Half of humanity now lives in cities, and within two decades, nearly 60 per cent of the world’s people will be urban dwellers.

It is generally assumed that urban populations are healthier, more literate and more prosperous than rural populations.

The State of the World’s Cities 2004/2005 charts the progress and the challenges we face in this rapidly urbanising world. With contributions from some of the world’s leading urban scholars, writers and experts, this report carries extensive examples, illustrations and facts that are of use to experts and non-experts alike.