Favela
Favela is a term used commonly in Brazil to describe slums -- areas of poor quality housing, often crowded onto the hillsides where sturdy buildings are difficult to construct. Accidents, mainly from heavy rainfall, are frequent in such areas. Favelas are often troubled by drug-related crime and gang warfare.
The most famous favelas are those in and around Rio de Janeiro, where they provide a sharp juxtaposition of poverty and wealth when considered side-by-side with the luxurious apartment buildings and mansions of Rio's elite.
São Paulo also has a great number of favelas.
Rumor has it that common social codes in favelas forbid residents from engaging in criminal activity while inside their own favela. Favelas are often considered a disgrace to the country.
Most people that live in favelas are poor, living on less than US$100 per month.
Brazil's favelas can be seen as a consequence of the highly disparate distribution of wealth in the country.
The 2002 film City of God put a spotlight on favelas, chronicling the cycle of poverty, violence, and despair in a Rio de Janeiro slum.
See also: poverty, ghetto, pueblos jóvenes, Rocinha
