An Urbanizing World is the most comprehensive review of conditions and trends in cities and other settlements around the world and of the urbanization process through which more than half the world's population will soon live in urban centres. Prepared by Habitat (the United Nations Centre for Human Settlements) the book shows the positive and negative side of cities. Drawing from thirty specially commissioned papers from leading specialists in both North and South and on data from recent censuses, it shows how the growth in urban population has slowed in mosr parts of the world, while the scale of urban poverty has been underestimated. The book also describes what is being done to address the problems of poor housing and environmental degradation.

The main conclusion of An Urbanizing World is the importance of good governance in cities. It describes how cities have great potential to combine healthy and safe living conditions, cultural riches, and environmental advantages. It also provides illustrative case-studies of cities where poverty, very poor housing conditions and lack of basic services have been tackled, environmental performance much improved and dependence on motor cars reduced.