city, western Rio de Janeiro estado (state), eastern Brazil. It lies along the Paraíba do Sul River, at an elevation of 1,234 feet (376 metres) above sea level, immediately southwest of Volta Redonda. The largest of the city's varied industries is the Nestlé (Nestlé SA) food and chocolate complex. Situated on the Rio de Janeiro–São Paulo axis, about 65 miles (105 km) from the former and 190 miles (305 km) from the latter, Barra Mansa is easily accessible by railroad and highway. Pop. (2005 est.) 169,600.