Macae

Macaé is a city and a municipality located in the Brazilian state of Rio de Janeiro. Its population was 156,410 (2005) and its area is 1,216 km².[1] There is much offshore petroleum drilling in Macaé. The city has grown, and continues to grow, at a fast pace since the 1980s when offshore oil drilling operations started. The population has increased from around 50,000 to over 150,000 inhabitants during this period. Brazil is self-sufficient in oil since 2006 and this city contributes with most of the country's production. The other main economic activities in the city are the tourism and fishing industries. These two sectors accounted for most of the city's revenues before 1980. The tourism industry has gone through a rebirth period since the 1990s due to increased investments and the fact that the city has a beautiful coastline. Its most famous beaches are Cavaleiros and Pecado. It is located just 180 km north of the city of Rio de Janeiro. The city also has a large expatriate community, often associated with petroleum production. In the city of Macae the tourists can also visit some sightseeing like Sao Marcos and Pedrinhas or visit a museum called Solar dos Melo.