Bloomberg hailed the population rise as a measure of the city's quality of life, crediting factors he often cites as key accomplishments on his 11-year watch: crime rates at historic lows, rising life expectancy and a public school system that has seen an aggressive, if not uncontroversial, overhaul.

WSJ: More move in than out of NYC; 1st time in decades

"Switzerland's appeal doesn't just depend on its corporate laws, " she said, citing the country's ability to innovate, its educated population and its quality of life as other important attractions.

CNN: Swiss vote for executive pay curbs

China's demand for fertiliser is expected to be particularly buoyant as a result of its huge population and the poor quality of its arable land.

ECONOMIST: Feeding the world has become a mouth-watering opportunity