FACTBOX-Soccer-Host cities for the 2014 World Cup in Brazil

May 31 (Reuters) - Details on the 12 host cities for the 2014 World Cup in Brazil which were chosen by FIFA on Sunday.

* RIO DE JANEIRO

Population: 6 million, the former capital and self-styled Marvellous City contrasts stunning scenery and famous beaches with poverty, social problems and violence.

2014 stadium: The Maracana, built for the 1950 World Cup where it hosted the decisive round of matches. Twice refurbished in the last 10 years, the famous bowl-shaped area will undergo further reforms for 2014. Currently holds 92,000, well below its record of 199,000.

Teams: Flamengo claim to be Brazil's most popular with four Brazilian championship, one Libertadores and 31 Carioca titles. Rivals are Fluminense, Botafogo and second division Vasco da Gama.

Despite its glamorous reputation, drug-related gang warfare and violent street crime make Rio a daunting destination. Although there is a small metro, the city depends heavily on crime-ridden buses and unlicensed mini-vans for public transport. Guanabara bay, which gives the city such an impressive setting, is badly polluted.

* SAO PAULO.

Population: 11 million, the country's financial centre and host to the biggest Japanese population of any city outside Japan itself.

2014 stadium: the Morumbi. Like Maracana, a bowl-shaped stadium. Built in 1960 and owned by Sao Paulo, it will undergo reforms. Holds 69,000.