Rio de Janeiro Flashcards
How many people live in Rocinha
180,000 people
Why is construction a challenge in squatter settlements
- Houses are poorly made with basic materials
- Many favelas are built on steep slopes and heavy rain can cause landslides
Why are services a challenge in squatter settlements
- many homes use illegal connections to electricity pylons
- sewers are often open drains and heavily polluted
Why is unemployment a challenge in favelas
- unemployment rates are as high as 20%
- average income is less then £75 a month
Why is crime a challenge in squatter settlements
- there is a high murder rate of 20 per 1000 people in many favelas
- drug gangs control and dominate many favelas and there is a lot of police corruption
What are some health challenges in squatter settlements
- infant mortality rates are as high as 20%
- waste is often burnt in the street creating harmful fumes
- Healthcare is not very accessible in many favelas
What have been some improvements to Rocinha
90% of houses now built with brick and have access to electricity, running water and sewage systems
Describe the North Zone of Rio
- main industrial and port area
- An area of low quality housing and favelas
Describe the West Zone of Rio
- Contains wealthy coastal suburbs
- The Olympic Stadium is located here
Describe the South Zone of Rio
- Rio’s main tourist hotels and beaches
- Wealthy area dominated by luxury flats
Describe Centro
- The financial centre of the city
- Contains many historic buildings
What percentage in Rio did not have a local health clinic in 2013
45%
What was the average life expectancy in 2013
63 years
How did the government solve the health issues within favelas
medical staff took health kits into people homes and treated 20 different diseases that they detected
Why was the level of school enrolment so low in Rio’s favelas
shortage of teachers, schools and lack of funding
How was the problem with education solved
- The authorities encouraged volunteering
- giving grants to poor families
- opening a new private university in Rocinha Favela
How many people did not have access to running water in Rio
12% of the population
How much water was lost through leaky pipes and illegal access
37%
How did Rio solve the water problem
- Seven new treatment plants built between 1998 and 2014
- over 300km of water pipes have been laid
Why was energy a big problem in Rio
There were frequent blackouts due to energy shortages and many people tapped into the mains supply which is risky and unsafe
How was this energy problem solved in Rio
60km of new power line was installed and a new nuclear generator has also been built
What are some economic challenges in Rio
since the recession in 2015 many now work in the informal economy meaning they have no insurance and also pay no taxes
Why is air pollution a problem in Rio
- Leads to 5000 deaths per year in Rio and covers the city in a brown smog
- The air pollution mainly comes from the traffic congestion
How has the problem with air pollution been solved
To reduce congestion the metro system was expanded and new toll roads were implemented in the city centre
