Rio de Janeiro is the second most populated city in Brazil and the sixth in the Americas. It was founded in 1565 by the Portuguese. The population of Rio de Janeiro is estimated to be more than 6 million people in 2015. In terms of gross regional product, the city ranks second in Brazil. Rio houses the headquarters of oil, mining and telecommunications companies, as well as the two largest corporations. Here is the largest research center in Brazil. Millions of tourists come to Rio every year, the city is known for its magnificent carnivals and sandy beaches. In 2016, the Summer Olympic Games were held here. Rio was the first city in South America to host this sporting event.
Historical features
The population of Rio de Janeiro is deservedly proud of the beauty of his city. The architecture combines completely new buildings with buildings that are almost five hundred years old. The history of the city began with the discovery of the Guanabara Bay by Gaspard de Lemouche. He was a Portuguese navigator. The de Lemouche expedition mistook Guanabara Bay for the mouth of the river. Accordingly, the city was named. Translated from Portuguese, the name translates as "January River." In 1555, the French colony of Anriville was founded on the island of Serigipe. Ten years later, Portuguese troops landed near this place. The base at the base of the operation was the area at the foot of Sugarloaf Mountain. The fortification was called San Sebastian di Rio de Janeiro. Military operations lasted two years, but the Portuguese won. Thus began the development of the city of Rio de Janeiro.
In 1763, it became the capital of Brazil. A new impetus to the development of the city was given by the Napoleonic wars. In 1821, Brazil was declared independent. During this period, the population of Rio de Janeiro was only 113 thousand people. The city became the capital of the now Brazilian empire. In 1889, another change occurred. Brazil has been transformed into a republic. According to the census, the population of Rio de Janeiro in 1890 was already 520 thousand people. In 1920, it exceeded a million people. In 1960, Brasilia became the capital of the country. This somewhat slowed down the further development of the city. In 1980, the population of Rio de Janeiro exceeded five million people. Now the city is the state capital of the same name.
Zoning
Most often, the city is divided into the following parts:
- Center. This is the historical heart of the city.
- South Zone. It is a tourist rich area.
- Northern Zone. The sleeping area in which the middle class live.
- Western Zone. Three more districts are traditionally distinguished here: Santa Cruz, Campo Grande and the newer and richer Barra da Tijuca district.
Central Zone
This area is the historical and financial heart of Brazil. The number of people in Rio de Janeiro who lives in it is 41.142 thousand people. However, the area is predominantly commercial. It peacefully coexists modern skyscrapers and historic buildings. Among the attractions of the Center, it is worth mentioning Paco Imperial, the historical residence of the Portuguese rulers, Brazil, the Church of Calendaria, San Jose, Santa Lucia, Our Lady, Santa Rita, San Francisco de Paula and the monasteries of St. Anthony and St. Benedict. In the Central Zone of Rio is the Municipal Theater and the National Library, as well as several museums. Lapa is also located here. It is famous for its historical monuments and nightlife.
South
This zone is located between the Tijuca Mountains, the Atlantic Ocean and Guanabara Bay. Most spa resorts and hotels are located here, such as Lagoa Rodrigo de Freitas. In the Southern Zone there is a large part of the Tijuca National Park, Sugar Loaf Mountain, and hence the famous cable car, Corvocado Hill, on which stands the famous statue of Christ the Savior. This is the richest region of Rio. Every year thousands of tourists from all over the world visit it.
North
This area begins with Grand Tizhuk, west of the Center, and extends many kilometers inland. Previously, it was known for one of the largest football stadiums in the world, which can accommodate 199 thousand people. The World Cup finals in 1950 were held here. Now its capacity has been slightly reduced due to new safety requirements. Recently it was reconstructed. Now it accommodates 80 thousand people. It hosted the final match of the 2014 World Cup, the opening and closing ceremonies of the 2016 Summer Olympics. The Northern Zone also has an international airport, Federal and National universities, and the best samba schools in the country. About 100 slums are located in this area. Among the main districts of the Northern Zone, the following can be distinguished:
- Alto da Boa Vista.
- Tizhuk. The population of Rio de Janeiro, who lives in this district, is 181.810 thousand people.
- Vila Isabelle. If you look at how much of the population in Rio de Janeiro lives in this district, then this is 189.310 thousand people.
- Mayer. About 400 thousand people.
- San Cristovau. About 85 thousand people.
- Madureira About 372 thousand people.
- Penha. About 186 thousand people.
- Manguinhoz.
- Fundao.
- Olario.
West
This zone occupies more than half the area of the city. There are many attractions and the highest peak of the Rio Pico da Pedra Branca (1024 meters). The most famous districts of the Western Zone are: Campo Grande and Santa Cruz. In this part of the city is the elite district of Barra da Tijuca.
Santa cruz
This district is developing quite dynamically. If we consider what population in Rio de Janeiro lives here, then this is about 217 thousand people. This is one of the largest counties. Here live people with both high incomes and poor. However, in terms of population it is at the end of the list, since it occupies a fairly large area. Campo Grande is an industrial area. Huge territories are still empty, so it has great potential for further dynamic development.
Campo Grande
The population of Rio de Janeiro exceeds six million people. More than three hundred thousand of them live in the Campo Grande district, which is located in the Western Zone. It is the largest in the city. Today the district is developing dynamically. A huge number of students live here. As for industry and commerce, it is in this district that the offices of companies from other regions have often been opened recently.
