10 Best Diverse Cities in the World
Have you ever wondered which cities around the world are known for their diverse communities? Well, let’s take a look at the top 10 diverse cities in the world that are known for their multiculturalism!
When we talk about diversity, we are referring to people of different races, ethnic groups, nationalities, religions, and cultures living together in the same city.
In these cities, you will find a mix of languages, cuisines, festivals, and traditions that create a unique and exciting blend.
Experiencing different cultures teaches us the differences that make us unique and the similarities that bring us together. So let’s go on a journey and explore the 10 best diverse cities in the world and discover what makes them so special!
Here is the List of the 10 Most Diverse Cities in the World
1. Toronto, Canada – The Most Multicultural City in the World
Toronto is often called “the world’s most multicultural city” because almost half of its population was born overseas. This Canadian metropolis is home to 200 different ethnic groups.
Some of the larger cultural groups include people from the UK, Ireland, China, and Italy, while smaller communities include people from Iran, the Netherlands, Nepal, and Romania.
There are many other multicultural communities in Toronto. Some of these are Chinatown, Greektown, Roncesvalles Village (Little Poland), Little Italy, and Little India.
If you walk around Toronto, you’ll hear so many different languages spoken – more than 180! There are many cultural festivals and events to enjoy, and the food scene is amazing too, with lots of international cuisines to try.
Toronto is a diverse place and people from all over the world feel welcome here.
If you’re new to Canada, Toronto is a great place to start and feel part of the community.
2. London, UK – A Multicultural Hub with Over 300 Nationalities
London, the capital city of the United Kingdom, is a melting pot of cultures, religions, and nationalities.
With over 300 nationalities and 300 languages spoken, London is the most linguistically diverse city in the world. From the vibrant Indian community in Little India to the bustling Chinese community in Chinatown, London’s diverse neighborhoods offer a unique blend of cultures and traditions.
You can hear multiple languages spoken on a single street, taste international cuisine from around the world, and experience colorful cultural celebrations happening all year round.
London is also known for its inclusivity and welcoming nature towards immigrants and minorities, offering them the opportunity to integrate and become part of the city’s fabric.
3. Los Angeles, US – The Ethnic Diversity of the West Coast
Like New York City, Los Angeles, on California’s west coast, is another one of the United States’ most multicultural cities.
Los Angeles is a popular city for its weather and sunshine, as well as for being a ‘land of opportunity.’ Even within the United States, many Americans relocated to L.A. in order to follow their dreams of art-related fame or fortune.
Similarly, there are many people from other countries who have relocated to L.A. due to its booming art and culture scene – namely, Hollywood, but new residents also move here more widely in search of a new life in America.
The city is unique in that it does not have a strong majority population, and there are people stemming from over 140 different countries, speaking nearly 100 different languages.
An abundance of culturally diverse neighborhoods including Latino communities, Little Tokyo, Koreatown, and the like, help to make Los Angeles the multicultural hub that it is today.
4. New York City, US – The Melting Pot of the World
NYC is oft referred to as the “melting pot of the world“. It is a city that truly celebrates diversity. People from all corners of the world call it, one of the most culturally diverse cities in the world. People from around the world come here for jobs like from India, Brazil, and Korea.
It was reported in 2017 that there were more languages spoken in the borough of Queens than anywhere else in the world. The city has set up the Mayor’s Office of Immigrant Affairs, which has created several executive orders and laws to help those who come from abroad – about 36% of the population.
NYC has neighborhoods, restaurants, and cultural centers sitting side by side, celebrating ethnicities from all over the world. In fact, the headquarters of the United Nations is located in New York, due both to its large size and population, and its multicultural nature.
5. Singapore – A City-State with Four Official Languages
Singapore is a city-state, meaning that its entire economy and population are based in small quarters. Hong Kong is considered one of Asia’s “world cities” or one of the most diverse cities in the world.
Malay, Chinese, and Indians are who make up this itty bitty city in Southeast Asia. Although this is considered one of the smallest countries in the world.
There is a population of over 5.8 million, more than a quarter of whom were born somewhere other than Singapore. Mandarin Chinese and English are major languages as well as Tamil and Malay.
Diversity is part of the fabric of Singapore; it’s what helps this city-state thrive, and what has helped it become a major player on the world stage of business and opportunity.
6. Sydney, Australia – A Multicultural City with Over 200 Countries Represented
Sydney is one of the most diverse cities in the world. Over 40%-50% of the population (which is an estimated 5.8 million) is from overseas, mainly from the Philippines, the UK, Italy, and China.
