Favela

Favela is a Brazilian term for an informal urban settlement typical of many Brazilian cities. Favelas are usually located on hillsides or other irregular terrain at the urban periphery and are characterized by self-built housing, informal land tenure, and variable access to services. They began in the late 19th and early 20th centuries, as rapid urbanization and rural-to-city migration created housing shortages. Many residents were rural workers and former enslaved people who settled on inexpensive land outside formal planning.

Housing in favelas is densely packed, often multistory, with narrow lanes. Utilities such as water and electricity may be provided informally; some areas later received formal provision through municipal programs. Favelas host informal economies, small businesses, and strong community networks, and they contribute to Brazilian urban culture through music, sports, and art. Crime and violence have affected some neighborhoods but vary widely.

Policy responses have ranged from eviction to upgrading. In Rio de Janeiro, pacification campaigns and later infrastructure and service programs sought to reclaim territory from organized crime and improve living conditions. Community associations and NGOs have supported housing improvements and formal inclusion.

Notable examples include Rocinha and Vidigal in Rio, and Heliópolis in São Paulo. Favelas are a defining feature of Brazil’s urban landscape and remain a focus of policy, research, and media coverage.