Geographic Area

Western Rio de Janeiro covers 46,996 hectares and, according to the 2000 national census, has a population of 2,896,856. It is the largest and most populous of the 12 regions that make up the Municipality of Rio de Janeiro.

The West Zone of Rio de Janeiro, the focal region for Instituto Rio, has the highest rates of adverse social indicators in the Metropolitan Region, with standards of quality of life below socially acceptable levels. It is the most underprivileged region of the municipality in critical areas such as health, education, basic sanitation and housing, and still features typically rural localities. Due to the attraction of industrial and commercial activities that have set up there, it is also the region with the highest growth rates. In addition, it is striking for the large numbers of children, youth and elderly with no access to opportunities for health care, education and leisure.

In view of the indicators mentioned and the fact that targeted, systematic support for a specific region can foster significant change, Instituto Rio has opted for this geographical region in introducing the first community foundation in Brazil, and for a priority public comprising children, adolescents, young adults, women and the elderly.