Latin American Cities

Mega city  A metropolitan area with more than 10 million people.  In 1994 there were 15 megacities.  By 2030, it is expected there will be 21 megacities.  There are also new developments called mega regions. These are a large network of metropolitan areas.  Most major cities in the world are growing in the developing world.  Cities in themselves may not be a problem, but weak, ineffective city governments.

What are your views of cities?  Cities have been viewed in many ways throughout history both good and bad.  "It is the metropolis of the universe, the garden of the world," Ibn Khaldun, the Arab historian, wrote of Cairo in  “many thinkers, from Rousseau to Jefferson to Thoreau, have regarded cities as the source of corruption and evil.”  So, what do you think?

Major cities  Latin American cities fall in the category of that of the developing world.  Most people are moving into them, as opposed to out of them.  This creates many problems along with the corrupt governments of many of these nations.

Mexico City – Appr. 23 million people  Pollution is a major problem here.

Mexico City - Earthquakes

Mexico City - Major historic sites The Zocalo – Where it is said Hernan Cortes first met Montezuma. The National Palace Templo Mayor - One of the major temples during the time of the Aztecs.

Mexico City – More places The Metropolitan Cathedral The Latin American Tower The Fine Arts Palace

Mexico City – Different looks in different places

Lima, Peru – Appr. 9 million people

Lima, Peru 1/3 of Lima’s population is said to live in these areas.

Rio De Janeiro – appr million people

Rio de Janeiro

Buenos Aires – Appr. 13 million people Heavy European Influences here.

Buenos Aires

Sao Paulo Appr million people

Sao Paulo

Different looks of the cities!  What were some common things you noticed about the last pictures for each city?

Shantytowns/slums/Favelas  These pictures are all examples of Shantytowns.  Shantytowns are areas where people live usually on the outskirts of cities. Houses are built from whatever can be found, and they usually are built on land they do not own.  These are a major problem in Latin America, and they are a result of rapid population growth into these cities.  Shantytowns are also a characteristic of developing countries.

What are some problems with Shantytowns?  People live very close together, and diseases like cholera may spread rapidly.  There is usually no running water or electricity.  Most of the time, to get electricity you must go through drastic measures like hooking it up yourself which may be dangerous.  Because buildings are usually built out of metal, wood, or plastic they can set fire easily. These fires may also spread easily.  Whole families may live together in a small house people.

Shantytowns  Why do Shantytowns exist?  Talk with a partner, and see if you can come up with an idea.  People move to cities to find jobs. They cannot afford to live in the city, so they just set up wherever they can find open land and built shelter with whatever they can find.

Shantytowns  What are some results of Shantytowns being near cities?

Your Turn  Answer the following:  1. What are mega cities?  2. What are problems in Shantytowns?  3. Why do Shantytowns exist?  4. How have Shantytowns changed the culture of cities?