Rio de Janeiro is ENDO 2020´s host city and is located in the heart of the Southeast Region of Brazil which concentrates 60% of the country's GDP. A cosmopolitan metropolis, known worldwide for its beauty and natural resources, the city provides its residents and visitors a smooth and pleasant ambience for leisure and work. Combined with its infrastructure, this makes Rio de Janeiro an important center of commerce and services. In fact, the city concentrates today much of the Brazilian economy, with leading sectors settling after the privatization process, with particular growth in the petrochemical, oil, fixed and mobile telephony, automotive industry and wide range of services.

Occupying an area of 1,261 km2, with a population of 6,320,446 (according to IBGE - Census 2010), the citiy of Rio de Janeiro is recognized as one of Brazil´s most attractive features, offering world famous charm and hospitality. According to the International Congress and Convention Association - ICCA, Rio de Janeiro is in second place in the ranking of the most popular cities for holding international conferences in the Americas. What determines this result? A well integrated transport network connected with a first class international airport is crucial. Rio´s airport is in fact able to receive regular or exclusive flights and charters from around the world with no overhead and is located at a distance of less than 20 minutes from main hotels and convention centers.

The city, with nearly 500 years of history, keeps its cultural treasures as capital of the Portuguese empire and later as the republic capital. Its museums hold an enviable collection which is part of today´s major exhibitions script. Its theaters and concert halls are listed in the agendas of major orchestras and ballet companies.

Rio is a green city that without interrupting progress and growth, has preserved its natural unique characteristics: a coastline of over 90 km of beaches, the biggest urban forest in the world and an unparalleled integration with the city.