As redes para além dos rios: urbanização e desequilíbrios na Amazônia brasileira [Networks beyond the rivers: urbanization and disequilibrium in the Brazilian Amazon]

In recent decades, the Amazonian urban networks have been developing with the appearance of medium-sized cities and the multiplication and small urban agglomerations along the main regional roads and rivers. However, Amazonian urban networks have several characteristics that should be studied without "euphoria", because of some peculiarities that deserve to be explored in greater depth. Even though there is an urban hierarchy that seems to be similar to the other regions of the country, with clearly distinguishable regional and local centers, the various urban hierarchical levels have different demographic, spatial and socioeconomic dynamics. The fragility of the Amazonian urban networks is related to the creation of barriers for the flows of people, goods and services, like: a) the great distances that separate the capital cities from the other towns and hamlets; b) the lack of transport and communication infrastructure in large areas of the Amazon territory; c) the large proportion of the population without material and educational resources needed for them to actively participate in the various kinds of flows.