Sydney is the largest city in Australia and the center of the country's economic activity. It has a comfortable climate, an ethnically varied population, and is considered one of the best cities in the world in which to live.

The strategic importance of Istanbul's location has made the city one of the longest-inhabited areas in the world. Today it is the largest and most economically dynamic city in Turkey.

London is a leading business, political, and cultural center, as well as one of the world's four major cities (along with New York City, Tokyo, and Paris). To meet the challenges of the future, the mayor's office has initiated the "London Plan," with the goal of making the metropolis "an exemplary, sustainable world city."

Tokyo, officially "Tokyo Metropolis," is the capital of Japan and the island nation's hub of business, government, education, and mass media. Though Tokyo boasts the largest metropolitan economy in the world, its residents must contend with having the highest cost of living in the world, and one of the most crowded cities. Despite its problems, Tokyo is one of the planet's most important economic centers, and it retains a strong cultural identity.

Noted for its European and indigenous cultural influences, beautiful physical setting, and biological diversity, Cape Town is a major seaport and legislative capital of South Africa. Having endured apartheid for 50 years, with the ruling white population enjoying the privileges of power and wealth, the city is now coming to terms with its past.

An informative look at this important East African country. An ideal source of information for geography classes and country reports. Valuable case studies cover topics such as the Turkwel Gorge Dam, devastating spread of AIDS, Marich Pass eco-tourism project. Graphs, charts and statistics.