VOLTA REDONDA

city, western Rio de Janeiro estado (state), Brazil. It lies along the Paraba do Sul River, at 1,500 feet (460 m) above sea level. The city is known for its steel manufacturing. Volta Redonda was founded in 1941 on a site chosen for its access to power, water, and basic raw materials and for its location between Rio de Janeiro city and So Paulo, whose manufacturing industries together use the majority of the iron and steel produced in Brazil. In 194246 the government-controlled National Steel Company constructed the Gilherme Guinle Steel Plant at Volta Redonda; for many years this was the largest steel complex in South America. Volta Redonda is a model city, with varied types of single-family dwellings; an advanced employee-welfare program; and schools, hospitals, and generous recreational facilities. It is served by a highway and two railroads. Pop. (1980) 180,126; (1991 prelim.) 219,988.