One of the major economic and cultural hubs of South America, the City of Rio de Janeiro sits at the heart of the Southeastern Region where 60% of the Brazilian GDP is concentrated. A cosmopolitan metropolis, known worldwide for its scenic beauty and its natural resources, the city provides a harmonious and agreeable environment for its inhabitants and visitors, for both leisure and work, which combined with its infrastructure, makes Rio an important center for commerce and services, with the advantage of a modern and diversified industrial sector. The City of Rio de Janeiro, which occupies an area of 1.261 Km2, and has a population of 5.850.544 (according to the IBGE 2000 census), recognizes that one of its main virtues is the kindness and hospitality with which its residents welcome all visitors. The City of Rio de Janeiro receives annually more than 2 million foreign tourists, which according to EMBRATUR makes it the most visited city in the country, with an approximate share of 33% of the total number of foreign tourists. Added to this more than 5 million Brazilian tourists visit the city per year. With its ample infrastructure of tourism services, Rio de Janeiro is ranked among the top destinations in the world in reception for cultural, commercial, technical and scientific events – fairs, symposia, congresses, conventions and exhibitions. Its exuberant natural resources include 90 Km of beaches, the Tijuca National Park, which includes the largest urban forest in the world, with 3,200 hectares of Atlantic Forest, the State Parks of Pedra Branca, Desengano and Chacrinha, covering an area of 48.500 hectares, and the Rodrigo de Freitas, Jacarepaguá, Camorim, Tijuca and Marapendi lakes and lagoons. Area: State: 43.910 Km2 City: 1.261 Km2 Population: State: 14.367.225 City: 5.850.544 National GDP: R$ 864 billion State participation in GDP: R$ 96,9 billion (11,3%) City participation in GDP: R$ 72,5 billion Per capita income in the State: R$ 7.152,97 (US$ 3577) Registered companies: 134. 379 in the State