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Synopsis The rapid pace of urbanization has obvious social, economic, political and environmental implications. There is a growing importance of mega cities and decreasing importance of small towns. There is, therefore, an urgent need to examine it with reference to cross-cultural situation. What are the socio-economic and political implications of this trend? Is it possible to conceive urban development in isolation from regional growth? What is the role of migration on such development? Many developing countries are pluralistic in nature and have their own characteristics based on ethnicity, which is often related to communalism, said to be responsible for human rights violations. And Human Rights are not just individual or political rights. These Rights should be considered in a much broader context. Finally, development has to be seen in the context of globalization process, the relation of development with environments, the question of growth, growth with justice and equality. Any cross-cultural discussion on these issues is very helpful and rewarding to formulate the proper development strategy. Though growth of mega cities is the general global trend, at some places, the rate has gone down indicating significant rural development in the region. Does it mean we make our observations in the regional context too for a complete analysis? The present volumes deal with all these questions in minute details by experts in their own field. The volumes are highly recommended for administrators dealing with the planning of urbanization in the world. It is also useful for the teachers and students of planned and balanced growth of cities and rural centers in a region.