Question 1: Define 'favelas' and explain their significance in Rio de Janeiro.

Answer: Favelas are informal settlements or shantytowns in Rio de Janeiro, often characterized by poor living conditions, high population density, and lack of formal services. They are significant due to their impact on urban planning and social issues.

Question 2: What is urban migration, and how has it contributed to Rio's growth?

Answer: Urban migration is the movement of people from rural areas to cities. In Rio, this has led to rapid population growth, often resulting in the development of informal settlements and increased pressure on infrastructure.

Question 3: Explain 'squatter settlements' and their role in Rio’s urban landscape.

Answer: Squatter settlements are areas where people illegally occupy land to build homes. In Rio, they form a significant part of the urban fabric, often lacking basic amenities but providing shelter for many migrants.

Question 4: Define 'traffic congestion' and identify one major cause in Rio de Janeiro.

Answer: Traffic congestion is slow or stopped traffic flow caused by high vehicle volume. In Rio, a major cause is inadequate road infrastructure relative to the number of vehicles.

Question 5: What is 'urban decay,' and how does it affect Rio’s city centre?

Answer: Urban decay refers to the deterioration of a city area due to neglect, crime, and disinvestment. In Rio’s city centre, it results in abandoned buildings and reduced economic activity.

Question 1: Which neighbourhoods in Rio are most affected by informal settlements?

Answer: Rocinha and Complexo do Alemão

Question 2: Name two environmental issues caused by urban growth in Rio de Janeiro.

Answer: Deforestation in the hills and water pollution in Guanabara Bay.

Question 3: What are the primary reasons for traffic congestion in Rio?

Answer: High vehicle numbers, inadequate road infrastructure, and limited public transport options.

Question 4: Identify one social challenge faced by residents living in favelas.

Answer: Limited access to healthcare and education.

Question 5: Describe the impact of tourism on Rio’s urban environment.

Answer: Tourism boosts the economy but can lead to overcrowding, increased pollution, and strain on infrastructure.

Question 1: Based on the case study, explain how the growth of favelas has affected Rio's urban infrastructure.

Answer: The rapid expansion of favelas has strained existing infrastructure, leading to inadequate access to clean water, sanitation, and electricity. This growth often occurs without proper planning, resulting in overcrowded and poorly serviced settlements.

Question 2: Identify two challenges faced by Rio in managing traffic congestion, as described in the case study.

Answer: Limited public transport options and road infrastructure that cannot handle the increasing number of vehicles.

Question 3: Describe a specific urban renewal project in Rio and its aims.

Answer: The Porto Maravilha project aimed to revitalise Rio’s port area by improving infrastructure, creating public spaces, and boosting economic activity.

Question 4: Analyze how urban growth in Rio has impacted the environment, using data or examples from the case study.

Answer: Urban growth has led to deforestation in the hills, increased water pollution in Guanabara Bay, and loss of biodiversity due to expanding settlements and industrial activity.

Question 1: Explain why rural-urban migration has led to the growth of favelas in Rio de Janeiro.

Answer: Rural-urban migration occurs as people seek better economic opportunities in the city. Due to limited affordable housing and employment in formal sectors, many migrants settle in favelas, contributing to rapid informal settlement growth.

Question 2: Analyse the causes of traffic congestion in Rio, considering economic, social, and infrastructural factors.

Answer: Economic growth increases vehicle ownership, while inadequate public transport and road infrastructure fail to support this growth. Social factors such as population density and urban sprawl further exacerbate congestion. Lack of effective urban planning compounds these issues.

Question 1: To what extent have urban planning initiatives in Rio successfully managed growth and improved living conditions? Consider both successes and limitations.

Answer: Urban planning initiatives like favela PAC projects and the Porto Maravilha revitalisation have improved infrastructure, reduced crime, and increased public spaces. However, challenges remain due to ongoing informal settlement growth, inequality, and limited resources. While some areas have benefited, many residents still face poor living conditions, making the success partial.