Mega cities like Tokyo with more than 35 million people and Mexico with about 18.5 million, and large agglomerations such as Montreal, Helsinki, Madrid and Stockholm are often called engines of national growth. Competitive Cities in the Global Economy is based on a unique international database of 78 metro-regions. It provides indicators related to large cities' performances within their countries and the factors contributing to their growth. ''The most comprehensive examination of the territorial dimension underlying economic growth today,'' this report also addresses key dilemmas, including issues such as competitiveness and social cohesion, intergovernmental relationships and urban finance.