Bavaria · State Capital

Munich

State Capital of Bavaria — Germany's third largest city by population

👥 1,507,214 Residents 🏆 #1 in Bavaria 🇩🇪 #3 Nationally 📍 Bavaria, Germany
📊 Data Note: The population figures shown are based on the most recent official census data. Munich ranks #3 nationally and #1 in Bavaria, placing it among Germany's most populous and economically significant cities. Gender-disaggregated population data is included in the analysis below.

👥 Population by Gender

1,507,214
Total Population
#1 in Bavaria
#3
National Rank
Top Cities in Germany
#1
Rank in County
#1 in Munich District
Category Population Share (%) State Rank National Rank
Total Population 1,507,214 100% #1 #3
Female Residents (est.) ~769,000 ~51% #1 #3
Male Residents (est.) ~738,000 ~49% #1 #3

Munich (German: München) is the state capital of Bavaria and, with a total population of 1,507,214 residents, the third most populous city in Germany — surpassed only by Berlin and Hamburg. The city ranks #1 within Bavaria and #1 within its own county (Landkreis München), underscoring its dominant role as the region's administrative, economic, and cultural hub. The gender distribution follows a pattern typical of large German metropolitan areas, with a slight female majority of approximately 51%. Munich's continued population growth reflects its strong labor market, international appeal, and high quality of life, which consistently attract both domestic and international migrants.

📈 Munich at a Glance

310 km²
City Area
~4,860
Residents per km²
1158
Year Founded

Founded in 1158, Munich has grown from a medieval market town on the Isar River into one of Europe's most influential metropolitan areas. As the seat of the Bavarian state government and home to world-renowned institutions, universities, and corporations, Munich serves as a key economic engine for Germany. The city's population density of approximately 4,860 residents per square kilometer reflects its urban character while still maintaining extensive parks and green spaces that contribute to its exceptional livability scores in international rankings.

🏆 Ranking Summary

Metric Value County Rank State Rank National Rank
Population by Gender 1,507,214 #1 #1 #3

Across all relevant geographic levels — county, state, and nation — Munich consistently ranks at or near the very top for population. Its position as Bavaria's undisputed largest city and Germany's third most populous municipality confirms its status as a global metropolis. These rankings reflect decades of sustained growth driven by immigration, economic opportunity, and the city's ongoing attractiveness as a place to live and work.

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