5. Brazil: Force of Change

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Brazil is a country of great contrasts. From the world-renowned beaches of Rio de Janeiro where the rich and famous romp to the squalid favelas where the poor struggle to survive from day to day. Brazil is also up-and-coming on the world stage, and it’s clear that many Brazilians feel that the standard of living is not keeping pace with the countries economic growth. A public transportation fare hike seemed to be the flashpoint that triggered unrest which had boiled over after the government spent millions to host sporting events while ignoring the plight of the country’s middle and lower class populations. Although the government has made some concessions by reducing public transportation fares and drafting new political reforms, protests are still underway against the FIFA World Cup Games that are scheduled to take place in June.