Productive and Spatial Restructuring in the Paraíba Valley Micro-Region of Rio de Janeiro State: Reflections on Change Provoked by Urban Sprawl

Abstract

The micro-region of the Paraíba Valley in Rio de Janeiro State has experienced intense productive and spatial restructuring since the privatization of the huge state steel company the Companhia Siderúrgica Nacional (CSN) in 1993. Re-industrialization of the micro-region occurred with the installation of new factories related to the metal-mechanic sector, including automotive industries. Industrial renewal as well as other commercial, residential and service activities in turn caused urban sprawl. Spatial restructuring is still in course but more subdued due to a prolonged economic crisis in Brazil. The objective of this paper is to present research results concerning productive restructuring and spatial transformation in the micro-region provoked by different urban sprawl activities.