With the ease of travel and connectivity in the modern world, it’s simpler than ever to move somewhere new. Diversity has reached an all-time high in many cities around the world, making them stronger and better places to live. If you’re looking for a little cultural flavor in your life, visit these 10 cities around the world, where you can hear different languages, taste global foods, and meet fascinating people on every corner.
London, England
The stereotypical thought about London’s diversity is that it's, well, nonexistent, but in today’s London, that’s far from the truth. Of all the regions in the U.K., London has the lowest percentage (44.9%) of people who identify as white British. White Britons are actually a minority in the city for the first time in history, and more than one-third of people living in London are foreign born.
London is home to people of 270 different nationalities who speak more than 300 languages, easily making it one of the most diverse cities in the world.
Sydney, Australia
Sydney is one of the most popular destinations for people looking to move to a new city. It has a strong economy, available housing, high quality of life, amazing art, incredible nightlife, and, of course, lovely beaches. With all the great things going for it, it’s no wonder that people are moving there in droves from all over the world.
Because it’s such a popular destination for expats, 54.9% of Sydney residents were born in another country, and 36% of those people came from a country where the primary language isn’t English.
Paris, France
Paris has long been a hub of diversity. For centuries, people have been drawn to the beautiful city for its culture, food, and art. It’s estimated that almost a quarter of the city’s entire population moved to Paris from another area. Forty percent of the population are second-generation immigrants with at least one parent who was born in another country.
São Paulo, Brazil
São Paulo is the name of both a city and a state in Brazil. With more than 12 million residents, it’s the largest city proper in the Americas. In the 1880s, there was a massive boom in coffee plantations all over São Paulo that brought a wave of immigrants from Europe. By the 1900s, immigrants from Asia and the Middle East started arriving. Pretty soon, São Paulo had one of the most diverse populations in the world — and it still does today.
New York City, New York
At the base of the Statue of Liberty is a poem that displays these famous lines: “Give me your tired, your poor/ Your huddled masses yearning to breathe free.” With that quote serving as a guiding light for the city (and America as a whole), it’s no wonder that New York City makes the list as one of the most diverse cities in the world. Toward the end of the 19th century, millions of immigrants from all over the globe headed to the city in hopes of building a new life and fulfilling the American Dream. It’s a trend that continues today.
Los Angeles, California
Los Angeles is the second-largest city in the United States, but according to some metrics, it takes the top spot in terms of cultural diversity. Nearly half of the population is Latino, and L.A. is home to some of the largest international communities in the country. You can’t go anywhere in the city without seeing signs for cultural areas like Chinatown, Koreatown, Little Tokyo, or Little Armenia, to name a few.
Singapore
Singapore is a relatively new country (or city-state, to be more precise). It gained independence in the 1960s, but so much has happened since then. The city has built up an impressive infrastructure and leads the world in areas like technology and manufacturing. With so much growth, it has also attracted a wide array of people from all over the world.
Singapore embraces its diversity. Whether it’s with food, culture, or even creating new languages like “Singlish,” they want to make sure that everyone is a part of the city. It’s also considered the most religiously diverse city in the world.
Dubai, United Arab Emirates
Dubai is one of the fastest-growing cities in the world, in terms of both population and infrastructure. It’s growing so quickly, in fact, that expats outnumber locals by almost seven to one! A whopping 85% of the city’s population moved there from another country. Most immigrants come from Asian countries, with a large percentage also coming from the United Kingdom.
Amsterdam, Netherlands
In the past 50 years, Amsterdam has seen an influx of immigrants coming from various countries throughout the world. Today, there are 180 different nationalities — 45% of them being ethnic minorities — that call the city home.
Toronto, Canada
Toronto is the largest city in Canada and home to the country's most culturally diverse population. Nearly half of the entire population is foreign born, with 49% belonging to a minority group. Much like New York City, Toronto has several cultural pockets scattered throughout the city. There are well-known hubs such as Chinatown and Little Italy, but Toronto also hosts a more diverse array of these neighborhoods, including Little Malta, Little Poland, and Portugal Village. With so many different strong cultural presences, Toronto might very well be the most diverse city in the world.