It is the country's second largest manufacturing centre after SAO PAuLO Major industries include metallurgy and food processing. Noted for its wide streets, public buildings, beaches (see Copacabana), and public parks and gardens, it is a leading tourist and resort centre.
Rio is the cidade rnaravilhosa (marvelous city). Seven million cariocas, as its inhabitants are called, are jammed into the world's most beautiful city setting, between ocean and escarpment. Despite Rio's enormous problems poverty, violence, drug abuse, favelas (shantytowns), police corruption cariocas pursue pleasure like no other people: beaches and the body beautiful, samba and football, beer and cachaca
(sugarcane rum).
The sensuality of Carnaval is the best known expression of this Dionysian spirit.
Rio is a good city for budget travelers, with plenty of cheap restaurants and hotels, free and democratic beaches, friendly and approachable people, and lots to explore and see.
Places to Stay
Multilingual Andesol
Albergue da Juventude Chave Rio de Janeiro
Non HI Copacabana Praia
Hospedaria Gloria
Monterrey
Hotel Rio Lisboa
Hotel Monte Blanco
Hotel Vitoria
Grande Hotel Canada
Apo Hotel
Hotel San Marco
Rio de Janeiro City (pop., 2002 est.: city, 5,937,300; metro. area, 11,121,300) and port, southeastern Brazil. The site was founded by the Portuguese in the early 16th century and became important in the 18th century as an outlet for mineral exports from gold and diamond mines. Located on one of the largest harbours in the world and known for its scenic views, it was the capital of Brazil from 1822 to 1960, when the national capital was moved to BRASILIA.
