10 Most Influential Cities In The World - Businessinsider.com (Photos)

Not all major cities are created equal, with some places around the world holding more influence over global business, culture, and politics than others. But what are the world's most influential cities?

Global city reports examines dozens of variables, which are then subdivided into five categories: business activity, human capital, information exchange, cultural experience, and political engagement. Scores in these categories are then added together to create a holistic ranking.

10 Brussels

Politics and bureaucracy dominate the agenda in Belgium's capital, the home of the European Union. Relatively small compared with many major cities, it punches well above its weight thanks to the EU.

9 Beijing

The capital and political hub of the world's second-largest economy is understandably influential. It is also home to more companies in the Global Fortune 500 than any other city.

8 Chicago

Trading defines Chicago's importance as a major international city, with two of the biggest commodity exchanges based there. Agricultural products like wheat, corn, and pork are among the products that are traded on the city's mercantile exchanges.

7 Singapore

Finance and shipping reign supreme in this Asian city-state. Singapore's container port is one of the world's largest. It is also a major hub for the oil industry — almost half of all oil consumed in the world passes through Singapore.

6 Los Angeles

Home to Hollywood, Los Angeles means showbiz, with movie studios, TV stations, and more. Its West Coast location also makes it a key hub for trade with Asia.

5 Hongkong

Formerly controlled by Britain, Hong Kong was handed back to China in 1997 and as such has a unique place in the world. One of Asia's biggest financial centers, it is also a major port city.

4 Tokyo

Japan's sprawling capital, home to nearly 40 million people in its metropolitan area, is one of the best-educated cities on the planet, with a high proportion of people with tertiary degrees.

3 Paris

Art and fashion make their home in France's capital, which the Global Cities Index says is also the best city in the world for the exchange of information.

2 London

Brexit is likely to marginally diminish London's role as a global center, but for now it remains the world's second-most-influential city. Home to Europe's financial hub in the City, London is vital for the world economy.

1 New York City

It's no surprise that New York, home of President Donald Trump, Wall Street, and the United Nations, is viewed as the world's most important city.