Rio De Janeiro, Brazil

Geography: Rio de Janeiro is Brazil's second largest city, and Sao Paulo is the first.  Rio was the capital of Brazil for almost two centuries from 1763 to 1960 when it was moved to Brasilia. 

Currency:  Brazilian Real (Reais) BRL

National Symbol: Southern Cross constellation

National Anthem: "Hino Nacional Brasileiro"

Language:  Portuguese

Area Comparison: Brazil is slightly smaller than the US

Distance from Pittsburgh:  8,015km or  4,980miles

Terrain: Brazil is mostly flat to rolling lowlands in the North with some plains, hills, mountains and a narrow coastal belt

Highest Point: Pico da Neblina 2,994m

Weather You Should Expect: The climate is tropical, or mild to hot, year round.  Summers can become very hot and humid, which gives the cool beach waters a tremendous appeal for tourist and local residents alike. 

Average Temperature in January: Low of 73 High of 84

What You Must See: Sugar Loaf Mountain is one of the symbols of Rio de Janeiro. At the top of the Corcobado mountain is the world famous Statue of Christ the Redeemer (the Corcobado, or Hunchback). One of the nicest views from the Sugar Loaf, accessible by cable car, are the beaches of Rio, especially Copacabana and Ipanema Beach. Other sights to check out are Sambodromo - which is the street the parade runs on during Carnival and Maracana Stadium - one of the largest football stadiums in the world. More highlights include Tijuca National Park, the Botanical Gardens, Flamengo Park, Municipal Theatre which is modeled after the Paris Opera House, Metropolitan Cathedral and Tiradentas Palace.  

Historical Fact: First, let's go back to 1502 when the explorers arrived in Guanabara Bay on New Year's Day. They mistook the bay for the mouth of a mighty river and this is why they've called the place Rio de Janeiro ("River of January"). Rio will be celebrating its 510th b-day the month we arrive!

Science Trivia: The Harbor of Rio de Janeiro was created by erosion from the Atlantic Ocean and is also known as Guanabara Bay. The Harbour is surrounded by gorgeous granite monolith mountains that include the famous Sugar Loaf Mountain at 1,296 feet (395 m), Corcovado Peak at 2,310 feet (704 m), and the hills of Tijuca at 3,350 feet (1021 m). 

Interesting Fact: The Harbor of Rio de Janeiro is considered one of the Seven Natural Wonders of the World.  Rio is also home to the world famous Christ the Redeemer statue, a 30 meter tall idol of Jesus Christ that over looks the city form Corcovado Mountain . It is regarded as one of the Seven Wonders of the Modern World from a selection of 200 existing monuments! 

Fun Fact: Largest bay in the world based on volume of water.

Why Should You Go:  Rio is host to Brazil's largest holiday and party celebration in the country and world...Carnival!  It is also known for the the Samba, Bossa Nova - which is a styple of Brazilian music and Balneario - resort beaches.

Did you know:  The 2016 Summer Olympic Games will take place here – the 1st time a South American city will host the event