Small cities in the Amazon region and the problems that bring together peripheral urban realities and singularities that individualize them

Abstract

This article presents a detailed analysis of the socio-spatial characteristics of small cities within the Intermediate Region of Breves and the Salgado Paraense region, located in Pará, Brazil. Through comparative analysis grounded in socioeconomic data, the study aims to shed light on these peripherals and often overlooked spaces. The research used a combination of data sources, including questionnaires administered to urban households in selected cities, demographic census data on total and urban populations, access to infrastructure, RAIS data, and municipal GDP statistics for both regions. While RegInt Breves and Salgado Paraense share common challenges, they are distinguished by their unique characteristics, which include the economic activities driving urban dynamics, the interaction with forest resources, the social networks cultivated by residents, and the appreciation for their organic spaces, which blur the traditional urban-rural divide. Rather than adhering to a dichotomous model, these regions exemplify the interconnectedness of urban and rural landscapes, creating hybrid spaces with distinctive socio-spatial identities. By offering visibility to these regions, the article calls for a more nuanced understanding of their role within the broader regional and national framework. Such insights are critical for fostering inclusive policies that address their specific needs and potential.

Keywords:
small cities; Amazon region; Urban periphery; Region of Breves; Salgado Paraense