (pierogi, żurek) is hearty. The Praga district offers alternative culture.
Transportation
Warsaw has two metro lines (expanding), extensive tram and bus networks. Chopin Airport serves as Poland's main hub. Central Railway Station connects to all of Europe. The city is increasingly bike-friendly. Traffic can be challenging. E-scooters are popular.
Current Challenges
Warsaw faces rapid urban growth straining infrastructure, air pollution (coal heating still common), housing affordability issues, and debates about communist-era architecture. The city balances EU integration with Poland's political direction. Labor shortages in some sectors exist. Quality of public spaces varies.
Highlights
Landmarks & Attractions
- Old Town (UNESCO reconstruction)
- Royal Castle
- Łazienki Park
- Palace of Culture and Science (Stalinist)
- POLIN Museum of the History of Polish Jews
- Warsaw Uprising Museum
- Wilanów Palace
- Copernicus Science Centre
What Warsaw Is Known For
- WWII history
- Reconstruction
- Chopin
- Tech industry
- Resilience
- Pierogi
Universities
- University of Warsaw
- Warsaw University of Technology
- SGH Warsaw School of Economics
Sports Teams
- Legia Warsaw (football)
- Polonia Warsaw
Interesting Facts
- Warsaw's Old Town was entirely rebuilt after WWII using 18th-century paintings as guides
- The Palace of Culture and Science was Stalin's 'gift' and remains controversial
- Chopin's heart is preserved in a pillar of the Holy Cross Church
- Warsaw has over 100,000 tech workers
- The city's official symbol is a mermaid (Syrenka)
- Warsaw Uprising lasted 63 days in 1944
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 |
| Warsaw | 1.86M |
Population Trend in Poland
No free source publishes metropolitan population back to 1950, so the parent country's series is shown instead.
| Year | Population |
|---|---|
| 1950 | 24,780,161 |
| 1960 | 29,575,966 |
| 1970 | 32,542,633 |
| 1980 | 35,576,519 |
| 1990 | 38,055,455 |
| 2000 | 38,258,071 |
| 2010 | 38,095,351 |
| 2020 | 38,171,012 |
| 2030 | 37,198,543 |
| 2040 | 35,179,554 |
| 2050 | 32,814,096 |
| 2060 | 30,139,158 |
| 2070 | 27,103,555 |
| 2080 | 24,037,703 |
| 2090 | 21,452,557 |
| 2100 | 19,329,839 |
Nearest Major Cities
Closest cities in our dataset by great-circle distance.
Warsaw Population FAQ
What is the difference between Warsaw's city and metro population?
About 1,702,139 people live within the city proper, while the wider metropolitan area holds roughly 1,860,000. Metro figures include surrounding commuter areas that fall outside the city's administrative boundary.
Is Warsaw growing or shrinking?
Warsaw is growing at +0.25% a year.
What share of Poland's population lives in Warsaw?
Warsaw's metro area holds about 5.1% of Poland's total population.
How densely populated is Warsaw?
Warsaw has roughly 3,598 people per km² across a metro area of about 517 km².
Which airports serve Warsaw?
The nearest major airports are Warsaw Chopin Airport (WAW), Warsaw Modlin Airport (WMI), Warsaw Radom Airport (RDO).
Which country is Warsaw in?
Warsaw is in Poland, in Europe.
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- #5 DhakaBangladesh · 22.5M · +2.89%
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