World Bank

World Bank Institute

In 2003 3 billion people (48 per cent of the world's population) lived in urban areas. By 2020 that will have risen to 4.1 billion people (55 per cent of the world's population), with nearly all the growth coming in the developing countries. By 2015 there will be 22 megacities (cities or agglomerations with a population of more than 8 million) and 475 cities with populations exceeding 1 million. At the same time globalisation is the driving force behind economic growth and development. Cities will have to compete for investment, provide security and access to services and urban infrastructure for the growing populations. This will present enormous challenges for local government. This publication examines the dynamics and links between globalisation, urbanisation, and local governance, showing how crucial they will become for sustainable development.

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