Recent data from MapBiomas reveals that Manaus leads Brazil in favela area expansion, growing by 2.6 times from 1985 to 2024. This report indicates that Manaus has maintained its position as the city with the largest favela growth for several decades. The analysis considers the annual increase of urbanized areas within favela and urban community perimeters, as defined by the Brazilian Institute of Geography and Statistics (IBGE).

Nationally, favela areas increased from 53,700 hectares in 1985 to 146,000 hectares in 2024, representing a more than 2.75 times rise, which surpasses the overall urbanized area expansion in Brazil. The study highlights that urban favela growth is particularly pronounced in Northern and Northeastern capitals, which dominate the list of cities with the largest favela areas. Notably, while in 1985, seven out of ten cities with the most extensive favela areas were in these regions, by 2024, this number has increased to eight, marking a significant trend in urban development.

The implications of these findings suggest a critical focus on urban policy and socio-economic conditions within these cities, as the expansion of favelas often correlates with challenges such as poverty, inadequate housing, and lack of basic infrastructure. Addressing these issues is crucial for improving living conditions and ensuring the stability of urban growth in Brazil, particularly in regions where favela expansion is most severe.