this ranking uses illustrative numbers, not real data · 5 of 6 rankings use real data so far
which cities are rising, and which are fading
50 cities, six rankings, measured the same way everywhere. No surveys. No paid places.
Where activity is growing fastest
Growth in night-time light, 2014 to 2025. A proxy for economic activity, not GDP. · Estimate
- 28 São Paulo Brazil 62% ↑ 6
- 30 Buenos Aires Argentina 55% ↑ 4
- 31 Bogotá Colombia 51% ↑ 1
- 32 Santiago Chile 40% ↑ 6
- 33 Rio de Janeiro Brazil 37% ↓ 4
- 41 Mexico City Mexico 23% –
- 42 Lima Peru 23% ↓ 2
Source: NASA Black Marble · 2025 data · arrows show rank change vs last year.
Measured, never opinion · every number traceable · nobody can buy a rank.
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