city and northwestern suburb of Rio de Janeiro city, Rio de Janeiro estado (state), eastern Brazil. São João de Meriti, founded in 1647, was given city status in 1931. It lies near the headwaters of the São João de Meriti River, at 233 feet (71 m) above sea level, 14 miles (23 km) northwest of Rio de Janeiro city, where most of its labour force is employed.

Some sugarcane and livestock are produced in the outlying area, and the city's varied industries include tanneries, dairies, metallurgical plants, and factories manufacturing plastics and rubber. Modern highways link São João de Meriti to Rio de Janeiro and to inland communities; electric commuter rail service provides direct communication with central Rio de Janeiro. Pop. (2005 est.) 464,300.