Rio de Janeiro, City (pop., 2021 est.: city, 6,775,560; Greater Rio, 12,763,305) and port, capital of Rio de Janeiro state, southeastern Brazil. It was founded by the Portuguese in the 16th century and became important in the 18th century as an outlet for mineral exports from gold and diamond mines. Located on the Atlantic Ocean and having one of the largest harbours in the world, it was the capital of Brazil from 1822 to 1960, when the national capital was moved to Brasília. It is the country’s second largest manufacturing centre, after São Paulo. Major industries include metallurgy, electronics, and food processing. Noted for its scenic views, wide streets, public buildings, public parks and gardens, and beaches (especially Copacabana), it is a leading tourist and resort centre. In 2009 the city was selected to host the 2016 Summer Olympic Games.
