Discovering South America: Brazil

Brazil’s Colorful, Crowded Cities 45

Quick Facts: Brazil’s 10 Largest Cities

11,895,893 6,453,682 2,902,927 2,852,372 2,571,896 Population

2,491,109 2,020,301 1,864,416 1,608,488 1,472,482 Population

1. São Paulo

6. Belo Horizonte

2. Rio de Janeiro

7. Manaus 8. Curitiba 9. Recife

3. Salvador 4. Brasília 5. Fortaleza

10. Pôrto Alegre

Figures are 2014 estimates. Source: Brazilian Institute of Geography and Statistics

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