Metropolitan areas, also referred to as urban centers, are densely-populated regions that typically serve as economic and cultural hubs. Synonyms for metropolitan areas include city regions, urban agglomerations, metropoles, urban centers, megalopolis, conurbations, and cosmopolitan areas. These terms often encompass not only the central city but also the surrounding suburbs and neighboring towns. Additionally, these areas are often defined by shared economic and social conditions and are characterized by a high degree of diversity and multiculturalism. Familiar examples of metropolitan areas include New York City, London, Tokyo, and Paris, which are all global powerhouses with vast populations and thriving economies.