Angra dos Reis
Angra dos Reis is a coastal municipality in the southern region of Rio de Janeiro state, Brazil, renowned for its picturesque Ilha Grande Bay, which encompasses approximately 365 islands and over 2,000 beaches, making it a premier destination for ecotourism and marine activities.[1][2]Established as one of Brazil's oldest settlements, the city was discovered by Portuguese explorers on January 6, 1502—Epiphany, or Dia dos Reis (Kings' Day)—leading to its name, meaning "Cove of the Kings," and it officially marks its founding in 1502, celebrating its 522nd anniversary in 2024.[3][1]
Geographically, Angra dos Reis spans an area of 813.42 km² with a population estimated at 179,142 inhabitants as of 2025, featuring a demographic density of 220.2 people per km² and a humid subtropical climate conducive to its lush Atlantic Forest ecosystems and biodiversity hotspots like Ilha Grande, a protected UNESCO Biosphere Reserve.[2][1]
The municipality's economy is diverse, driven by tourism, maritime trade through its historic port—which arose from coffee export needs starting in 1923 and commenced operations in 1932, now handling steel, granite, and wheat—and the adjacent Almirante Álvaro Alberto Nuclear Power Plant complex, comprising operational units Angra 1 (657 MWe, since 1982) and Angra 2 (1,350 MWe, since 2000), with Angra 3 under construction targeting 2031 completion.[4][5][2]