Favelas

shanty town or slum in Brazil

A favela (Portuguese pronunciation: [faˈvɛlɐ]) is the term for a slum in Brazil. They are mostly found on the outskirts of urban areas. The people living in the favelas are the poor, and the rich people live in the city. Most of the buildings in favelas are made out of cheap materials, like plastic, wood, glass and scrap. The people usually build their houses themselves and invite their friends to help them build. Crime is not common in favelas,only 1% of residents are criminals or involved in criminal activity. The favelas themselves are also considered illegal, because the people do not pay tax.

Rocinha is the largest hill favela in Rio de Janeiro. Favelas are found in cities all over Brazil, but many of the most famous ones are in Rio.
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