Half of humanity now lives in cities, and within two decades, nearly 60 per cent of the world’s people will be urban dwellers. Urban growth is most rapid in the developing world, where cities gain an average of 5 million residents every month. As cities grow in size and population, harmony among the spatial, social and environmental aspects of a city and between their inhabitants becomes of paramount importance. This harmony hinges on two key pillars: equity and sustainability.
Other titles in the State of the World's Cities Series:
Globalization and Urban Culture: 2004/2005
The Millenium Development Goals and Urban Sustainability: 2006/2007
Cities for All: Bridging the Urban Divide: 2010/2011
Prosperity of Cities: 2012/2013
It is generally assumed that urban populations are healthier, more literate and more prosperous than rural populations. However, UN-HABITAT’s State of the World’s Cities Report 2006/7 has broken new ground by showing that the urban poor suffer from an urban penalty:
Slum dwellers in developing countries are as badly off if not worse off than their rural relatives.
Other titles in the State of the World's Cities Series:
Globalization and Urban Culture: 2004/2005
Harmonious Cities: 2008/2009
Cities for All: Bridging the Urban Divide: 2010/2011
Prosperity of Cities: 2012/2013