Satellite image of Rio de Janeiro
Rio de Janeiro is the capital of Rio de Janeiro state, in SE Brazil, on Guanabara Bay of the Atlantic Ocean. The second largest city and former capital of Brazil, it is the cultural center of the country as well as financial, commercial, communication, and transportation hub. Rio has one of the world's most beautiful natural harbors. It is surrounded by low mountain ranges, which extend to the waterside, across the city.