# Rio das Ostras

Rio das Ostras (Portuguese pronunciation:) is a municipality located in the Brazilian state of Rio de Janeiro. Its population is 156,491 (2022) and its area is 228 km².

## Beaches

Endowed with beautiful beaches, has received large investments in infrastructure applicable from the royalties awarded by Petrobras in the area in question. The most popular beaches are: Praia da Tartaruga, Praia do Centro, Praia do Bosque e Costa Azul. One of the most visited spots in the city is the Praça da Baleia, the end of the beach of Costa Azul. In this square, there is a statue of Humpback whale carved bronze. Its 15 beaches enchant the preservation and infrastructure. The visitor finds calm waters, perfect for swimming. However, those who prefer more extreme ventures can count on beaches perfect for surfing.
Praia do Abricó: First Beach of the Rio das Ostras from the city of Rio de Janeiro. Fascinating landscape and great tranquility.
Praia da Tartaruga: Located in a small cove, located between the beaches Abricó and Bosque, so named by the incidence of turtles on site.
Praia do Bosque: Situated between the beaches Centro and Tartaruga stand out for leafy trees that resemble a forest. Has depth. Ideal for swimming and great stretch of sand that promotes the practice of sports such as beach volleyball.
Praia do Centro: Ideal for those who want to enjoy a quiet beach, but do not give up the infrastructure and the comfort of the bars, restaurants and kiosks.
Praia do Cemitério: Beach cove perfect for swimming, very close to the City Centre. Where the small fishing boats and nets make up the landscape. It's there if you can have the best view of the setting sun from Rio das Ostras.
Praia da Boca da Barra: Beach from the mouth of the river Rio das Ostras, where the waters are in a different show. Own children. Has infrastructure kiosks and restaurants and has undergone a process of revitalization. Praia da Joana: Small beach that makes up the natural monument of rocky headlands, environmentally protected area of rare beauty.
Praia Virgem: A perfect place to enjoy nature in all its fullness, away from the hustle of the city center. Conducive to fishing practice, as fly and diving fishing.
Praia das Areias Negras: Beach horseshoe shaped. The name is due to the darker color of the sand, with large amounts of monazite. Praia do Remanso: Next to the Praça da Baleia is a sandy cove formed by rocks. Has infrastructure and is frequented by families with children.
Praia de Costazul: With 2.3 km, is an ocean beach, point of surfers, bodyboarders and fishing enthusiasts reed. Much of his waterfront was awarded the most modern urban project in the region.
Praia Enseada das Gaivotas: One of the quietest beaches of the Rio das Ostras. His broad expanse of sand is itself the walks at the seaside.
Praia de Itapebussus: A perfect place to enjoy nature, away from the hustle of the city center. Conducive to fishing practice, as fly and diving fishing.
Praia do Mar do Norte: Beach nearest the city of Macaé, known for its cliffs and preserved by salt marsh vegetation. Praia das Pedrinhas: One of the most beautiful beaches of the city, perfect for enjoying a quiet day away from the hustle of downtown.

## Problems

The municipality has been suffering from environmental impacts on account of the pollution of beaches, rivers and lagoons due to a lack of basic sanitation and environmental degradation as a consequence of illegal occupations in areas of environmental protection (APAs) for the protection and conservation of biotic attributes (fauna and flora). The inland discharge of clandestine sewage from homes and businesses has been causing eutrophication in the ecosystem in an aggressive way.
The systemic corruption of the municipality began from its political-administrative emancipation on April 10, 1992, and destroyed much of Rio das Ostras and to date there is no basic sanitation model. The lack of potable water, sewage, public road paving, and public transportation are old and systemic problems for a municipality that received trillions in oil royalties.
Nowadays, much of the coastline of Rio das Ostras suffers from the advance of the sea, erosions, and uneven irregular constructions. In the urban area there is a significant increase in slums, violence, unemployment and social inequality. The lack of basic sanitation affects every municipality.
Even though Rio das Ostras is struggling in different instances, the city holds various public and private schools for primary and secondary education. Also, it is home to different higher education Universities, such as Universidade Federal Fluminense (UFF), Universidade Unigranrio, and Universidade Estácio de Sá.

## Curiosities

It's a mainly touristic city that attracts many people from all over the world to enjoy its numerous beaches.
Every year there are several public festivals, most of which feature Brazilian music of different genres. Some examples are the Covers Festival, SESC Verão, Jazz & Blues and Motorcycle Festival.
Its economy is based mainly on tourism and the exploration and royalties of the oil that its basin offers, many national and international offshore companies are located in the region, generating several jobs.
The city is considered calm and peaceful to live in, compared to other cities in the state of Rio de Janeiro, but with a relatively higher cost of living as well.