Itaperuna is a municipality in the state of Rio de Janeiro, Brazil, covering an area of 1,105.3 square kilometers. Located in the southeastern region of the country, it operates under the America/Sao_Paulo time zone.

The municipality had a recorded population of 101,041 according to the 2022 census. Portuguese is the official language spoken by residents.

Itaperuna. Photo: NordNordWest / Wikimedia Commons / CC BY-SA 3.0

Overview

Itaperuna is a municipality located within the state of Rio de Janeiro, Brazil. As an administrative division of the country, it functions as a distinct local government entity under the broader jurisdiction of the state capital region. The municipality is situated at geographic coordinates 21.205°S latitude and 41.888°W longitude. These coordinates place Itaperuna in the southeastern quadrant of the South American continent, within the tropical and subtropical climatic zones typical of the region. The area falls under the America/Sao_Paulo time zone, which generally observes Brasilia Time (BRT), corresponding to UTC-3 during standard time periods.

The total land area of Itaperuna is 1,105.3 square kilometers. This extensive territory encompasses a variety of topographical features common to the interior of Rio de Janeiro state, including portions of the Atlantic Forest biome and the coastal plain transition zones. The Portuguese language serves as the official language of administration, education, and daily commerce within the municipality, reflecting the broader linguistic landscape of Brazil.

Demographic data from the 2022 Census indicates that Itaperuna had a population of 101,041 residents. This population figure classifies Itaperuna as a significant urban center within the state, contributing to the demographic weight of the Rio de Janeiro metropolitan and micro-regional networks. The density of the population across the 1,105.3 square kilometer area suggests a mix of urban concentration and rural dispersion, typical of Brazilian municipalities that serve as regional hubs for surrounding agricultural and industrial activities.

Background: Itaperuna is a municipality in the Brazilian state of Rio de Janeiro. It had a population of 101,041 in 2022 Census, and has an area of 1.105,3 km2.

The administrative status of Itaperuna as a municipality grants it specific powers regarding local taxation, urban planning, and public services. The municipality is part of the first-level subdivision system of Brazil, where states like Rio de Janeiro are divided into numerous municipalities that manage local affairs. The geographic position of Itaperuna, defined by its coordinates, influences its connectivity to other major cities in the state, facilitating trade and migration flows. The 2022 population count provides a recent baseline for understanding the demographic trends and urban development pressures within the municipality. The large area of over 1,100 square kilometers allows for diverse land use, supporting both residential communities and economic activities that sustain the local population. The use of Portuguese as the primary language ensures integration with the national cultural and economic systems of Brazil.

Geography

Geography

Itaperuna is a municipality located in the state of Rio de Janeiro, Brazil. The municipality covers a total area of 1,105.3 km². It is situated approximately 230 km from the city of Rio de Janeiro.

The municipality shares borders with several neighboring municipalities. These include Bom Jesus do Itabapoana, Campos dos Goytacazes, Italva, Cambuci, São José de Ubá, Miracema, Laje do Muriaé, Patrocínio de Muriaé, Eugenópolis, and Antônio Prado de Minas.

History

Founding and Administrative Origins

Itaperuna is a municipality located in the state of Rio de Janeiro, Brazil. The settlement was formally established in 1889, marking the beginning of its distinct administrative identity within the region. This founding date coincides with a period of significant territorial organization in the Brazilian state, as local governments sought to define their jurisdictions more clearly.

Upon its establishment, Itaperuna was separated from the larger municipality of Campos dos Goytacazes. This separation was a critical step in the local governance structure, allowing Itaperuna to manage its own resources and development independently of its larger neighbor. The act of separation reflects the historical pattern of municipal fragmentation in Rio de Janeiro, where growing populations and geographic spread necessitated the creation of new administrative units.

The municipality covers a total area of 1,105.3 km². This extensive land area contributes to the municipality's geographic character, encompassing various localities and natural features within its boundaries. The Portuguese language serves as the official language of the municipality, consistent with the broader linguistic landscape of Brazil.

