Urban issues and challenges

Question 1

What is the population of Rio de Janeiro city?

Answer 1

6.5 million people.

The urban area has a population of 12.5 million.

Question 2

Where is Rio de Janeiro located?

Answer 2

Southeast Brazil, on the Atlantic coast, around Guanabara Bay.

Question 3

What was Rio de Janeiro’s role during Portuguese colonial rule?

Answer 3

It was the capital of Brazil and served as a key trading port.

Question 4

When did Brasilia become the capital of Brazil?

Answer 4

In 1960.

Question 5

What essential services does Rio de Janeiro provide?

Answer 5

Schools, hospitals, and universities.

Question 6

What type of hub is Rio de Janeiro known for?

Answer 6

Cultural and transport hub.

Question 7

What facilitates trade in Rio de Janeiro?

Answer 7

An international airport and docks.

Question 8

Which industries are headquartered in Rio de Janeiro?

Answer 8

Mining, oil, and telecommunications.

Question 9

What percentage of Brazil’s GDP does Rio contribute?

Answer 9

5%.

Question 10

What are some of the key exports from Rio de Janeiro?

Answer 10

Iron ore, sugar, and coffee.

Question 11

What is Rio de Janeiro’s significance in terms of industry?

Answer 11

It is Brazil’s second most significant industrial area.

Question 12

What major events has Rio de Janeiro hosted?

Answer 12

The 2016 Olympics and the 2014 World Cup.

Question 13

Name three landmarks in Rio de Janeiro.

Answer 13

Christ the Redeemer, Sugarloaf Mountain, Copacabana Beach.

Question 14

True or False: Rio de Janeiro is a central hub for finance and international transport.

Answer 14

True.

Question 15

Fill in the blank: Rio de Janeiro is home to major _______ and entertainment companies.

Answer 15

media.

Question 16

What was the population of Rio de Janeiro in 2020?

Answer 16

6.48 million

The metro area population was 13.5 million in 2021.

Question 17

How much has Rio de Janeiro’s population increased since the 1950s?

Answer 17

More than tripled

Question 18

What has Rio de Janeiro developed into over the past 50 years?

Answer 18

A major hub for administration, industry, commerce, and tourism

Question 19

What percentage of Rio’s population growth in the last 150 years is due to migration?

Answer 19

Approximately 65%

Question 20

From where have international migrants to Rio originated?

Answer 20

Portugal, Africa, the Middle East, Germany, Japan, USA, UK, South Korea, Philippines, China

Question 21

What types of internal migrants come to Rio de Janeiro?

Answer 21

Miners from Minas Gerais, farmers from drought-hit north-eastern Brazil, indigenous people displaced by deforestation

Question 22

What factors have contributed to significant natural population growth in Rio?

Answer 22

High birth rates, youthful population, improved healthcare

Question 23

Fill in the blank: Approximately 65% of Rio’s population growth is due to _______.

Answer 23

[migration]

Question 24

True or False: The youthful population in Rio de Janeiro has contributed to a reduction in overall death rates.

Answer 24

True

Question 25

What impact has improved healthcare had on Rio's population?

Answer 25

Reduced infant mortality and overall death rates

Question 27

What has driven Rio's rapid growth?

Answer 27

Natural population increase and migration

Question 28

What significant social and economic benefits has Rio experienced?

Answer 28

Higher investment levels and improvements in infrastructure

Question 29

How many doctors are there per 1,000 people in Rio?

Answer 29

3.44 doctors

Question 30

What is Brazil's average number of doctors per 1,000 people?

Answer 30

2.81 doctors

Question 31

What percentage of favela residents had healthcare coverage in 2008?

Answer 31

4%

Question 32

What percentage of favela residents have healthcare coverage now?

Answer 32

70%

Question 33

How many people can each family health team provide medical care to?

Answer 33

Up to 3,000 people

Question 34

What is the literacy rate in Rio?

Answer 34

97.1%

Question 35

How many primary schools are there in Rio?

Answer 35

Over 1,000 primary schools

Question 36

How many secondary schools are there in Rio?

Answer 36

400 secondary schools

Question 37

How many universities are there in Rio?

Answer 37

Six universities

Question 38

What programme enhances education access in poorer areas of Rio?

Answer 38

Schools for Tomorrow

Question 39

What percentage of Rio's population has access to clean water?

Answer 39

96%

Question 40

What supports the clean water access in Rio?

Answer 40

The largest water treatment plant in the world

Question 41

What percentage of residents in Rio have electricity?

Answer 41

Nearly 99%

Question 42

What hydroelectric plant supports electricity access in Rio?

Answer 42

The Simplicio hydroelectric plant

Question 43

What initiatives help provide electricity in favelas?

Answer 43

Solar panel initiatives

Question 44

What are some key sectors of Rio's diverse economy?

Answer 44

* Oil refining * Engineering * Tourism

Question 45

What benefits does Rio gain from its port facilities?

Answer 45

Access to a skilled labour force and economic growth

Question 46

What has boosted industrial and economic growth in Rio?

Answer 46

Offshore oil discoveries and the multiplier effect

Question 47

What is the focus of the North Zone in Rio's economy?

Answer 47

Industry

Question 48

What is the focus of the Centro Zone in Rio's economy?

Answer 48

Business and finance

Question 49

What is the focus of the West Zone in Rio's economy?

Answer 49

Retail and tourism

Question 50

What is the focus of the South Zone in Rio's economy?

Answer 50

Tourism and luxury services

Question 51

What has exceeded housing availability in Rio?

