RJ has 9 of the 15 most populous neighborhoods in Brazil; see the list

In the complex urban fabric of Rio de Janeiro, 9 of its neighborhoods stand out among the 15 most populous in the country, reflecting not only the demographic density, but also the cultural and historical diversity that permeates the city.

Neighborhoods are divisions created by city halls to manage municipalities. Therefore, they follow administrative rather than marketing criteria. It is the Brazilian Institute of Geography and Statistics (IBGE) that publishes the delimitation of Brazilian neighborhoods, after making subtle adjustments so that the design of these areas is in harmony with the design of the census sectors.

In Brazil, there are 719 municipalities with official neighborhoods published by IBGE. Rio, with 6.22 million inhabitants, has nine sub-prefectures in a total of 164 neighborhoods. The North Zone stands out as the most populated and the Central Region as the least inhabited.

Rio’s neighborhoods present a peculiarity in their territorial delimitation, with considerably large geographic areas compared to other Brazilian municipalities. This characteristic contributes to the fact that, even with a dense population, neighborhoods have a more spacious distribution of their inhabitants.

1. Campo Grande – Located in the West Zone, it covers an extensive area of 119 km² and has a population of 367,160 inhabitants. In addition to being an economic and commercial hub, the neighborhood preserves an active rural life in its most remote parts, surrounded by nature reserves and large mountains.

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2. Santa Cruz – Located in the far west of Rio de Janeiro, Santa Cruz is marked by its rich historical heritage and its population of 238,932 inhabitants. The neighborhood has important historic buildings, but leaves something to be desired in terms of urban mobility and leisure facilities.

img 6033 1 RJ has 9 of the 15 most populous neighborhoods in Brazil; see the list — Holy Cross

3. Bangu – Known for its traditional suburban climate and heat, Bangu is a proletarian neighborhood that dates back to the Bangu Fabric Factory period. With 216,549 inhabitants, the neighborhood maintains its popular and cultural tradition, with busy streets and strong commerce.

img 6034 1 RJ has 9 of the 15 most populous neighborhoods in Brazil; see the list — Bangu

4. Jacarepaguá – The neighborhood stands out for its large lagoons and its importance as a route to Barra da Tijuca. With 214,674 inhabitants, the neighborhood combines the tranquility of natural areas with the dynamism of the expressways that cross it.

img 6040 1 RJ has 9 of the 15 most populous neighborhoods in Brazil; see the list — Jacarepaguá

5. Copacabana – An international icon of Rio de Janeiro, Copacabana is a neighborhood known for its demographic density and its population aged 60+, being the neighborhood with the largest number of elderly people in Brazil. It currently has 206,791 inhabitants. With its characteristic urban landscape of buildings built in the 60s, the neighborhood attracts both tourists and local residents due to its vast commerce and privileged location.

img 6038 1 RJ has 9 of the 15 most populous neighborhoods in Brazil; see the list — Copacabana

6. Barra da Tijuca – Loved by some and criticized by many, Barra da Tijuca stands out for its luxury residential condominiums and its population of 199,426 inhabitants. The neighborhood is a reflection of urban planning from the 70s, with a sectorized spatial distribution, favoring cars and making sociability outside the condominiums difficult. The neighborhood does not yet have urban consolidation, with large empty lots and empty areas, but it has an active economic life, with large shopping malls and commercial buildings.

img 6036 1 RJ has 9 of the 15 most populous neighborhoods in Brazil; see the list — Barra da Tijuca

7. Tijuca – One of the most traditional neighborhoods in Rio de Janeiro, Tijuca is known for its bohemian life and its population of 180,038 inhabitants. With its historic architecture and its proximity to the city center, the neighborhood attracts a diverse mix of residents. It has a large demographic density, with buildings mostly from the 70s and 80s and many villages that have an Old Rio look. The neighborhood is always fondly remembered by locals as a good housing option.

img 6035 1 RJ has 9 of the 15 most populous neighborhoods in Brazil; see the list — Tijuca

8. Realengo – With a population of 168,606 inhabitants, Realengo has a rich history and a strong presence of educational and military institutions. The neighborhood is an important crossing point to other areas of the North Zone and the Jacarepaguá region.

img 6039 1 RJ has 9 of the 15 most populous neighborhoods in Brazil; see the list — Realengo

9. Recreio dos Bandeirantes – Located in the far west of the city, Recreio dos Bandeirantes is known for its peaceful beaches and its population of 165,489 inhabitants. With a relaxed atmosphere and a relaxed lifestyle, the neighborhood reflects the real estate growth of Barra da Tijuca and its influence on the region. Its urban landscape has low-rise buildings and little commercial life, with the majority being residential.