Latin American Cities
Mega city
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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?
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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 1382. www.nationalgeographic.com
“many thinkers, from Rousseau to Jefferson to
Thoreau, have regarded cities as the source of
corruption and evil.” www.nationalgeographic.com
So, what do you think?
Major cities
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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
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Pollution is a major problem here.
Mexico City - Earthquakes
Mexico City - Major historic sites
The National
Palace
The Zocalo – Where it is
said Hernan Cortes first
met Montezuma.
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
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. 12.6 million
people
Rio de Janeiro
Buenos Aires – Appr. 13 million people
Heavy European Influences here.
Buenos Aires
Sao Paulo
Appr. 20.9 million people
Sao Paulo
Different looks of the cities!
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What were some common things you noticed about
the last pictures for each city?
Shantytowns/slums/Favelas
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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.
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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?
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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.
8-10 people.
Shantytowns
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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
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What are some results of Shantytowns being near
cities?
Your Turn
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Answer the following:
1. What are mega cities?
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2. What are problems in Shantytowns?
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3. Why do Shantytowns exist?
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4. How have Shantytowns changed the culture of
cities?