Praias, or beaches, abound in Rio. EAch is backed by a neighborhood with distinct characteristics.
For instance, Copacabana and Ipanema are known for being wealthy neighborhoods. Flamengo is more middle-class, the site of many embassies and Parque do Flamengo.

Flamengo means Flemish in Portuguese and the area is thought to have been owned by a Dtuchman in colonial times.