Below is the list of cities and towns in 🇧🇷 Brazil whose name begins with the letter R. You will also find some general information about each of them.
| Name | State | Population |
|---|---|---|
| Recife | Pernambuco | 1,661,000 |
| Ribeirão Preto | São Paulo | 711,000 |
| Rio Branco | Acre | 413,000 |
| Rio Claro | São Paulo | 208,000 |
| Rio de Janeiro | Rio de Janeiro | 6,748,000 |
| Rio Grande | Rio Grande do Sul | 211,000 |
| Rio Verde | Goiás | 247,000 |
| Rondonópolis | Mato Grosso | 236,000 |
Recife
The capital of Pernambuco state, Recife gets its name from the coral reefs (“recifes” in Portuguese) that line its coast. Founded in 1537, it’s known as the “Brazilian Venice” due to its numerous waterways and bridges. The city is a major cultural center, famous for its Carnival celebrations, frevo dance, and well-preserved colonial architecture in its historic Recife Antigo district. It’s also one of Brazil’s most important tech hubs, nicknamed “Porto Digital.”
Ribeirão Preto
Located in northeastern São Paulo state, Ribeirão Preto means “Black Stream” in Portuguese. The city rose to prominence during the coffee boom of the late 19th century and was known as the “Coffee Capital.” Today, it’s a major agribusiness center, particularly for sugar cane and ethanol production. The city is also known for its medical schools and research centers, as well as hosting one of Brazil’s largest rodeos.
Rio Branco
The capital of Acre state, Rio Branco was named after the Baron of Rio Branco, a prominent Brazilian diplomat. Founded around a rubber extraction settlement, the city serves as the main commercial and cultural center of Acre. It’s known for its efforts to preserve its Amazon rainforest heritage while promoting sustainable development.
Rio Claro
Located in São Paulo state, Rio Claro (“Clear River”) developed around the railroad in the 19th century. The city was one of the first in Brazil to abolish slavery and implement electric street lighting. Today, it’s known for its ceramics industry and its well-planned urban layout with tree-lined streets.
Rio de Janeiro
Brazil’s second-largest city and former capital, Rio de Janeiro was named by Portuguese explorers who thought Guanabara Bay was the mouth of a river (“Rio” means river) in January (“Janeiro”). Known worldwide for its stunning natural setting, including Sugarloaf Mountain and Christ the Redeemer statue, Rio is famous for its beaches, Carnival celebrations, and vibrant culture. The city was the capital of Portugal during the Napoleonic Wars and later the capital of Brazil until 1960.
Rio Grande
Located in southern Rio Grande do Sul, Rio Grande is Brazil’s oldest seaside resort and home to the country’s oldest maritime port. Founded in 1737, the city was crucial in Portugal’s expansion into southern Brazil. Today, it remains an important port city and is known for its maritime museum and historic buildings.
Rio Verde
Situated in southwestern Goiás state, Rio Verde (“Green River”) is one of Brazil’s largest agricultural producers. The city has experienced rapid growth due to agribusiness expansion, particularly in soybean and corn production. It’s known for its modern agricultural technology and food processing industries.
Rondonópolis
Located in southeastern Mato Grosso state, Rondonópolis was named after Marshal Cândido Rondon, a famous Brazilian explorer. The city developed rapidly after the 1950s with the arrival of southern Brazilian migrants. Today, it’s an important agricultural and industrial center, particularly for soybean production and processing.
Click on a letter below to go to the list of cities.
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