Beijing vs Lagos - City Size Comparison

Is Beijing Bigger Than Lagos?

Beijing is significantly larger, covering 14.0 times the area of Lagos. Beijing spans 16,411 km² (6,336 mi²) while Lagos covers 1,172 km² (453 mi²) — a difference of 15,239 km². You could fit Lagos inside Beijing approximately 14 times.

About Beijing

China's capital and political center. Known as "The Northern Capital", Beijing covers 16,411 km² with a population of 21.5 million. The city was founded around 1045 BC. Beijing is known for The Forbidden City, Great Wall of China, Temple of Heaven, among other attractions. The city's main transit system is the Beijing Subway.

Beijing's administrative area of 16,411 km² makes it larger than many small countries

About Lagos

Nigeria's largest city and economic hub of West Africa. Often called "Eko", Lagos has an area of 1,172 km² and is home to 15.4 million people. The city dates back to 1472. Visitors come for Afrobeats music scene, Lekki Conservation Centre, Lagos Island, and much more. Getting around is easy with the Lagos Rail (Blue & Red Lines).

Lagos is projected to become the world's largest city by population by 2100

Metropolitan Area Comparison

Looking beyond city limits, the Beijing metropolitan area covers 16,411 km², which is 6.1x larger than greater Lagos at 2,706 km². The Beijing metro area is also more populous, with 21.5 million people compared to 21.0 million.

Population Density

Beijing has a population density of 1,313 people per km² — a relatively spread-out city. Lagos, with 13,131 people per km², is an extremely dense urban environment. Lagos is dramatically more crowded, with 10.0x the population density.

Climate & Time Zone

Beijing has a humid continental climate while Lagos experiences tropical savanna conditions. Winters differ dramatically: Lagos stays around 27°C while Beijing drops to -3°C. When it's noon in Beijing, it's 5:00 AM in Lagos — a 7-hour time difference.