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Portugal’s exiled royal family chose Rio as their refuge from Napoleon’s
armies. Rio grew further in size and took on a European flavor. In 1822 it
became the capital of the independent Brazilian Empire. With the overthrow
of the Portuguese monarchy in 1889, Rio became the capital of the Brazilian
republic. By 1900 Rio’s population had grown to about 800,000, fueled by the
success of coffee growing. After World War II, Rio prospered from increasing
commerce and international trade.
But since the second half of the 18th century, Brazil’s government had
been weighing whether to transfer the seat of government from Rio de
Janeiro to some inland area, safe from naval attacks. In 1960 the capital of
the nation was transferred to Brasília. This marked a dramatic change for
Rio, resulting in a loss of political status and prestige. In any event, this
second-largest city in Brazil is still a major cultural capital. Rio de Janeiro
has a majestic beauty, with a magnificent bay, dazzling beaches, and an
Brazil’s Colorful, Crowded Cities 45
1. São Paulo
11,895,893
2. Rio de Janeiro
6,453,682
3. Salvador
2,902,927
4. Brasília
2,852,372
5. Fortaleza
2,571,896
6. Belo Horizonte
2,491,109
7. Manaus
2,020,301
8. Curitiba
1,864,416
9. Recife
1,608,488
10. Pôrto Alegre
1,472,482
Population
Population
Figures are 2014 estimates. Source: Brazilian Institute of Geography and Statistics
Quick Facts: Brazil’s 10 Largest Cities