Rio Flashcards
RIO DE JANEIRO Location and Background
Rio de Janeiro is a large city of 11.7 million people situated on the southeast coast of Brazil in South America. It is the second-largest city in Brazil (after São Paulo), and is the 39th largest city in the world. It was the capital city of Brazil up until 1960 when it was replaced by Brasilia.
what are the social challenges in Rio de janeiro
migration housing transport education healthcare crime
Migration to Rio De Janeiro
millions of people have migrated from rural areas to Rio. People do this to search for a better quality of life.
This has led to a youthful population and a high natural increase. This expanding population has resulted in the rapid urbanization of Rio de Janeiro.
How is housing a social challenge
The rapid growth of the city has led to a housing shortage. Most of the rural migrants begin their life in Rio in shantytowns called ‘favelas’. 19 percent of the population live in around 600 of these shantytowns. They are found mainly on the edges of the city, on poor quality land that is not suitable for urban development. People here are squatters, with no legal rights to the land they occupy. They live in overcrowded conditions, often in homemade shelters constructed from scavenged materials like timber, tarpaulins, and corrugated iron.
The shanty towns have grown spontaneously with no planning, and so have no proper roads, pavements, or local services like hospitals.
How is transport a social challenge
With the country undergoing rapid development, car ownership has grown and the central business district is very congested with high levels of air pollution. Mountains hem in the city on the coastline, so traffic is confined to a limited number of routes. Buses and trams provide public transport for the residents, and the city has two subway lines. Roads in the favela areas are often just dirt tracks, and most people living here walk to their destinations..
how is education and healthcare a social challenge in Rio
Education
There are few schools in the favelas.
Health care
There is a shortage of hospitals and clinics in the favelas, and high levels of illness and disease prevail here.
How is crime a social challenge in Rio
High levels of crime, violence and drug abuse blight many of the favelas. Street crime is a problem in tourist areas, although pacification has recently started to improve crime rates.
what are the economic challenges in Rio
poverty
employment
how is poverty an economic challenge in Rio
there is a massive gap between rich and poor citizens in Rio. Many wealthy people live close to the central business district - right next to the favelas.
how is employment an economic challenge in rio
there are few job opportunities in the favelas. Poor transport systems make it hard for residents in the favelas to travel to work. Many citizens of Rio work in the informal job sector as street sellers, shoe shiners, etc.
what are the environmental challenges in Rio
urban sprawl
pollution
waste disposal
how is urban sprawl an environmental challenge in rio
his is an issue as the city continues to grow rapidly, encroaching on surrounding rural (countryside) areas.
how is pollution an environmental challenge in Rio
from traffic congestion in the city centre, and from industrial zones. Litter is an issue on the beaches
how is waste disposal an environmental challenge in RIO
- a particular problem in the favelas, where there is no organised sewage or waste recovery systems.
what are the social opportunities in Rio
ethnic and cultural diversity
education
community
culture
