Rio de Janeiro History
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Portuguese explorers landed in
Guanabara Bay in January 1502. They named the area “Rio
de Janeiro” (January River) after mistaking the bay for
the mouth of a river. Portuguese knight Estácio de Sá
officially founded the city March 1, 1565, with the name São
Sebastião do Rio de Janeiro (Saint Sebastian of Rio de
Janeiro), paying homage to King Sebastian I of Portugal. For
sometime, it was referred to as São Sebastião. |
Though the main industries in Rio’s first years were fishing
and sugar plantations, the discovery of gold and diamonds in the
neighboring Minas Gerais state brought an influx of people and an
economic boom. With Rio’s significance increasing, the colonial
administration moved from Salvador (in northeast Brazil) to Rio
in 1763. In 1808, the Portuguese Royal Family moved to Rio in order
to escape from Napoleon’s invasion of Portugal, forcing some
residents out of their homes in order to make room for the noblemen
that followed.
For a closer look at the history of nobility in Rio de Janeiro
state, nearby Petrópolis is a great city to visit for a day
tour. Referred to as the “Imperial City,” it was home
to such noble figures as Emperor Dom Pedro II and Princess Regent
Dona Isabel (their tombs can be found in the Catedral São
Pedro de Alcântara).
Rio remained Brazil’s capital through the proclamation of
independence in 1822 and the overthrowing of the monarchy in 1889.
Brasília replaced Rio as the capital April 21, 1960. Rio
continues to be an important port for goods and popular destination
for tourists, but the intense poverty experienced in some parts
of Brazil has created a problem as people seek better means in metropolitan
areas. These people make their way to the larger cities and usually
settle in favelas, or shantytowns.
Favelas can be somewhat of a shock when entering Rio if you aren’t
familiar with them. When poorer Brazilians move to Rio in search
of work, they settle into the hillsides, where there is usually
no standard electricity or running water. The government fails to
recognize these areas as inhabited in many cases, which inhibits
proper safe and sanitary development. Favelas are dangerous to its
inhabitants because of possible landslides and because of the conflict
between police and drug lords. Tourists should avoid favelas unless
on accredited guided tours. Obviously, favelas are just as significant
in the development of Rio de Janeiro as the high rises in Barra
de Tijuca. Despite some efforts to resolve the problem, much more
work has yet to be done.
With regard to petty theft and assault on tourists, the best advice
is to leave whatever you can in a safe place and carry the minimum
amount as possible. If you unfortunately are approached, just give
the thief what they want. Do not put up a fight. In some cases,
thieves will not display a weapon but will use it if necessary.
Rio’s poverty and crime, though serious issues that need
to be dealt with, should not prevent anyone from coming to visit
the city. If you are careful about what you carry and how you carry
it, you should be as safe as in many other large cities around the
world. Be smart, be safe, and have fun! Worrying isn’t allowed
in Rio.
More Information
 www.state.gov
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