Rio de Janeiro

Rio de Janeiro is one of Brazil’s largest cities and lies on the country’s southeastern Atlantic coast. It is built around Guanabara Bay, with the Atlantic Ocean, beaches, hills and forested mountains shaping much of its landscape. The city has a tropical climate, generally characterized by warm temperatures throughout the year, although conditions vary with altitude and season. Rio is part of the state of Rio de Janeiro and served as Brazil’s capital from 1763 until 1960, when the capital moved to Brasília. Its coastal setting has influenced both its history and its economy.

Today, the city is an important centre for services, tourism, culture and communications, while its port and wider metropolitan area also contribute to regional economic activity. Rio’s public transport includes buses, urban trains, metro lines, ferries and a light rail network. The city is known for its varied urban landscape, where densely built neighbourhoods coexist with beaches, parks and protected natural areas. The Tijuca National Park, located within the city, contains one of the world’s largest urban forests, much of it restored after earlier deforestation.

Rio de Janeiro was founded by the Portuguese in 1565 and developed as a strategic settlement on the Atlantic coast. During the colonial period, its importance increased because of its port and its connection to trade in the region. In the 18th century, the city became the capital of Portuguese America, and in 1808 the Portuguese royal court moved there during the Napoleonic Wars. After Brazil became independent in 1822, Rio remained the national capital until the construction of Brasília.

Several landmarks are closely associated with the city, including Sugarloaf Mountain, the Christ the Redeemer statue, Copacabana Beach and the Maracanã Stadium. Rio is also known for its annual Carnival, a major cultural event featuring music, dance and large public celebrations. In 2012, the cultural landscape between the mountains and the sea was recognized as a UNESCO World Heritage site. The combination of a dense urban environment, dramatic relief and extensive coastline makes Rio an important example of how a large city can develop within a complex natural setting.