What are the three reasons why Rio is an important city?
UNESCO World Heritage Site, host for 2016 Olympics and 2014 World Cup, and a major regional, national and international industrial center.
What are Rio’s key industries and their economic contribution?
Tourism ($6bn annually), oil (10% of GDP), services, and manufacturing (20% of GDP).
What percentage of Rio’s population live in favelas and below the poverty line?
25% live in favelas and 21% live below the poverty line.
What are the unemployment rates in Brazil and specifically in favelas?
11% unemployment rate in Brazil overall, but 20% in favelas.
What is the life expectancy in Rio’s favelas?
60 years.
What percentage of children in favelas continue education beyond age 14?
Only 50% (half) continue education beyond age 14.
What are the murder and infant mortality rates in favelas?
Murder rate: 20 per 1000, Infant mortality rate: 50 per 1000.
What percentage of households in Rio don’t have access to clean water?
12% of households don’t have access to clean water.
How many deaths per year in Rio are caused by air pollution?
5,000 deaths per year.
What are the main traffic congestion problems in Rio?
Steep mountains limiting road placement, growing number of cars, and high crime levels making people prefer to drive.
What waste management challenges does Rio face?
Limited road access on steep slopes, waste dumping polluting water systems causing diseases and rat infestations.
What improvements were made through the Favela Barrio Project?
Paved roads, water supply access, improved sanitation, cable car system (one free return ticket daily), and Pacifying Police Units.
What transportation improvements have been implemented in Rio?
BRT (Bus Rapid Transit), metro expansion, improved roads, and new toll roads.
What water and sanitation improvements have been made in Rio?
12 new sewage plants, 5km of new sewage pipes, and 300km of new water pipes installed.
What energy infrastructure improvements have been made in Rio?
60km of new power lines and a new nuclear generator for energy security.
How has Rio addressed waste management issues?
Power plant consuming 30 tonnes of rubbish daily, producing electricity for 1000 homes.
What healthcare initiatives have been implemented in Rio?
Medical staff visiting homes to detect and treat 20 diseases, reducing infant mortality and increasing life expectancy.
What security measures have been implemented in Rio’s favelas?
Armed police patrols and Pacifying Police Units established to reclaim favelas from drug dealers.
What educational initiatives have been implemented in Rio?
Schools Of Tomorrow Programme to improve education in poor and violent areas, and free childcare for teenage parents to return to education.
What have been the successes of the Favela Barrio Project?
Improved quality of life, mobility, and employment prospects for residents.
What challenges remain with the Favela Barrio Project?
Newly built infrastructure not being maintained, residents lacking skills and resources for repairs, and more training needed to improve literacy and employment.
How did the Olympics impact Rio’s favelas?
800 new houses built in Campo Grande (better than favelas for some, but lacks community, has no shops, and is a 90-minute drive from city center).
What solutions have been implemented to address unemployment in Rio?
The Schools Of Tomorrow Programme and free childcare provided to enable teenage parents to return to education.
What are the main crime problems in Rio’s favelas?
Murder, kidnapping, and armed assault. Powerful gangs control drug trafficking in most favelas.
