Complexo da Maré is a cluster of favelas and housing developments in the North Zone. With approximately 130,000 residents, the area has one of the lowest per capita incomes and very low human development indicators.
The complex is located in a mangrove on the shores of Guanabara Bay. Occupied since the mid-twentieth century by shacks and stilt houses, the mangrove was gradually filled in by the growing population or government actions.
The name Maré (Portuguese for tide) is derived from this natural phenomenon that caused serious problems for residents. In the past they lived in very precarious houses and the tides would bring snakes, rats, mud, and various diseases.
The urban settlements that form Complexo da Maré emerged in several ways. Some emerged from the construction sites when Avenida Brasil was built and others arose from landfills in the surrounding areas. Still others were formed by those expelled from other areas. Nova Holanda favela, for example, received residents removed from other communities in Rio de Janeiro such as Morro da Praia do Pinto and Morro da Formiga. The first shacks built in Nova Holanda were put up as an provisory measure, but what was supposed to be temporary became permanent. Years later, the residents themselves remodeled their homes originally built by the City.
The inhabitants suffered all kinds of pressure throughout the formation process of Complexo da Maré; fear of disappropriation, police violence to prevent construction and the destruction of their shacks.
Resident Associations were founded and play a significant role in the organization of the favelas. The first ones appeared in 1954 and gradually succeeded in securing public services such as water, electricity, sewerage, paved roads, and garbage collection. Over the years, several associations emerged and fought for different causes, including the right to remain in the area they had occupied.