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Rio de Janeiro is one of the most famous cities in Brazil and South America. It’s situated on the southeastern coast of Brazil. Rio de Janeiro is among the most visited cities in the southern hemisphere and is known for its natural settings, Carnivals, samba, bossa nova, and balneario beaches such as Barra da Tijuca, Copacabana, Ipanema, and Leblon. Some of the places that make it famous include the towering Christ the Redeemer statue, Sugarloaf Mountain, and the Maracana Stadium.
The last census in Brazil was conducted in 2010, and the next one is scheduled for 2022. According to the 2010 census, Rio de Janeiro had a population of 6,320,446. Compared to other cities in Brazil, Rio de Janeiro is considered to be very diverse. According to the data collected, 51.2% of the population identified themselves as white, 36.5% as brown (multiracial), 11.5% as black, 0.7% as Asian, and 0.1% as indigenous. When it comes to religion, the majority of the population is Catholic, followed by Protestant denominations, Spiritists, and those with no religion. The city of Rio de Janeiro houses the Maracana Stadium, which held the FIFA World Cup Final in 1950 and 2014. The city also hosted the 2016 Summer Olympics and Paralympics, making it the first South American city to host these events.
The city is governed by the mayor and the Municipal Chamber of Rio de Janeiro, which is composed of elected councilors. The city is divided into 33 administrative regions. Each region is governed by an administrator appointed by the mayor. The mayor has the executive power, and his decisions can be scrutinized by the Municipal Chamber. The Municipal Chamber is responsible for local planning, schools, social services, local roads, and refuse collection.
Rio de Janeiro is the second-largest economy of Brazil and the 30th largest in the world with a GDP of about $201 billion. The city is a major center for oil, telecommunications, and media companies. It is home to the Brazilian headquarters of multinational companies like Coca-Cola, IBM, and Shell. The Port of Rio de Janeiro handles over 7 million tons of cargo annually, making it one of the busiest ports in the country.
Rio de Janeiro has been investing heavily in its infrastructure, especially in preparation for the 2014 World Cup and the 2016 Olympics. The city has expanded its subway system, built new highways, and upgraded its port. The city also has a comprehensive bus system and several ferry services. The city is served by two airports: Galeao International Airport, which is the country's second-busiest international airport, and Santos Dumont Airport, which handles domestic flights.