rio became capital of the brazilian empire in 1822, further expanding trades and commerce with europe and the rest of the world.

during this period, the principal activity in the capital was the production of coffee, leading to the creation of various farms and the building of many mansions still in existence.

due to the excessive coffee farming, however, the city suffered with many issues, including water supply problems, and in 1861 this prompted the reforestation of what is today known as the tijuca florest, one of rio's main assets.  

rio became the capital of the brazilian federal republic from 1889 until 1960, when brasilia became the current capital of brazil.