Rio is also a distribution center for the coastal trade. The city's manufactures include textiles, foodstuffs, household appliances, cigarettes, chemicals, leather goods, metal products, and printed material. There are two major airports. 3 Rio's climate is warm and humid, and although the city remains a major tourist center, its success has been hampered by a serious crime problem. 4 Points of Interest Examples of Rio's famous modern architecture are the ministry of education, the Brazilian press association headquarters, and the museum of modern art.
Older buildings house the national library, the municipal opera house, and several museums.
The Itamarati Palace is also noteworthy. Foremost among educational institutions are the Univ. The sports stadium is one of the world's largest. The settlement was captured and held for ransom by the French in 1711. Rio gained importance in the 18th cent.