Social challenges

Smog in São Paulo. Main article: Social issues in Brazil

Since the beginning of the 20th century, São Paulo has been a major economic center in Latin America. During two World Wars and the Great Depression, coffee exports (from other regions of the state) were critically affected. This led wealthy coffee farmers to invest in industrial activities that turned São Paulo into Brazil's largest industrial hub.

Crime rates consistently decreased in the 21st century. The city-wide homicide rate was 9.0 in 2011, less than half the 22.3 national rate. Air quality has steadily increased during the modern era. The two major rivers crossing the city, Tietê and Pinheiros, are highly polluted. A major project to clean up these rivers is underway. The Clean City Law or antibillboard, approved in 2007, focused on two main targets: antipublicity and anticommerce. Advertisers estimate that they removed 15,000 billboards and that more than 1,600 signs and 1,300 towering metal panels were dismantled by authorities. São Paulo metropolitan region, adopted vehicle restrictions from 1996 to 1998 to reduce air pollution during wintertime. Since 1997, a similar project was implemented throughout the year in the central area of São Paulo to improve traffic. Structural Problems

Due to the large size and scale of the problems the city faces, some of the following issues are currently under discussion by politicians and the society in general:

Major traffic jams that stretch out for many kilometers are a common occurrence Flooding of certain areas, especially in the summer due to heavy showers, are still an unsolved problem Potholes and irregular pavement all across town