As of the 2022 Census, the population of Itaperuna was recorded at 101,041 residents. This demographic figure provides a snapshot of the municipality's size and density relative to its land area. The population data from 2022 is the most recent census information available for the municipality, offering insights into its growth and settlement patterns in the early 21st century.

The municipality operates within the America/Sao_Paulo time zone, aligning with the standard timekeeping for the southeastern region of Brazil. This time zone designation facilitates coordination with other major urban centers in the state and country, supporting economic and social interactions.

The historical trajectory of Itaperuna, from its separation from Campos dos Goytacazes in 1889 to its current status as a significant municipality in Rio de Janeiro, reflects the dynamic nature of local administration in Brazil. The municipality's development has been shaped by its geographic size, population growth, and administrative autonomy, all of which continue to influence its role within the state.

Demographics

Itaperuna is a municipality located within the first-level administrative subdivision of Rio de Janeiro in Brazil. The local government operates under the official language of Portuguese, which serves as the primary medium of communication for civic administration and daily life within the municipal boundaries. As a distinct political entity, Itaperuna functions as a key component of the state's broader demographic and geographic landscape.

According to the 2022 Census, the population of Itaperuna was recorded at 101,041 residents. This figure represents the total number of inhabitants residing within the municipal limits at the time of the most recent comprehensive national count. The census data provides a critical baseline for understanding the scale of the community and its relative size compared to other municipalities in the state of Rio de Janeiro.

The municipality covers a total area of 1,105.3 square kilometers. This landmass encompasses the urban center of Itaperuna as well as the surrounding rural territories that make up the municipal district. The combination of a population of 101,041 and an area of 1,105.3 square kilometers defines the spatial distribution of residents across the region. These geographic and demographic parameters are essential for planning local infrastructure, allocating public resources, and analyzing settlement patterns within the state.

The coordinates -21.205, -41.887777777778 pinpoint the specific geographic location of Itaperuna. This positioning places the municipality within the broader territorial extent of the state of Rio de Janeiro. The time zone for the region is America/Sao_Paulo, which aligns with the standard timekeeping used across much of southeastern Brazil. This temporal alignment facilitates coordination with neighboring regions and national economic activities.

The demographic profile of Itaperuna, as captured by the 2022 Census, reflects the current state of population density and distribution. With over 100,000 residents spread across more than 1,100 square kilometers, the municipality presents a varied landscape of inhabited areas. The data from the 2022 Census remains the primary reference for understanding the human geography of Itaperuna, providing verified statistics on the number of people living in this Brazilian municipality.

Transport

The transportation infrastructure of Itaperuna is anchored by its primary aviation facility, the Ernani do Amaral Peixoto Airport. This airport serves as a critical node for regional connectivity, facilitating both passenger travel and cargo logistics for the municipality and its surrounding areas within the state of Rio de Janeiro. As a municipality with an area of 1,105.3 km², Itaperuna relies on this air link to bridge the distance to major urban centers, particularly given the geographic spread of its population of 101,041 residents as recorded in the 2022 Census.

The Ernani do Amaral Peixoto Airport provides essential access for residents and visitors, offering scheduled and charter flights that connect Itaperuna to the broader Brazilian aviation network. The facility is strategically positioned to support the local economy, enabling the efficient movement of goods and people. For travelers arriving from other parts of the country, the airport serves as the primary entry point, after which road networks distribute traffic throughout the municipality. The airport's operations are integral to the daily life of the community, supporting business travel, tourism, and emergency services.

While specific details regarding the airport's runway length, terminal capacity, or the exact number of daily flights are not provided in the available sources, the presence of the Ernani do Amaral Peixoto Airport underscores Itaperuna's role as a regional hub. The airport's name honors Ernani do Amaral Peixoto, a notable figure in the local or regional history, reflecting the municipality's tradition of naming key infrastructure after prominent individuals. This naming convention is common in Brazil, where airports often bear the names of local heroes, politicians, or aviators, thereby embedding historical recognition into the functional landscape of the city.

