São João de Meriti

São João de Meriti is a municipality in Rio de Janeiro state that forms part of the northwestern suburbs of the state capital. Residential areas with low houses alternate with commercial streets where shops, banks and markets stand close together.

This area evolved from scattered farms and small chapels in the 17th century into a rural parish called Freguesia de Meriti. On August 21, 1947, the territory became an independent municipality within Rio de Janeiro state.

This municipality takes its name from the old chapel of São João Batista that once stood in the area. Today many squares turn into festival sites during June, where residents buy grilled corn and canjica at decorated stalls under colorful flags.

Visitors reach this suburb on commuter trains that run from central Rio de Janeiro and stop at several stations. The main commercial streets lie near these stations, where pedestrians and commuters gather during business hours.

More people live on each square kilometer here than in almost any other South American city, resulting in narrow streets and closely built neighborhoods. Buses and trains run nearly around the clock because many residents work night shifts in Rio de Janeiro.

Location: Rio de Janeiro

Inception: August 21, 1947

Elevation above the sea: 19 m

Shares border with: Rio de Janeiro, Nilópolis, Belford Roxo, Duque de Caxias, Mesquita

Website: http://prefeiturasaojoaodemeriti.rj.gov.br

GPS coordinates: -22.80389,-43.37194

Latest update: December 13, 2025 17:55