NILOPOLIS

city and suburb of Rio de Janeiro city, Rio de Janeiro estado (state), southeastern Brazil. It lies in the Guandu-Mirim River valley, at 92 feet (28 m) above sea level. Situated 15 miles (24 km) northwest of Rio de Janeiro, Nilpolis experienced significant growth during the 1960s and '70s, when much of the state's industry became concentrated in the periphery of the Greater Rio de Janeiro metropolitan area. Important industries include metallurgical and meat-packing plants, as well as ones manufacturing pharmaceuticals and chemicals, soaps, perfumes, candles, plastics, and leather products. There are extensive orange groves in the agricultural hinterland. Railroads and highways link Nilpolis to Rio de Janeiro and to communities farther inland, while electric commuter rail service provides residents of Nilpolis with rapid access to downtown Rio de Janeiro. Pop. (1980 prelim.) 103,033.