depending on the history of the particular favela, most the residents are either cariocas or brazilian out-of-state immigrants. 

recently, due to the fast rate of development, urbanization and greatly improved safety conditions inside some favelas, foreign immigrants have also started to live and operate businesses inside some communities. in favelas such as vidigal and santa marta, foreign-operated pousadas are becoming common.

recently introduced, november 4th is the dia national da favela (favela's day), celebrating the innovations and creativity spurring from these areas.  events are organized throughout the main communities.

favela tem memoria is a website dedicated to the preservation and divulgation of the history of rio's favelas, posting several interesting facts, photographs, anecdotes, and statistics.