this zone is large in size, but not so in population - in fact, the
west zone
is also the least densely populated area of the city, with
extensive areas of untamed nature, and
some of the most appealing and longest beaches in rio.
the area is divided between highly populated neighborhoods,
forests and
parks.
it is made up of 41 official neighborhoods,
which extend across the whole social spectrum of the rio, with
areas of great affluence, yet others with the lowest average
income in the city - included in this vast mix is the upper class
barra da tijuca, the tropical
joá, and the immense
campo grande.