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Comment by jgalt212 | Hacker News Reader

> one of the fastest growing metro areas in Brazil.

So it's succeeding in spite of its faults? Or would it be growing even faster if it were set up better?

It's growth is mainly driven by migration from other states by people attracted by the high quality of life (highest in the country) and high-paying government jobs.

However, the designed neighborhoods are currently noble areas where only rich people can afford renting/buying apartments. Poor families are forced to live far from the city center (think 2-3 hours by bus) in dangerous places controlled by organized crime. For instance, Sol Nascente will most likely become the largest favela in Brazil (even larger than the ones in Rio since it can grow without being limited by surrounding mountains).

[1] https://epoca.globo.com/sol-nascente-favela-de-brasilia-que-... (Portuguese only)

That's correct, the city was designed to house high paying government workers and politicians, still like this since the growth is controlled by the government so house development does not meet the demand. People that can't afford living there go to more dangerous and poor cities around Brasília. The city is also not designed for pedestrians and does not have a good metro system. Brasilia is unique but it also shows the worst from Brasil.

Brazil is a big country with a big and centralizing government. The national capital gets a lot of well-paid federal jobs - politicians, their staff, a huge chunk of the government bureaucracy.

With that sort of boost, any city would trive.

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