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.