As the largest city in Australia, Sydney is often referred to as the “New York of Australia“.
The City of Sydney area is one of the most culturally and linguistically diverse areas in NSW and Australia. Over 39.2% of people speak a language other than English at home. And the most commonly spoken languages include Mandarin, Thai, Cantonese, Indonesian, and Spanish.
This diverse and booming city is a safe and successful city full of culture, food and wine, and recreation opportunities that draw visitors and immigrants from all over the world.
7. Amsterdam, Netherlands – A True Showcase Of Unity In Diversity
Amsterdam, the largest city in the Netherlands, is known for being a welcoming place for immigrants and asylum seekers and is proud of its diverse population it’s also home to the LGBTQ+ community.
This Capital city is filled with friendly people from all over the world from over 180 different cultural backgrounds. And is specifically known for being a safe and tolerant place for asylum seekers, and as such often has immigrants from a variety of countries who likely do not speak Dutch.
However, this city is extremely multilingual and offers a wide range of language classes to help new residents adjust.
Similarly, they have a festival known as DRONGO Festival, which aims to celebrate the many languages spoken throughout the city.
8. Dubai, UAE – A Global City with a Diverse Population
There’s no question that Dubai is one of the world’s most luxurious cities. Thousands of workers from all over the world built this city. Over the last few decades, Dubai has grown from a small town to a global city.
Estimates suggest only 15 to 20% of the total population of Dubai could be categorized as locals. This means that ex-pats make up around 80 to 85% of the population, contributing to the city’s status as a multicultural Dubai. This cultural diversity in Dubai has become a hallmark of ex-pat life in Dubai.
People from over 125 countries reside here and having so many multicultural communities in Dubai is what makes it a wonderful and welcoming place.
The multicultural environment in Dubai has been carefully nurtured by its leaders and its populace has readily embraced the idea.
Whether it is shopping, education, entertainment, or food, Dubai can rival any city in the world with its diversity.
9. San Francisco, US – A Major Cultural Center of the World
San Francisco is the city of dreams for many people. People from all over the US and other regions of the world often come to San Francisco with the wish to settle in there. It is a smaller city than many of the others listed above, but no less cosmopolitan. It is one of the most diverse cities in the world.
This 49-square-mile community is home to many immigrants, most of them from China. Others come from countries such as Germany, Italy, Mexico, and India. Chinatown, the Mission District, and North Beach are just some of the city’s vibrant neighborhoods.
San Francisco is the LGBTQ capital of the world, and it shows the acceptance of the LGBTQ culture in great detail during SF Pride. The city takes its legacy of LGBTQ with utmost seriousness. Today, it is an equal size celebration and a political movement.
It is also a city of historical landmarks and Victorian homes. This diversity and different cultures make the city ideal for anyone looking to move to a great location!
10. Sao Paulo, Brazil – A Culturally Diverse City with a Rich Heritage
Sao Paulo is a metropolis renowned for its cultural diversity and richness. That is mirrored in its artistic expressions, musical scene, language, and culinary delights. The city’s populace represents more than 150 nationalities, culminating in one of the world’s most ethnically multifaceted urban areas.
Furthermore, the city is distinguished as being home to the largest Japanese community outside of Japan. And various neighborhoods such as Liberdade, the Japanese quarter, and Bixiga, the Italian quarter, are nestled in and amongst the Brazilian neighborhoods.
Together, these cultures form a diverse atmosphere where cuisine, religion, and ethnic backgrounds come together in harmony.
What Are the Most Diverse Cities in the World Known For?
Cultural tourism relates to a city’s majestic art, fascinating architecture, age-old customs, impeccable hospitality, authentic cuisines, thriving nightlife, and many more facets. These compelling aspects make up the culture of a place that plays an influential role in developing and boosting the tourism of a particular destination.
You can learn about new cultures and try new things you would never have experienced otherwise. Also, living in a multicultural city can help you develop a global perspective and understanding of the world. This is what makes these cities great: they give you a unique experience.
These most diverse cities in the world add a cultural flavor to the already existing cityscape. These mind-blowing cities really make us think – the world’s really a small place, but it’s a vibrant one too!
Overall, the most diverse cities in the world are celebrations of cultural differences and a testament to the power of inclusiveness. These cities are full of joy, rich cultures, and welcoming people.
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