Why Nova Iguaçu
Nova Iguaçu is a municipality situated northwest of Rio de Janeiro in the central Baixada Fluminense region, forming part of the state capital's broader metropolitan area. Named after the Iguaçu River that runs through the municipality and empties into Guanabara Bay, the city acts as a major suburban center closely connected to Rio de Janeiro, with many residents regularly traveling to the capital for employment, schooling, healthcare, and cultural activities.
Geography and environment play a prominent role in the area's appeal, offering opportunities for ecotourism. Nova Iguaçu contains portions of the Central Rio de Janeiro Atlantic Forest Mosaic of conservation units. Protected green spaces located within the municipality include parts of the Tinguá Biological Reserve—a strictly preserved Atlantic Forest habitat established in 1989—along with the Jaceruba Environmental Protection Area and Mendanha State Park.
The region's history extends to the pre-colonial period when Jacutinga Indigenous people inhabited the western bank of the Iguaçu River. Following the expulsion of French privateers and the War of Cabo Frio in 1575, European settlers populated the area surrounding the local rivers. Early development included a chapel built in honor of St. Anthony in 1575. Over time, traditional Indigenous paths were transformed into major historic transit routes, such as the Estrada Geral and the Estrada Real, which helped bypass wet terrain to transport local goods.
Historically known for citrus farming, Nova Iguaçu functioned primarily as a residential suburb before experiencing industrial expansion near the end of the 20th century. The municipality was significantly larger in the past, but its borders contracted following the administrative emancipation of several districts between the 1940s and 1990s, including Duque de Caxias, Nilópolis, Belford Roxo, Queimados, Japeri, and Mesquita.
Administratively, Nova Iguaçu is structured into five integrated planning sectors, nine regional government units, and sixty-eight neighborhoods. The municipality's sports culture features local athletic organizations including the Nova Iguaçu Futebol Clube, Artsul Futebol Clube, and the Maxambomba Rugby Club, which was the initial rugby team established in the Baixada Fluminense district.
01 Weather
79°
67°
☔ 20%
83°
68°
84°
64°
☔ 55%
94°
70°
☔ 54% 
92°
72°
☔ 100%
72°
71°