Coastal Rio de Janeiro State, has one of the strongest tourism and economic markets in the world - it is also the most popular destination for the majority of the 50 million Brazilian tourists who vacation nationally each year.

Historically, the service industry has been the most important part of Rio de Janeiro's economy, and along with small trade keeps the city thriving all year round. Thousands of large and small enterprises manufacture and trade food, clothing, appliances, furniture, cigarettes, leather goods, jewelry, arts, and crafts. Recently, the manufacturing of electronics and computers has begun to play a stronger role in the economy.

There are over 200,000 registered businesses in Rio, offering a host of different products and services. A vast majority of these companies are micro and small, with less than 100 employees. The service and public administration sectors make up over 70% of total jobs in the city, commerce accounts for around 16%, industry 10% and civil construction 5%.