The Largest Cities in the World

Lagos - 16 million

Lagos began as a settlement named Eko which was the main trade hub of the Benin Empire. The Portuguese renamed the area as Lagos in 1427 and in 1851 the British annexed the territory. Lagos is among the fastest-growing cities in Africa and the world with over 16 million residents. The city is home to the Murtala Muhammed International Airport, one of the largest in Africa and about 82% of all the international airline departures in West Africa come from Lagos. The city of Lagos generates 75% of its revenue internally, and it contributes 32% of the Nigerian GDP. The city is at the center of the country's movie sector popularly known as Nollywood. Numerous films are shot in the Festac region of Lagos. The city is fashioning itself into a global city complete with cultural festivals and tourist destinations.