Rio is the second largest city in Brazil and the state capital of Rio de Janeiro. The city is best known for its beaches, carnivals, football, music and its well preserved tropical forests. Commonly known just as Rio and once a Portuguese colony, it was also the capital of Brazil for nearly two centuries during the 1800s. Brasilia became the capital in 1960 when Brazil achieved independence. Tourists mainly get attracted to Rio not just because of it musical diversity and beaches but also because of its flora and fauna. The world’s two largest forests are in Rio, surrounded by the most amazing beaches and mountains forming the most breathtaking landscapes. Recently, the statue of Christ Redeemer was amongst the Seven Wonders of the World.
Rio also boasts some of the world's largest football stadiums and as soccer is Brazil’s national sport, wherever there is an open space you will constantly see children and youngsters playing their favorite game. Rio is also well known for its vibrant night life, housing some of the best clubs and bars in the city. Two of the best beaches on earth, Ipanema and Copacabana, are in Rio and the white sands and blue waters draw a lot of attention from surfers, water sports lovers and other tourists who just want to just enjoy a pleasant sun bathe.
Art and culture unite together and on display is Rio and Brazil’s history exhibited in the museums and galleries. Shopping can be done in plenty as the ranges of prices vary from expensive designer items to buying knick-knacks and souvenirs in the city center at a bargain. The same applies to restaurants where one can taste all kinds of cuisines including local and Brazilian food and that too at an affordable price. The carnivals of Brazil are the most awaited among visitors, the dancing, music and enjoyment that comes along with the festivities makes a worthy stay. 'Carnaval' and 'Reveillon' - New Year's Eve, are renowned to be the most spectacular festivals in the world.
There is usually any excuse for a party in Rio, whether it is for a weekend Samba party, random music jams in the streets, or festivities at soccer matches, there is always a time and a place to join a celebration in this colorful city. One of the densest cities in the world where rainforests and the seas come together, Rio is a city which one will surely fall in love with for its food, music, entertainment, art, culture and its beautiful outdoors.
Colonial Rio...... Rio de Janeiro is the city it is today because of its historical past. Portuguese rulers were the first ones to rule Rio as they landed on the soil of Guanabara Bay on the 1st January 1502. The bay forms the opening of a river, hence the name ‘Rio de Janeiro’ which means ‘River of January’. The French also wanted to make the best of the strategic position of Rio in the Brazilian region and tried to make a foothold in the city but were debarred from the city after two years of intense war. To protect from further invasions, the city was moved to a safer position on a hill, which was later named as Castle Hill. Rio developed economically as it continued to cultivate its traditional crop; sugarcane. Subsequently, gold and diamonds were found in the Mines Gerais area. After this discovery, many other European countries tried to capture Rio and gain a foothold and in 1763, the capital of the region was shifted from Salvador to Rio. However, this economic prominence did not last long. As Rio entered the 19th century, sugar cane production faced stiff competition from other South American countries and the gold and diamond reserves also dwindled, leading Rio on the path of an economic crisis. To prevent this situation it started exporting coffee and the Portuguese royal family resettled in Rio. During their thirteen year rule, Rio expanded economically and the city started spreading out to its edges, as new buildings started cropping up with modernized infrastructure. When the Portuguese left, Brazil finally achieved its independence.
Liberated Rio....... As Rio achieved independence from the Portuguese rulers, the city expanded politically, culturally, economically and architecturally. Public transportation in the form of horse drawn trolleys allowed transport to places like Botafogo, Sao Cristovao, Tijuca which were somewhat far from the city. Rio became the political, economical and cultural centre of Brazil. Many important artisans, leaders, writers and important people played a significant role in the cultural development of the city. Along with being the busiest port in Brazil, the rail & road infrastructure lead to a development of the trade industry.
Rio as capital of Brazil......... When Brazil achieved independence in 1889, Rio was named the capital. With years passing by, Rio has changed, in terms of infrastructure and financially. Central Zone was demolished to expand the city. Land was being reclaimed to build the Central Business District. Hills were being wiped out and were used to fill the marsh areas. The city was divided in three zones. North zone became a industrial area along with being the residence of the working sector while the South Zone was limited for the wealthy people. After World War II, Rio shifted from an agricultural economy to an industrial economy. Bridges were built between important cities, skyscrapers were constructed and free-ways were developed. The population of the city increased in gigantic proportions and this turned out to be a curse. Even if labor was in need for the industries to develop, laborers were in excess and the number of poor and unskilled people increased. This situation exists even today and puts intense pressure on Rio’s resources. In fact, Rio is one of the most populated cities in the world.
Rio in present........ In the 1960’s the capital of Brazil was moved from Rio to Brasilia and later to Sao Paolo, to reduce the economic and financial pressure on Rio. Political power was moved to the interior of the country. Today along with its different ethnic groups, Rio is making its presence felt in the industrial, service and tourism sector. Major multinational companies have their headquarters in Rio and the city does have its influence on the Brazilian economy, as a whole.