ABSTRACT
The wealth of a nation depends in large measure on the economic health of its cities. Cities make countries rich. Highly urbanized countries have higher incomes than other nations, more stable economies, stronger institutions, and more ability to withstand the volatility of the global economy. Cities around the world are playing a growing role in creating wealth, enhancing social development, attracting investment, and harnessing both human and technical resources for achieving unprecedented gains in productivity and competitiveness. Cities are also engines of rural development. For example, improved infrastructure between rural areas and the cities that rely on them increases rural productivity and enhances rural residents’ access to education, health care, markets, credit, information, and other services.
