Rio Pequeno, Brazil

Life in this Rio de Janeiro favela is no picturesque dream. The population of 131,631 residents is dominated by the notorious criminal figure Zé Pequeno, a drug trafficker who gained infamy in the 1970s and 1980s for his ruthless methods. Violent rivalries like the one between Pequeno and Mane Galinha were commonplace, with Pequeno ultimately meeting his end at the hands of the Valzinho gang in 1985. For those drawn to the gritty realities portrayed in the film City of God, Rio Pequeno may hold some appeal, but the persistent threat of gang violence and bloodshed makes it a poor choice for most.