The report explains the changes that took place in the city between 2000 and 2010 by drawing national and international comparisons and by stressing differences between municipalities in Rio, exploring how these are experienced by locals.

The notebooks examine in detail numerous aspects of social reality, with particular focus paid to two high priority issues for the city in the near future - differences between favelas and formal districts and young people's income, employment and education.

One of the most rewarding results of the Rio Notebooks was the Planejamento Estratégico da Prefeitura (Strategic Planning of the City Hall), co-ordinated by the Civil Office, which effectively identifies precise policies in the areas of greatest need.