Waterfront Cities of the World

Water is ubiquitous in the Swedish capital, which is spread out over 14 islands. Its 57 bridges allow a cyclist to go from urban to rural backdrops in as little as a few minutes. Stockholm, the green city, is a true leader in the fight against growing envi- ronmental problems on the planet.

With an area of more than 5500 km2, of which 72% is water, Honolulu, the "sheltered bay", is the largest city in the world. Sitting on a volcanic zone, its area is constantly growing. Isolated in the middle of the Pacific, the city behind Pearl Harbour is located 6000 km from California, and 8000 km from Japan. Oddly enough, it has the most ad- vanced telecommunication system in the world.

Richest city in the world, it was a small pearl fishermen village just a few decades ago. To- day, with seemingly endless gas resources, the capital of Qatar seems to have the means to buy everything and anything it wants. Its GDP per capita is now the highest in the world. No doubt Doha is defintively moving forward !

With more than 3000 years of history, Naples is one of the oldest cities of the Western world. Caught between volcanoes and the Mediter- ranean Sea, it is clearly a city of contrasts. The local culture has a rich past, which has a great influence on life today, especially when it comes to food!

City of pleasures, renowned beach hangout, Miami is the world's most important cruise ship port, with one third of the global fleet. Close to Cuba, the "Gateway to the Americas" is a culturally rich city, influenced by its large Hispanic population. Despite the nostalgia of its Art Deco treasures, the city is in the midst of a true urban renewal.

Founded by the Khmer from Cambodia and con- verted into the capital of French Indochina during the French colonization, the largest city in Viet- nam is still called Saigon by its residents. Its hot and humid climate shapes everyday life, pushing its citizens to invade the streets, restaurants and public places late in the evening to enjoy the rare but pleasant cool air.

Largest port in Germany, Hamburg is host to a hundred consulates, and cherishes its inter- national character. Major economic hub, it also carefully maintains a pleasurable environment in which to live. Highly cultural city, it is also the symbol of the Franco-German friendship.

Unique city in the North American landscape, New Orleans has a rich cultural heritage, with its French and Caribbean roots. But the incompa- rable Louisiana party town has had it setbacks. Although the Big Easy was hit by hurricanes and floods, it is once again blooming, relying on its soul and its legendary strength of character.

Nestled in an exceptional natural bay, Riga was a gateway to the continent for nearly 3000 years, especially during the Soviet era. Germans, Swedes, Poles and Russians competed for the control of the small country until its independence in 1991. Today, the city of a million inhab-itants remains the cradle of Latvian identity.

East London is in a way what Brooklyn is to New York: the perfect example of how, in a dense and complex city, we can still lead a human and friendly neighborhood life. The multiple "villages" that make up London teem with activity and are constantly renewed. We may think we know London, but the city that was once the world's largest port deserves a new analysis.

Flagship city of Spain, Barcelona is the capital of Catalonia, a region which has its own, unique identity. Some say it has lost its essence, but it still has all the ingredients necessary for an alternative lifestyle. Tourists are abundant, true, but they also help the local economy.

New York is constantly changing. Harlem and 125th Street have been redefined, Brooklyn, the working-class suburb, has become a destination in its own right, and the High Line Park, now stretching above 16 city blocks of the West Village, continues to grow. Everything here is original. Everything here is possible.