A series of background studies was commissioned specifically for this Global Report to illustrate empirical conditions and trends; as well as effective policy responses. Many of the illustrative boxes contained in the different chapters of Planning Sustainable Cities are based on these background studies, while some of the experiences described in the studies including related empirical evidence are also directly integrated within the text of the chapters of the report. A typical illustrative box in Planning Sustainable Cities uses only a portion of the full case study, so that the full story of the experience on which the box is based may not be apparent to the reader. For the benefit of those readers who may want to get even more details on these studies, the full versions of all background studies are available electronically below. | 
