Demographics of Rio de Janeiro
Rio de Janeiro City is home to more than 6 million people, accounting for about 35% of the population of Rio de Janeiro State. Portuguese remains the most widely spoken language and Rio de Janeiro is the second city in the Portuguese speaking world.
Viva Rio
Viva Rio was founded in December 1993 as a reaction to the city of Rio de Janeiro’s increase in the number of violent crimes committed. In 1993, according to the US State Department, extrajudicial killings of criminal suspects and minors by vigilante groups were the principle human rights problem in Brazil. The July 23, 1993, Candelaria Massacre, and the August 31, 1993, Vigário Geral massacre were two events that led leaders from different sectors of society, including those of the media, cultural groups, and merchants to gather at general meetings throughout the month of September. From these meetings emerged the idea that an institution needed to be created to promote what the city lacked; a culture of nonviolence and community development. Viva Rio was consequently founded two months later. That year, the organization created a volunteer project designed to provide low-income communities with material necessities.