Night Earth

The World's 50 Brightest and 50 Dimmest Cities

Welcome to our exploration of the world's most contrasting urban nightscapes, where we delve into the realms of light and darkness across the globe. Our comprehensive list highlights the 50 cities with the most light pollution, alongside the 50 cities with the least light pollution. This mesmerizing contrast uncovers the true extent of our ever-growing urban footprint and its impact on the natural world.

As artificial light continues to engulf our planet, we find ourselves at a critical juncture, where the balance between modernization and environmental preservation hangs in the balance. Light pollution affects not only the beauty of our night skies but also disrupts the delicate ecological balance, impacting the behavior and well-being of countless living organisms.

Discover the cities that blaze with a dazzling array of artificial light, drowning out the celestial wonders above, and venture into the serene sanctuaries where the sky remains a canvas for nature's exquisite artistry. Our list provides an insightful journey into the brightest and dimmest corners of the world, offering a stark reminder of the importance of preserving the natural beauty and wonders of our planet for future generations.

Join us on this illuminating journey as we shine a light on the urban landscapes that define our world, revealing the intricate dance between the forces of human progress and the enchanting power of the night sky.

50 Cities with the Least Light Pollution

  1. Reykjavik, Iceland - Strict outdoor lighting regulations and a remote location with low population density contribute to low light pollution.
  2. Tromsø, Norway - The city's location in the Arctic Circle and limited industrial activity help reduce light pollution.
  3. Ushuaia, Argentina - Located at the southern tip of South America, Ushuaia's remote location and small size contribute to its low light pollution.
  4. Yellowknife, Canada - Low population density and a strong focus on preserving the natural environment result in minimal light pollution.
  5. Nuuk, Greenland - The city's remote location, low population density, and limited commercial activity help maintain low light pollution levels.
  6. Punta Arenas, Chile - Situated in southern Chile, the city's remote location and smaller size contribute to reduced light pollution.
  7. Invercargill, New Zealand - Strict lighting regulations and the city's distance from other urban centers contribute to low light pollution.
  8. La Palma, Canary Islands, Spain - Remote location, home to astronomical observatories, and stringent lighting regulations.
  9. Launceston, Australia - Conservation efforts, limited industrial activity, and a focus on preserving natural darkness help reduce light pollution.
  10. Christchurch, New Zealand - The city's commitment to preserving its natural environment and strict lighting regulations help maintain low light pollution.
  11. Rovaniemi, Finland - Rovaniemi's location near the Arctic Circle and limited commercial activity contribute to low light pollution.
  12. Anchorage, USA - The city's low population density and its remote location in Alaska contribute to reduced light pollution.
  13. Fairbanks, USA - Located in central Alaska, the city's remote location and emphasis on preserving natural darkness help reduce light pollution.
  14. Hobart, Australia - The city's commitment to preserving its natural environment and strict lighting regulations help maintain low light pollution.
  15. Iqaluit, Canada - Iqaluit's remote location in northern Canada and low population density contribute to low light pollution levels.
  16. Stavanger, Norway - The city's coastal location, strict lighting regulations, and emphasis on preserving natural darkness help maintain low light pollution.
  17. Trondheim, Norway - Trondheim's commitment to sustainability and low population density help reduce light pollution.
  18. Akureyri, Iceland - The city's remote location, strict lighting regulations, and low population density contribute to low light pollution levels.
  19. Gothenburg, Sweden - Gothenburg's focus on sustainable urban planning and strict lighting regulations help reduce light pollution.
  20. Whitehorse, Canada - The city's remote location in Yukon and commitment to preserving natural darkness contribute to low light pollution.
