SAO JOAO DE MERITI

formerly Meriti, city and northwestern suburb of Rio de Janeiro city, Rio de Janeiro estado (state), eastern Brazil. So Joo de Meriti, founded in 1647, was given city status in 1931. It lies near the headwaters of the So Joo de Meriti River, at 233 feet (71 m) above sea level, 14 miles (23 km) northwest of Rio de Janeiro city, where most of its labour force is employed. Sugarcane and livestock are produced in the surrounding area, and the city's industries include tanneries, dairies, metallurgical plants, and factories manufacturing plastics and rubber. Modern highways link So Joo de Meriti to Rio de Janeiro and to inland communities; electric commuter rail service provides direct communication with central Rio de Janeiro. Pop. (1991 prelim.) 220,742.