Is Madrid the Second Largest City in Europe?

By Robert Palmer

Madrid is one of the most popular cities in Europe, known for its rich culture, stunning architecture, and vibrant nightlife. However, there is often confusion about whether Madrid is actually the second largest city in Europe. In this article, we will explore this question and delve into the factors that define a city’s size.

Defining City Size

When discussing a city’s size, there are several factors to consider. The most common measurement used is population size.

This refers to the number of people living within the city limits. Other factors that can be used to determine a city’s size include land area, economic output, and cultural significance.

Population Size

Population size is the most common metric used to determine a city’s size. According to recent estimates from Eurostat (the European Union’s statistical office), Istanbul is currently the largest city in Europe with a population of 15 million people. Moscow comes in second with 12 million people.

So where does Madrid fall on this list? As of 2021, Madrid has a population of approximately 6.6 million people. While this is certainly an impressive number, it does not make Madrid the second largest city in Europe when considering population alone.

Land Area

Another factor that can be used to determine a city’s size is land area. By land area alone, Madrid ranks as one of the largest cities in Europe. The municipality covers an area of 604 square kilometers (233 square miles), making it larger than cities like Paris and Amsterdam.

Economic Output

Economic output can also be used as a metric for determining a city’s size. This refers to the amount of money generated by businesses and individuals within the city limits. According to recent data from Eurostat, London has the highest gross domestic product (GDP) of any European city, followed by Paris and Moscow.

Conclusion

So, is Madrid the second largest city in Europe? When considering population size alone, the answer is no.

However, Madrid’s impressive land area and cultural significance certainly make it one of the largest and most influential cities on the continent. Ultimately, city size can be defined in a variety of ways, and each metric provides a different perspective on what makes a city “big”.