Brazil: accelerated metropolization and urban crisis

Migration and rapid demographic growth in large metropolitan areas in Brazil are associated with high levels of territorial and social inequality. Four indicators of an associated urban crisis are examined: inequality in housing conditions, per capita income and years of schooling; a poor (or lack of a) public transport system, urban congestion and traffic accidents; high levels of violence and murder and the rapid diffusion of diseases linked to the lack of sanitary facilities. Territorial guidelines for a more balanced polycentric urban network and an active urban policy are required to address these issues but face a lack of political will.