Belford Roxo: An Urban Profile
Delving into the heart of Rio de Janeiro's Baixada Fluminense, this guide offers a comprehensive overview of Belford Roxo's unique characteristics.
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Municipal Overview
Official Identity
Belford Roxo is a municipality situated within the state of Rio de Janeiro, Brazil. Officially known as Município do Belford Roxo, it was established on April 3, 1990. The city's motto, Paz e Progresso, translates to "Peace and Progress."
Location and Coordinates
Located in the Southeast Region of Brazil, Belford Roxo is an integral part of the expansive metropolitan region of the city of Rio de Janeiro. Its precise geographic coordinates are 22°45′50″S 43°23′56″W.
Key Statistics
The municipality covers an area of 79.791 km² (30.807 sq mi) with an elevation of 38 meters (125 ft). As of the 2022 census, its population was 483,087, resulting in a density of approximately 6,054.4 inhabitants per square kilometer.
Governance and Time
Belford Roxo operates under a mayor-council system of government, currently led by Mayor Márcio Canella. The municipality observes the time zone UTC−3 (BRT), with daylight saving time shifting to UTC−2 (BRST). The primary area code is +55 21.
Historical Trajectory
Founding and Naming
The origins of Belford Roxo trace back to the establishment of the Santo Antônio mill on land granted to Belchior Azeredo. The municipality is named in honor of Engineer Raimundo Teixeira Belfort Roxo, who, alongside fellow engineer Paulo de Frontin, successfully addressed the region's water scarcity issues in 1889 while serving as General Construction and Building Inspector for Rio de Janeiro.
Land Evolution
Over centuries, the land underwent significant transformations. Initially comprising mills like Santo Antônio Jacutinga, it saw divisions forming new entities such as the Maxambomba mill (Nova Iguaçu) and the Caxoeira mill. These lands remained under hereditary control for extended periods before subsequent sales and divisions.
Infrastructure and Development
The laying of tracks for the Rio d'Ouro railway in 1872 marked a pivotal moment, initiating a movement to establish passenger rail service. This infrastructure development, coupled with earlier port activities for trade, laid the groundwork for the area's eventual growth into a municipality.
Geographical Landscape
Topography and Area
Belford Roxo spans 79.791 square kilometers, characterized by a gently rugged topography featuring numerous hills. The highest points reach approximately 121 meters. A significant portion, about 85.20% of its territory, is designated as urban area.
Environmental Features
The municipality is situated within the Baixada Fluminense region. Its northern areas border protected zones, including the APA Alto Iguaçu (Environmental Protection Area) and the Maringa-Recantus APA, which preserve significant natural vegetation.
Borders and Location
Belford Roxo shares its borders with Nova Iguaçu and Mesquita to the west, São João de Meriti to the south, and Duque de Caxias to the east. It is strategically located within the broader Rio de Janeiro metropolitan area.
Waterways and Challenges
River Systems
The city falls within Hydrographic Region 5 of Rio de Janeiro state, primarily encompassing the Iguaçu River basin. Key tributaries flowing through Belford Roxo include the Rio das Botas and the Rio Sarapuí, originating from the Serra do Mar slopes.
Water Quality Concerns
While the rivers are classified as Class 2 water bodies suitable for various uses with treatment, they suffer from severe pollution. Comparisons to open sewage ditches are common, with significant levels of organic matter, fecal contamination, and heavy metals such as nickel, lead, cadmium, chromium, and iron detected.
Climatic Conditions
Tropical Environment
Belford Roxo experiences a tropical climate, with average monthly temperatures ranging between 21°C and 27°C, and an annual average of 26°C. The lowest recorded temperature was 6°C in July 2000. Annual rainfall averages approximately 1,229 mm, with a distinct rainy season from November to March and a dry period from June to August.
Local Influences
Proximity to the Tropic of Capricorn influences the Baixada Fluminense region. Winds from the Amazon and Atlantic Ocean are moderated by the marshland terrain, often leading to a heightened sensation of heat, with temperatures frequently exceeding 30°C.
Population and Socio-Economic Indicators
Population Dynamics
The municipality's population has shown growth, with figures ranging from 469,261 in 2010 to an estimated 483,087 in 2022. The urban area constitutes the vast majority of the territory, contributing to a high population density.
Human Development Index (HDI)
Belford Roxo's Municipal Human Development Index (HDI) stands at 0.684. While considered average by UN Development Programme standards, this value falls below the state average of Rio de Janeiro (0.768) and the national average (0.744), indicating room for development.
Economic Well-being
The municipality faces socio-economic challenges, reflected in a relatively low per capita income of R$7,140.38. In 2003, poverty incidence was measured at 60%, and the Gini coefficient in 2000 was 0.49, indicating significant income inequality.
Social Metrics
Despite economic challenges, Belford Roxo demonstrates a strong literacy rate of 91.99%. The average life expectancy is 67.64 years, and the gross rate of school attendance is 78.01%, highlighting investments in education and health services.
Notable Figures
Key Individuals
Among the notable individuals associated with Belford Roxo is Dennis Dauttmam, who served as the former mayor of the municipality from 1964 to 2025.
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References
References
- IBGE 2022
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Disclaimer
Important Notice
This page was generated by an Artificial Intelligence and is intended for informational and educational purposes only. The content is derived from publicly available data, primarily Wikipedia, and may not be entirely accurate, complete, or up-to-date. It does not represent official city information or endorsement.
This is not official city information. The data presented here is for general knowledge and educational exploration. For official details, statistics, or current information regarding Belford Roxo, please consult the official municipal government sources and reputable demographic and geographic databases.
The creators of this page are not responsible for any errors or omissions, or for any actions taken based on the information provided herein.