Rio de Janeiro
Rio de Janeiro (in Portuguese : Rio de Janeiro , which means January River ) is a city in southeastern Brazil , center of the state of Rio de Janeiro .
The population is about 6.1 million people (2006), while the urban agglomeration - about 11.582 million people (2009). Rio de Janeiro is the second largest city in Brazil after Sao Paulo and serves as the capital of the country from 1764 to 1960 , when the capital was moved to Brazil . In 1808 - 1821 , the city was the capital of the Portuguese empire .
On Mount Corcovado is the famous statue of Jesus called Christ the Savior . Rio de Janeiro is famous for its carnival , which is held there every year.
Locals call themselves Carioca ( 'carioca'). In the local dialect of the people of Toupi, who speaks guaranese language cari means 'white people', and oca - home, ie. "The home of the white people".
Landmarks
The beaches of Ipanema and Copacabana , Flamengo Park, a giant statue of Christ the Redeemer on Mount Corcovado , a mountain Pau di Asukar (Pão de Açúcar "Sugar Loaf"), Maracana Stadium - the second largest football stadium in the world (200,000 viewers).
The city has four major football teams: Flamengo , Botafogo , Fluminense and Vasco da Gama . They play their home matches in the mythical stadium " Maracana ", where the World Cup in 1950 212 500 spectators watching the final Brazil - Uruguay .
