The UN-HABITAT State of the World's Cities Report (SWCR), published every two years, draws on the unrivalled resources of UN-HABITAT, of data, research, analysis and policy recommendations. Each edition focuses on a major theme relating to urban development. The SWCR 2012, Prosperity of Cities, is a major report from UN-HABITAT and was a key input to the World Urban Forum in September 2012 in Naples. The Report's focus on Prosperity is timely given the nature of the economic difficulties many cities and regions are currently facing. The search for prosperity is one of the main drivers behind the existence of cities. Prosperity is the essence of progress and the way development positively materializes. Prosperity is the desired future for our cities, our equitable, diverse and inclusive cities. The Report is certain to attract considerable attention and meet demand among researchers and academics, and also municipal, local and other state and international authorities and agencies, as well as among a wide range of non-state organizations and professionals in all the sectors involved in urban planning and development.