Rio de Janeiro, Brazil

Rio de Janeiro was founded in 1565 by the Portuguese Estacio de Sa. The city's full name is São Sebastião do Rio de Janeiro in tribute to King Sebastian I of Portugal. The city is located on a strip of the Brazilian Atlantic coast. It rains from December to March. The average annual temperature here is 23C. Rio de Janeiro now has a population of 6 million and is the second largest city in Brazil. The many different ethnic groups such as whites, blacks, Asians, and Indians, have contributed to the formation of Rio's modern population. From 1764 to 1956 Rio de Janeiro was the capital of Brazil. With the abolition of slavery in 1888, industrial production increased in the city , while agriculture developed less.

Now Rio is the second largest industrial production and the second largest financial center after São Paulo.Also Rio de Janeiro is one of the largest ports of South America. The hill called the "Sugar Clump" and the statue of Christ the Saviour on the Corcovado hill are two of the emblems of the city.The Botanical Garden, built in 1808 and occupying an impressive area, represents the entire wealth of Brazilian fauna. Particularly impressive here is the avenue of giant palms. In the Old Town, one can see the preserved architectural sights and museums.

The Ordeim Terceira do Carmu Church is a baroque church , decorated by great artists and is one of these landmarks. In the beautiful park "Quinta da Boa Vista" is the former imperial palace.The tram line connecting downtown Rio with the artists' quarter of Santa Teresa is an unforgettable tourist attraction.Within the outline of Rio de Janeiro are the world's only two urban rainforests. Rock climbing and abseiling can be practised here.And Copacabana beach is famous for the most amazing New Year's Eve fireworks. The stadium " Marocana"- this is also one of the symbols of Rio. Built for the 1950 World Cup, it is one of the largest stadiums in the world and has a seating capacity of 97,000 spectators. It was designed by the two Brazilian architects Rafael Galvão and Pedro Paulo Bernandez.

Rio de Janeiro is best known for the Carnival , held every year in the two weeks before the start of Mardi Gras.At this time, Latin dance lovers meet each other with their colourful costumes and their quest to show who is better at this beautiful spectacular competition.