  21. Valdivia, Chile - Valdivia's commitment to environmental conservation and limited industrial activity help maintain low light pollution levels.
  22. Oulu, Finland - The city's location in northern Finland and focus on preserving natural darkness contribute to low light pollution.
  23. Dunedin, New Zealand - Dunedin's conservation efforts, limited industrial activity, and strict lighting regulations help maintain low light pollution.
  24. Cuenca, Ecuador - The city's focus on environmental conservation and limited industrial activity help reduce light pollution.
  25. Pucón, Chile - Pucón's location in southern Chile and focus on preserving natural darkness contribute to low light pollution levels.
  26. Queenstown, New Zealand - The city's commitment to preserving its natural environment and strict lighting regulations help maintain low light pollution.
  27. Hilo, USA - Located on the Big Island of Hawaii, Hilo's commitment to preserving natural darkness and limited commercial activity contribute to low light pollution.
  28. St. John's, Canada - The city's coastal location, low population density, and emphasis on preserving natural darkness help maintain low light pollution.
  29. Juneau, USA - Juneau's remote location in Alaska and commitment to preserving natural darkness contribute to low light pollution levels.
  30. Nelson, New Zealand - The city's focus on environmental conservation, limited industrial activity, and strict lighting regulations help maintain low light pollution.
  31. Lhasa, Tibet - Lhasa's remote location on the Tibetan Plateau and limited industrial activity help reduce light pollution.
  32. Kodiak, USA - Kodiak's remote location in Alaska and low population density contribute to low light pollution levels.
  33. Nuwara Eliya, Sri Lanka - The city's focus on preserving natural darkness and its location in the Central Highlands contribute to low light pollution.
  34. Montevideo, Uruguay - Coastal location with an emphasis on sustainable development practices and limited outdoor lighting.
  35. Ketchikan, USA - Ketchikan's remote location in Alaska and commitment to preserving natural darkness help maintain low light pollution.
  36. Alesund, Norway - Alesund's coastal location, strict lighting regulations, and emphasis on preserving natural darkness help maintain low light pollution.
  37. Bellingham, USA - The city's focus on environmental conservation, limited industrial activity, and strict lighting regulations help maintain low light pollution.
  38. Bariloche, Argentina - Bariloche's location in the Andes and focus on preserving natural darkness contribute to low light pollution levels.
  39. Galway, Ireland - The city's commitment to preserving its natural environment and strict lighting regulations help maintain low light pollution.
  40. Bend, USA - Bend's focus on sustainable urban planning and commitment to preserving natural darkness help reduce light pollution.
  41. Tórshavn, Faroe Islands - Tórshavn's remote location, low population density, and limited commercial activity contribute to low light pollution levels.
  42. Breckenridge, USA - The city's commitment to preserving its natural environment and strict lighting regulations help maintain low light pollution.
  43. Marquette, USA - The city's focus on environmental conservation, limited industrial activity, and strict lighting regulations help maintain low light pollution.
  44. Flagstaff, USA - Flagstaff's commitment to dark sky preservation and strict lighting regulations contribute to low light pollution levels.
  45. Tofino, Canada - Tofino's remote location on Vancouver Island and commitment to preserving natural darkness help maintain low light pollution.
  46. Kalispell, USA - The city's focus on sustainable urban planning and commitment to preserving natural darkness help reduce light pollution.
  47. Coeur d'Alene, USA - Coeur d'Alene's commitment to preserving its natural environment and strict lighting regulations help maintain low light pollution.
  48. Moab, USA - Moab's remote location in Utah and focus on preserving natural darkness contribute to low light pollution levels.
  49. Klamath Falls, USA - The city's focus on environmental conservation, limited industrial activity, and strict lighting regulations help maintain low light pollution.
  50. Sedona, USA - Sedona's commitment to dark sky preservation and strict lighting regulations contribute to low light pollution levels.

