The term 'WHERE IPANEMA IS' can be answered with the three letter word 'RIO'. Rio de Janeiro, commonly referred to as simply Rio, is the capital of the Brazilian state of Rio de Janeiro and is the second largest city in Brazil. It is located in the southeastern region of the country and is known for its natural beauty, Carnival celebrations, samba, Bossa Nova, and balneario beaches such as Copacabana, Ipanema, and Barra da Tijuca.