Skyscrapers by Country 2024

Skyscrapers are a signature of modern cities all around the world. In the late 1800s and early 1900s, a 10-floor building was considered a skyscraper, but these expectations were quickly surpassed as building methods and machinery advanced in the 20th century.

Now, modern sources define skyscrapers as high-rise buildings, usually being at least 100 to 150 meters tall, with multiple floors that can be used for residential or commercial space or sometimes both. Skyscrapers may have anywhere from 40 to 163 floors, which is the world record currently held by Burj Khalifa in Dubai, United Arab Emirates.

Let's explore the top five countries for tallest skyscrapers, based on the number of 150m+ buildings.

1. China

With 3,088 buildings over 150 meters tall, China is the skyscraper capital of the world. What's even more mind-boggling is that China has 1,034 buildings over 200 meters and another 107 over 300 meters tall. The Shanghai Tower is the country's tallest building, ranking third in the world at 632 meters tall.

2. United States

The U.S. ranks second in terms of skyscrapers, with 878 buildings over 150 meters and 235 over 200 meters tall. There are 30 super-tall buildings over 300 meters, including One World Trade Center, which is 541 meters and the seventh tallest in the world.

3. United Arab Emirates

UAE boasts 325 buildings over 150 meters and 145 skyscrapers at 200 meters or taller. The nation's 32 super-tall skyscrapers include the world's tallest Burj Khalifa and the Marina 101, which stands 425 meters high.

4. South Korea

South Korea's skyscraper landscape includes 276 buildings over 150 meters, 79 over 200 meters, and seven upwards of 300 meters. The country's tallest building comes in at 555 meters, with Lotte World Tower currently the world's sixth-tallest building.

5. Japan

Japan's major cities account for 273 skyscrapers over 150 meters and 47 over 200 meters. Only one is classified as a super-tall building over 300 meters, and that's Azabudai Hills Mori JP Tower, coming in at 325.5 meters.

Rounding out the top 10 countries with the most skyscrapers is Malaysia with 259, Australia with 144, Indonesia and Canada with 134, and the Philippines with 127.