Macaé is a city with great business activity, especially in the oil, gas and energy area, and also with a tourist vocation.

It has the title of capital with the most intense port activity in the country. Holder of large deposits of oil and natural gas, the municipality is also the largest producer of cellulose and ornamental stones (marble and granite). Its infrastructure of hotels and restaurants is considered the second best in Rio de Janeiro.

Its economy is highlighted in agriculture, with emphasis on the expansion of coffee cultivation and significant development of regional tourism. According to IBGE 2019 estimates, it has a population of 362 thousand inhabitants, with a 2010 IDHM of 0,845 and, according to 2017 data, a GDP of R$ 60.427,74. 

The city has the 5th best human development index (HDI) among Brazilian municipalities. The capital, recognized for its natural beauty and growing development, was considered the 2nd best city to live in Brazil by the United Nations (UN) (2015).