rio

Rio de Janeiro, commonly referred to simply as Rio, is a major city in southeastern Brazil and the capital of the state of Rio de Janeiro. Located on the Atlantic coast around Guanabara Bay, the city sits between mountains and sea and is known for its dramatic landscape and beaches. Founded in 1565 by the Portuguese, Rio grew into Brazil’s capital from 1763 to 1960 and remains one of the country’s primary cultural and economic centers.

Rio’s skyline features world-renowned landmarks such as the Cristo Redentor statue atop Corcovado mountain, the Sugarloaf cable car, and the busy port area. The city is known for its beaches—Copacabana and Ipanema—and a vibrant music and sports scene, with football and samba deeply rooted in its culture. In 2012, the Carioca Landscapes between the Mountain and the Sea were designated a UNESCO World Heritage Site.

With about 6.7 million residents in the city and roughly 13 million in the metropolitan area, Rio is Brazil’s second most populous city. Its economy relies on services, tourism, media, and energy sectors, while its port serves as a major logistics hub. Rio experiences a tropical climate with hot, humid summers and mild, drier winters; rainfall is heaviest in the warmer months. The city is served by Rio de Janeiro–Galeão International Airport and Santos Dumont Airport, as well as an urban rail system.

Rio hosted the 2016 Summer Olympics and Paralympics, events that shaped much of the city’s infrastructure and international profile. It remains a leading global tourist destination, attracting visitors with its natural scenery, festivals, and cultural institutions, while facing urban inequality and crime challenges common to large metropolitan centers.