Answer 51

Population growth ## Footnote This has forced poorer residents into favelas or cortiços.

Question 52

What percentage of favelas lack proper sanitation?

Answer 52

50% ## Footnote Many favelas are built on steep hillsides.

Question 53

What percentage of the population in Rio lacks clean running water?

Answer 53

12% ## Footnote The Guandu Treatment Plant supplies 92% of the city’s fresh water.

Question 54

What percentage of sewage in Rio is untreated?

Answer 54

35% ## Footnote This untreated sewage pollutes Guanabara Bay.

Question 55

How many years less do favela residents live on average compared to wealthier populations?

Answer 55

13 years ## Footnote This is due to higher rates of diseases caused by poor sanitation.

Question 56

How many clinics are available in Rocinha for its population?

Answer 56

Two clinics ## Footnote This is for a population of 100,000 people.

Question 57

What percentage of children continue school after age 14 in Rio?

Answer 57

50% ## Footnote Favelas like Rio das Pedras have very few schools.

Question 58

What is the unemployment rate in Rio?

Answer 58

15% ## Footnote Unemployment rates are high in favelas.

Question 59

How many workers are in informal jobs in Rio?

Answer 59

3.5 million workers ## Footnote Informal jobs lack job security, benefits, or contributions to tax revenue.

Question 60

What percentage of Rio's annual waste is recycled?

Answer 60

Less than 2% ## Footnote This leads to pollution and contributes to algal blooms.

Question 61

What geographical feature contributes to traffic congestion in Rio?

Answer 61

Mountainous geography ## Footnote This restricts road building and contributes to air pollution.

Question 62

How many deaths annually are caused by traffic-related smog and industrial emissions in Rio?

Answer 62

5,000 deaths ## Footnote This highlights severe air pollution issues.

Question 63

Fill in the blank: Many favelas are built on steep _______.

Answer 63

[hillsides]

Question 64

True or False: 30% of favelas in Rio have electricity.

Answer 64

False ## Footnote 30% of favelas lack electricity.

Question 65

Fill in the blank: The Guandu Treatment Plant supplies ______% of the city’s fresh water.

Answer 65

[92]

Question 66

How does the health of favela residents compare to wealthier populations?

Answer 66

Worse health outcomes ## Footnote Higher rates of tuberculosis and other diseases.

Question 67

What factors disrupt education in favelas?

Answer 67

Long commutes, teenage pregnancy, violence ## Footnote These factors contribute to low school continuation rates.

Question 68

What does quality of life measure?

Answer 68

Quality of life measures how well individual needs and aspirations are met in terms of comfort, health, and well-being.

Question 69

What indicators can assess quality of life?

Answer 69

Indicators such as literacy rates, life expectancy, and infant mortality.

Question 70

What challenges do the urban poor in Rio's favelas face?

Answer 70

Challenges include inadequate housing, lack of basic services, and overcrowding.

Question 71

What exacerbates the challenges faced by the urban poor in Rio's favelas?

Answer 71

The city’s rapidly growing population.

Question 72

What approach have Rio's authorities prioritized since the 1980s regarding favelas?

Answer 72

Upgrading favelas over demolition.

Question 73

What is the Favela Bairro Project?

Answer 73

The Favela Bairro Project provides materials and basic infrastructure for residents to improve their homes and access essential services.

Question 74

What essential services does the Favela Bairro Project aim to improve access to?

Answer 74

Access to water, sanitation, and electricity.

Question 75

What specific upgrades were made in Complexo do Alemão?

Answer 75

Upgrades included fresh water, paved roads, schools, health centres, and a 3.5 km cable car system.

Question 76

What benefit did residents receive to enhance their homes in the Favela Bairro Project?

Answer 76

Access to credit.

Question 77

By what year had improvements been made in 100 favelas?

Answer 77

By 2005.

Question 78

What achievements were noted from the Favela Bairro Project?

Answer 78

Achievements included legal land ownership, new childcare centres, and job training programmes.

Question 79

What aspects did the project improve in the favelas?

Answer 79

Connectivity, mobility, and quality of life.

Question 80

How is the Favela Bairro Project recognized globally?

Answer 80

As a model for urban planning.

Question 81

What challenges and limitations did the Favela Bairro Project face?

Answer 81

Challenges included inaccessible credit schemes, insufficient employment training, poor infrastructure maintenance, unchanged mortality rates for vector-borne diseases, and rising rents.

Question 82

True or False: The Favela Bairro Project has completely eliminated issues related to vector-borne diseases.

Answer 82

False.

Question 83

What age group is most likely to move to London for work?

Answer 83

20s and 30s ## Footnote Young people are attracted by employment opportunities, higher pay, and a better social life.

Question 84

What factor contributes to a high rate of natural population increase in London?

Answer 84

Having children ## Footnote Young people in the 20-30 age group are more likely to have children.

Question 85

What term describes the balance between people arriving and leaving London?

Answer 85

Net migration ## Footnote This term reflects the difference between incoming migrants and those who leave.

Question 86

What is the typical age demographic of immigrants moving to London?

Answer 86

Quite young ## Footnote Most immigrants are younger, while those leaving tend to be older.

Question 87

What effect does the migration pattern have on London's average population age?

Answer 87

Reduces the average age ## Footnote The influx of younger immigrants and the outflow of older residents decrease the average age.

Question 88

True or False: Most people leaving London are younger than those arriving.

Answer 88

False ## Footnote Most immigrants are younger, while those leaving are older.

Question 89

Fill in the blank: Young people in their 20s and 30s move to London for _______.

Answer 89

[employment opportunities, higher pay, better social life]