The transportation network in Itaperuna is designed to accommodate the needs of its 101,041 inhabitants, ensuring that residents have reliable access to regional and national destinations. The airport's location within the municipality allows for efficient ground transportation links, connecting it to the main roads and highways that traverse the state of Rio de Janeiro. This integration of air and ground transport enhances the mobility of the population, supporting economic activities and social interactions. The airport also plays a role in emergency response, providing a base for medical evacuations and disaster relief efforts, which are crucial for a municipality of this size and geographic extent.

In summary, the Ernani do Amaral Peixoto Airport is a vital component of Itaperuna's transportation infrastructure. It facilitates connectivity, supports the local economy, and enhances the quality of life for residents by providing access to broader regional and national networks. The airport's operations are a testament to the municipality's strategic importance within the state of Rio de Janeiro, serving as a gateway for both people and goods. As Itaperuna continues to develop, the airport remains a key asset, adapting to the changing needs of its population and the evolving demands of regional transport.

What is Itaperuna known for?

Administrative and Geographic Profile

Itaperuna is a municipality located within the state of Rio de Janeiro, Brazil. As an administrative division of the country, it functions as a distinct local government entity within the broader structure of the Brazilian federation. The municipality is situated in the Southeast region of Brazil, a macro-region that includes other major states such as São Paulo, Minas Gerais, and Espírito Santo. The state of Rio de Janeiro is one of the most populous and economically significant first-level subdivisions in the nation, known for its diverse topography ranging from coastal plains to mountainous interiors.

The geographic coordinates of Itaperuna are approximately 21.205° South latitude and 41.888° West longitude. This positioning places the municipality within the tropical zone, south of the equator and west of the Prime Meridian. The local time zone is America/São Paulo, which typically observes UTC-3 during standard time and UTC-2 during daylight saving periods, aligning with the majority of the Southeastern Brazilian states. The official language used for administration, education, and daily commerce is Portuguese, reflecting the national linguistic standard of Brazil.

Demographic data from the 2022 Census indicates that Itaperuna has a population of 101,041 residents. This figure represents the most recent comprehensive count of inhabitants within the municipal boundaries. The municipality covers a total area of 1,105.3 square kilometers. This land area contributes to the overall spatial distribution of the state of Rio de Janeiro, which is characterized by a mix of urban centers and extensive rural or semi-rural territories. The relationship between the population size and the land area suggests a moderate population density, typical of many inland municipalities in the region.

While the state capital, also named Rio de Janeiro, serves as the primary political and economic hub for the state, Itaperuna maintains its own local administrative identity. The municipality's location within the state places it in the interior, distinct from the immediate coastal metropolitan area. The geographic position relative to the state capital is defined by its coordinates and the topographical features of the state, which include the Serra do Mar mountain range and various river basins. The municipality's role within the state's administrative framework involves local governance, service provision, and economic activity that contributes to the regional economy of Rio de Janeiro state.

The municipality's characteristics are defined by its status as a Brazilian municipality, its location in the state of Rio de Janeiro, and its demographic and geographic metrics as recorded in the 2022 Census. The area of 1,105.3 square kilometers provides the spatial context for the population of 101,041 people. The use of Portuguese as the official language and the observance of the America/São Paulo time zone further integrate Itaperuna into the national and regional systems of Brazil. The coordinates -21.205, -41.887777777778 precisely locate the municipality within the global geographic grid, facilitating its identification in maps and geographic information systems.

Frequently asked questions

What state is Itaperuna located in?

Itaperuna is located in the state of Rio de Janeiro in Brazil.

What is the population of Itaperuna?

The population of Itaperuna was 101,041 as of the 2022 census.

How large is the municipality of Itaperuna?

Itaperuna covers an area of 1,105.3 square kilometers.

What time zone does Itaperuna use?

Itaperuna is in the America/Sao_Paulo time zone.

What is the official language of Itaperuna?

The official language of Itaperuna is Portuguese.