The Economist

A 2014 goal of 30% farm ownership by blacks in South Africa is far from being met, as whites still control more than 80% of the nation's farmland. Many say the government's land reform laws are incapable of efficiently redistributing the land.

The construction of large, some say garish, homes built by immigrant families in several Southern California communities is prompting officials to tighten zoning restrictions.

The Economist reports on how San Jose, CA and Las Vegas, NV, have tried -- and failed -- to revive their downtowns.

Protests and violence have erupted in China's rural areas, where many of the country's poorest people struggle to find jobs. The government has pledged to improve spending to help provide for the rural poor and improve access to public services.

Bend, Oregon -- population 67,000 -- led the nation in home appreciation last year, and has become a symbol of the booming market in picturesque western towns.

Equity refuges from the Golden State are driving up home prices, increasing traffic, liberalizing politics and bringing crime to cities in the Interior West.

Across America, small towns are struggling to get by economically as many residents move out and businesses follow. But some small towns are employing some creative ideas -- from giant killer bee statues to storytelling festivals -- to stay afloat.

New York Mayor Michael Bloomberg has unveiled a broad plan to re-envision the city. He has recognized three major challenges: a population increase of 1 million residents within 25 years, a crumbling infrastructure, and a need to go green.

Canada tries out traffic roundabouts in an effort to reduce traffic in some of the country's busiest areas. Some cities are reluctant to replace traffic lights with roundabouts because of safety concerns.

The Economist predicts that America's rising population solve more problems that it will create.

Plans for a new futuristic mode of transport blends maglev technology with an ordinary bus.

Chongming, a remote island north of Shanghai, is set to become a showcase of sustainable development, but doubts remain about the viability of the plan.

Congestion and gas prices are creating a boom for light rail and buses across the nation. Cities are using technology and imaginative enticements to counter Americans' reluctance to abandon their cars.

Backed by government support, Britain's land use laws are bringing new urbanism to the mainstream.

Nevada is experiencing an influx of new retirees and trying to cope with the surge of sexagenarians.

How London has changed in the past 108 years -- and how it hasn't. Comparing the results of an 1898 study with today's census figures reveal much about the social makeup of neighborhoods.

Political leaders in China are hard at work devising incentives to make local leaders more environmentally conscious with development projects.

Experts predict an 80% chance of a major earthquake (seven or higher on the Richter scale) in Los Angeles that would kill up to 18,000 people. California looks better-prepared that Louisiana, but is it?

In the wake of the recent Supreme Court decision on eminient domain, more and more Americans are concerned about their property rights.

Miami's real estate market is red hot with 65,000 condos in some stage of development. Is this a bubble, or is Miami truly densifying?