Baixada Fluminense
The Baixada Fluminense (standard ; local pronounce: ) (literally "Fluminense Lowland") is a region in the state of Rio de Janeiro, in southeastern Brazil. It is located on Guanabara Bay, between Rio de Janeiro to the south and the Serra dos Órgãos range of hills to the north. Its municipalities are part of the Rio de Janeiro Metropolitan Region. The Baixada Fluminense region's population is about three million, making it the second most populous region in the state, following only the city of Rio de Janeiro. This region should not be confused with the Baixadas Litorâneas, located farther to the east in the same state. Geography The Baixada Fluminense includes the municipalities of Duque de Caxias, Nova Iguaçu, São João de Meriti, Nilópolis, Belford Roxo, Queimados and Mesquita, all north of the city of Rio de Janeiro. The municipalities of Magé and Guapimirim (to the east), Japeri, Paracambi and Seropédica. History 18th century Until the 19th century, the region was known as the Baixada da Guanabara. It experienced some development during the 18th century, when it was an important corridor for transporting gold mined in the neighboring state of Minas Gerais. 19th century In the 19th century was one of