Current Conditions

- Although urbanization plans have been implemented in some areas, São Paulo has developed quickly without major planning.

- Ineffective public transport associated with a high number of cars and other vehicles in circulation lead to consistently congested traffic on many roads of the city.

- Approximately 830,000 people - about 7.5% of the population - live in poor districts (Favelas) and surrounding regions.

- Although several parks exist across the city, the green area per capita is small.

- Air pollution is high. The two major rivers crossing the city, River Tietê and River Pinheiros, are polluted. A major project intended to clean up these rivers is underway.

- The tropical rainforests surrounding the city are in constant threat by illegal dumping, poor housing ocuppations, and urban developments with no comprenhensive planning or regulation.

Favelas around Sao Paulo
www.ivebeenthere.uk

Traffic jams on one of Sao Paulo's busy avenues
www.flickr.com

Tiete River
www.iadb.org