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Rio de Janeiro, was discovered on January (Janeiro) 1, 1502 by Portuguese navigators
who mistook the entrance of Guanabara Bay for the mouth of a river (Rio). Sixty years later because French traders in search of pau-brasil (Brazilwood) were routinely "visiting" the area the Portuguese crown established the city of Sao Sebastiao do Rio de Janeiro. After 2 years of bloody conflict the French were expelled and settlers began to cultivate the surrounding fertile lands. In the beginning of the 18th century the city's importance and population increased immensely as it became the main
shipping port for gold and diamonds that came from Minas Gerais. In 1763 the colonial capital of Brazil was transfered from Salvador, Bahia to Rio.
In 1808, as Napoleon's armies began the invasion of Portugal, the decision was made to transfer the monarch and his court to Rio de Janeiro, where he would remain until 1821. During this time Brasil was elevated in status from a colony to United Kingdom with Portugal. With the advent of Independence Rio became the capital of the new empire. The city prospered economically, and by 1891 it had a population of over 500,000 inhabitants ranking it one of the largest cities in the world. As the city grew in prominence mountains were removed, bay water reclaimed, and skyscrapers constructed.
With the inauguration of Brasilia in 1960, Rio de Janeiro ceased to be Brazil's capital. Even today discussion is rife concerning whether Rio was improved or hurt by the transfer of the government. In any event, this second largest city in Brazil is still a major cultural capital and, to some extent, its "emotional" capital as well.
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Rio de Janeiro has a majestic beauty, with built-up areas nestled between a magnificent bay and dazzling beaches on one side and an abruptly rising mountain range, covered by a luxuriant tropical forest, on the other. This unique landscape makes Rio one of the most beautiful cities in the world, justifying its title of "Marvelous City" (Cidade Maravilhosa). Rio's cultural life is intense and varied.
Perhaps at no time is the city's
festive reputation better displayed than during the annual carnaval which enlivens the city for 3 solid days with music, singing, parties, balls, and desfiles (street parades of brilliantly-costumed dancers performing the samba).
Economically it is a service industry center, a key financial center, and the producer of foodstuffs, building materials, electrical equipment, chemicals, pharmaceuticals, beverages, and textiles. But it is in the pursuit of leisure that Rio is outstanding. With its world famous beaches free to all (such as Copacabana and Ipanema), its splendid bay, one of the loveliest in the world, and its wonderful climate, a blend of summer and springtime, Rio de Janeiro is a city that lives in and for the sun. Its population is around
10,000,000 inhabitants.
Courtesy Brazilian Embassy |
Rio de Janeiro
guide
Rio de Janeiro
Brief
history
State
Travel details
Warning
Orientation:
Centro,
Zona Sul, Zona Norte
Getting around
Nightlife
Film
Rio Gay
Best of Rio
Info
Favelas
Arrival
Shopping
Carnaval
 Eating
and drinking:
Churrascarias, vegetarian
For eating in Brazil, read also:
Eating & drinking
Street foods,
snacks
Restaurants
Vegetarian/natural
Soft drinks, hot
drinks
Rio
pictures 1
Rio pictures 2
and see also
Pictures of
Rio by
Thereza Eugenia
Pictures of Brazil by
Cecilia dos Guimaraes
Bastos
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 Zona
Sul
Sports, beach fashion
Arpoador, Ipanema,
Leblon
Jardim
Botanico
Lagoa
Lagoa Christmas tree
Leme and Copacabana Beach
Alto da Boa Vista, Parque Nacional da
Tijuca
Urca and Pao-de-Acucar
Gavea and Jockey Club
Buzios
Buzios Town and its beaches
Restaurants
Eating options
Getting there
Getting around
Climate and travel info
Buzios
Beaches
Buzios Beaches 2
 Buzios
Scuba Diving
Buzios Golf
Buzios
Stones St and
night life
Ecotourism
Hotels in Buzios |
