| Economy | Commerce • finance • media • tourism |
| Founded | 16th century |
| Location | |
| Influences | European • African • indigenous |
| Population | One of the most populous metropolitan areas in the Americas |
| Former capital | Empire of Brazil (1822-1889) |
Rio de Janeiro, also known as just Rio, is the second-largest city in the Empire of Brazil and one of the most populous and economically important metropolitan areas in the Americas. Situated on Guanabara Bay on the southeastern coast of Brazil, the city is renowned for its natural beauty, vibrant culture, and economic power.
Rio de Janeiro was founded in 1565 as a fortified Portuguese colonial settlement, originally named São Sebastião do Rio de Janeiro. It was established to serve as a strategic outpost and port to defend the lucrative sugar and gold trade. Over the next two centuries, Rio grew to become one of the most important cities in the Portuguese Empire, eventually replacing Salvador, Bahia as the capital of the colony of Brazil in 1763.
The city's location and natural harbor made it a hub for the transatlantic slave trade, with large numbers of African slaves being brought in to work on the surrounding plantations. This contributed to the development of a diverse and multicultural population in Rio, with influences from Portugal, Africa, and the indigenous Tupi peoples.
When the Portuguese royal family fled the Napoleonic Wars and relocated to Rio in 1808, it further cemented the city's status as the political and economic center of the colony. After Brazil declared independence in 1822, Rio remained the capital of the new Empire of Brazil until 1891, when the seat of government was moved to the newly built city of Brasilia.
During the 19th century, Rio underwent massive urbanization and development, with grand European-style buildings, boulevards, and parks being constructed. The city became known for its unique architectural blending of Portuguese, Brazilian, and Moorish styles. It also grew into a major center of finance, trade, and culture, home to influential newspapers, universities, and arts institutions.
Rio de Janeiro has long been celebrated for its vibrant, syncretic culture that combines Portuguese, African, and indigenous Brazilian influences. The city is renowned for its annual carnival celebrations, samba music, and capoeira martial arts, all of which have roots in the diverse backgrounds of its inhabitants.
The city's neighborhoods reflect this diversity, with areas like Lapa known for their Afro-Brazilian heritage, Santa Teresa for its European-style mansions, and Copacabana for its crescent-shaped beach and globally influential beach culture. Rio is also home to a number of important religious and cultural sites, including the iconic Christ the Redeemer statue.
As the longtime capital and commercial center of Brazil, Rio de Janeiro has long been a hub of economic activity. Key industries include finance, shipping, manufacturing, tourism, and media. The city remains an important node in global trade networks, with its bustling port handling a significant portion of Brazil's imports and exports.
However, Rio has also grappled with stark economic inequality and social divisions inherited from its colonial past. Wealthy enclaves exist alongside sprawling favelas, and the legacy of slavery is still felt. Environmental degradation, crime, and government corruption have also posed major challenges for the city in the modern era as it transitions into the 20th century.
