A lack of affordable housing in Sao Paulo has many citizens living in sub-standard conditions. Squatters are occupying abandoned buildings and camping on empty land.

Sao Paulo is Brazil’s financial capital and one of the most densely populated metropolitan areas in Latin America. Lured by job prospects, Sao Paulo’s population has rapidly multiplied over the decades.

However, the city of 12 million suffers from vast economic inequality, which drives poor families to occupy and squat in empty abandoned buildings throughout the municipality. The issue drew international attention in 2018 when a 24 story building occupied by squatters collapsed.  

Correspondent Maria Valls reports from Sao Paulo on why the city is not able to keep up with housing needs.