Maracanã, Rio de Janeiro

Maracanã
Neighborhood
Maracanã Show map of Rio de Janeiro Maracanã Show map of Brazil Location in Rio de Janeiro
Coordinates: 22°54′50″S 43°13′38″W / 22.91389°S 43.22722°W / -22.91389; -43.22722Coordinates: 22°54′50″S 43°13′38″W / 22.91389°S 43.22722°W / -22.91389; -43.22722
Country	Brazil
State	Rio de Janeiro (RJ)
Municipality/City	Rio de Janeiro
Zone	North Zone
Area
• Total	166.73 ha (412.00 acres)
Population (2010)
• Total	25,256
• Density	15,000/km2 (39,000/sq mi)

Maracanã (Brazilian Portuguese: [maɾakɐˈnɐ̃], which in Tupi–Guarani means green bird) is a middle-class neighborhood in the Northern Zone of Rio de Janeiro city. The Maracanã Stadium is located in this neighborhood, as well as the Ginásio do Maracanãzinho. Maracanã is bordered by these neighborhoods: Praça da Bandeira, Tijuca and Vila Isabel.

The population of the neighborhood is estimated at 25,256 according to the 2010 census.^[1]

The neighborhood has a long sporting tradition. Besides Maracanã stadium, also there is a derby club, built in 1885, by André Gustavo Paulo de Frontin. Also, there is a bike way, named Espaço Mané Garrincha, named after the footballer Garrincha. It has 1,700 meters, and surrounds the Maracanã stadium.

The UERJ, which is one of the main universities in Rio de Janeiro, is also located in Maracanã. Other education institutions are the CEFET and the Escola Politécnica, both technical colleges which prepare high school students for the labour market. Two schools, Pedro II and Colégio Militar, are located at São Francisco Xavier street.

The neighborhood is crossed by its main avenue, called Maracanã Avenue, which connects Maracanã to Tijuca. Another important avenue is Presidente Castelo Branco Avenue. São Francisco Xavier street is the main street and crosses Maracanã Avenue.

The neighborhood will be one of the four "Olympic Zones" during the 2016 Summer Olympics with it's village's stadium being a host.

References