The "World cities" series offers up-to-date and wide-ranging profiles of the world"s main urban centres. Each book blends urban history, sociology, ecology, economics, politics, transport, architecture and built environment into a portrayal of the contemporary urban scene. Mexico City is the largest and fastest growing city in Latin America. Despite its long history dating back to Aztec times, its essential character is a product of recent development and it exemplifies all the problems of Third World cities, albeit on a huge scale, exacerbated by its national and international role and the special problems caused by the earthquake of 1985. Peter Ward presents an analysis of Mexico City"s rise, social and economic structure, population, urban fabric, transport and governance and concludes with a look at the future.