50 Cities with the Most Light Pollution

  1. Tokyo, Japan - The world's largest metropolitan area with neon-lit districts like Shinjuku and Shibuya, extensive use of outdoor lighting, and a vast transportation network.
  2. New York City, USA - Iconic illuminated landmarks like Times Square and Broadway, densely packed skyscrapers, and a 24-hour subway system.
  3. Los Angeles, USA - Sprawling urban area with Hollywood's bright lights, widespread use of street and billboard lighting, and a car-dependent culture.
  4. London, UK - Historic landmarks like the Houses of Parliament and Tower Bridge illuminated at night, heavy street lighting, and the bustling nightlife of Soho and Camden.
  5. Shanghai, China - Rapid urbanization, the brightly lit Bund district, the Lujiazui financial district, and an extensive metro system.
  6. Hong Kong, China - High population density, illuminated skyscrapers in Central and Kowloon, neon signs, and the nightly Symphony of Lights show.
  7. Moscow, Russia - Illuminated landmarks such as the Kremlin and Red Square, bright advertising billboards, and extensive street lighting.
  8. São Paulo, Brazil - One of the largest cities in the world, featuring the illuminated Avenida Paulista, extensive street lighting, and a heavily used transportation network.
  9. Seoul, South Korea - Brightly lit areas like Gangnam and Myeongdong, illuminated skyscrapers, an extensive metro system, and vibrant street markets.
  10. Mumbai, India - High population density, the illuminated Marine Drive, extensive street lighting, and rapidly growing industrial and commercial activity.
  11. Cairo, Egypt - The illuminated Nile River banks, historic landmarks like the Citadel and the Pyramids, and extensive street lighting.
  12. Istanbul, Turkey - Illuminated landmarks such as the Hagia Sophia and Galata Tower, vibrant nightlife in Taksim and Beyoglu, and the Bosphorus Bridge lights.
  13. Jakarta, Indonesia - Rapid urbanization, the brightly lit Sudirman Central Business District, extensive street lighting, and traffic congestion.
  14. Buenos Aires, Argentina - Iconic landmarks like the Obelisk and Casa Rosada, bright advertising billboards, and the lively nightlife in Palermo and San Telmo.
  15. Paris, France - The City of Light features illuminated landmarks such as the Eiffel Tower and Notre-Dame, extensive street lighting, and a bustling nightlife scene.
  16. Delhi, India - High population density, the illuminated India Gate, extensive street lighting, and growing industrial and commercial activity.
  17. Bangkok, Thailand - Brightly lit areas like Sukhumvit and Silom, the Grand Palace, and the bustling night markets.
  18. Lima, Peru - The illuminated Plaza de Armas, extensive street lighting, and growing commercial and industrial activity.
  19. Manila, Philippines - Dense urban population, illuminated billboards, extensive use of outdoor lighting, and heavy commercial activity in areas like Makati and Bonifacio Global City.
  20. Kuala Lumpur, Malaysia - Rapid urbanization, the illuminated Petronas Twin Towers, extensive transportation networks, and brightly lit commercial districts.
  21. Rio de Janeiro, Brazil - Iconic landmarks like Christ the Redeemer and Sugarloaf Mountain, vibrant nightlife in Lapa and Copacabana, and extensive street lighting.
  22. Sydney, Australia - Illuminated landmarks such as the Sydney Opera House and Harbour Bridge, extensive use of outdoor lighting in the Central Business District, and a bustling nightlife.
  23. Singapore - High population density, brightly lit areas like Marina Bay and Orchard Road, illuminated skyscrapers, and an extensive public transportation system.
  24. Ho Chi Minh City, Vietnam - Dense urban population, illuminated billboards, extensive use of outdoor lighting in areas like District 1, and heavy commercial activity.
  25. Mexico City, Mexico - High population density, the illuminated Zócalo, extensive transportation networks, and increasing commercial and industrial activity.
  26. Chennai, India - High population density, the illuminated Marina Beach, extensive transportation networks, and increasing commercial and industrial activity.
  27. Johannesburg, South Africa - Dense urban population, illuminated landmarks like the Nelson Mandela Bridge, extensive use of outdoor lighting, and heavy commercial activity in Sandton.
  28. Tehran, Iran - High population density, the illuminated Milad Tower, extensive transportation networks, and increasing commercial and industrial activity.
  29. Santiago, Chile - Dense urban population, illuminated landmarks like La Moneda Palace, extensive use of outdoor lighting, and heavy commercial activity.
  30. Riyadh, Saudi Arabia - Rapid urbanization, illuminated skyscrapers such as Kingdom Centre, extensive transportation networks, and brightly lit commercial districts.
  31. Lagos, Nigeria - High population density, rapid urbanization, extensive transportation networks, and increasing commercial and industrial activity.
  32. Karachi, Pakistan - High population density, rapid urbanization, extensive transportation networks, and increasing commercial and industrial activity.
  33. Dhaka, Bangladesh - High population density, rapid urbanization, extensive transportation networks, and increasing commercial and industrial activity.
  34. Bogotá, Colombia - Dense urban population, illuminated landmarks like Monserrate, extensive use of outdoor lighting, and heavy commercial activity in areas like Zona T.
  35. Madrid, Spain - Dense urban population, illuminated landmarks such as the Royal Palace and Gran Vía, extensive use of outdoor lighting, and vibrant nightlife.
  36. Nairobi, Kenya - Rapid urbanization, extensive transportation networks, and increasing commercial and industrial activity, particularly in areas like Upper Hill and Westlands.
  37. Casablanca, Morocco - Dense urban population, illuminated landmarks like the Hassan II Mosque, extensive use of outdoor lighting, and heavy commercial activity.
  38. Dubai, United Arab Emirates - Rapid urbanization, illuminated skyscrapers such as the Burj Khalifa, extensive transportation networks, and brightly lit commercial districts like Downtown Dubai.
  39. Athens, Greece - Dense urban population, illuminated landmarks like the Acropolis and Parthenon, extensive use of outdoor lighting, and vibrant nightlife in areas such as Plaka and Monastiraki.
  40. Rome, Italy - Dense urban population, illuminated landmarks such as the Colosseum and Vatican City, extensive use of outdoor lighting, and vibrant nightlife in areas like Trastevere.
  41. Amman, Jordan - Dense urban population, illuminated landmarks like the Citadel and Roman Theatre, extensive use of outdoor lighting, and heavy commercial activity.
  42. Budapest, Hungary - Dense urban population, illuminated landmarks such as the Parliament building and Buda Castle, extensive use of outdoor lighting, and vibrant nightlife.
  43. Belgrade, Serbia - Dense urban population, illuminated landmarks like the Kalemegdan Fortress and Ada Bridge, extensive use of outdoor lighting, and heavy commercial activity.
  44. Montreal, Canada - Dense urban population, illuminated landmarks such as the Notre-Dame Basilica and Mount Royal, extensive use of outdoor lighting, and vibrant nightlife in areas like Plateau Mont-Royal and Old Montreal.
  45. Warsaw, Poland - Dense urban population, illuminated landmarks like the Palace of Culture and Science and the Royal Castle, extensive use of outdoor lighting, and heavy commercial activity.
  46. Berlin, Germany - Dense urban population, illuminated landmarks such as the Brandenburg Gate and the TV Tower, extensive use of outdoor lighting, and vibrant nightlife in areas like Kreuzberg and Friedrichshain.
  47. Amsterdam, Netherlands - Dense urban population, illuminated landmarks like the Rijksmuseum and the canals, extensive use of outdoor lighting, and vibrant nightlife in areas like Leidseplein and Rembrandtplein.
  48. Zurich, Switzerland - Dense urban population, illuminated landmarks such as Grossmünster and Bahnhofstrasse, extensive use of outdoor lighting, and heavy commercial activity.
  49. Brussels, Belgium - Dense urban population, illuminated landmarks like the Atomium and Grand Place, extensive use of outdoor lighting, and vibrant nightlife in areas like the Rue des Bouchers and Place du Luxembourg.
  50. Osaka, Japan - High population density, brightly lit entertainment districts such as Dotonbori and Umeda, extensive transportation networks, and increasing commercial and industrial activity.