Rio 2016 Olympics: Everything you need to know

Brazil is the first South American country to host an Olympic Games

As the 2016 Olympic Games edge closer, BBC Sport takes a look at everything you need to know ahead of the world's biggest sporting event this summer.

When are the 2016 Olympics?

Friday 5 August - Saturday 21 August.

Where are they being held?

Rio de Janeiro, Brazil.

When is the opening ceremony?

Friday 5 August at the Maracana Stadium. Rio is four hours behind the UK, so the ceremony start time for UK viewers will be 00:00 BST (20:00 local time).

Why was Brazil chosen?

Rio won the final round of voting (held in October 2009) by 66 votes against the 32 votes given to Madrid, the other finalist, after Chicago and Tokyo were eliminated in the first two rounds.

The deciding factors included South America never having hosted an Olympics, and the regeneration the Games would bring to Rio, Brazil and South America.

How many countries will compete?

206

Which sports will be in the 2016 Olympics?

42 sports will be contested - swimming, judo, volleyball and modern pentathlon are just some of the sports involved.

Are there any new sports this year?

Two new additions: golf returns after 112 years and rugby after 92 years.

Is Brazil ready to host the Games?

The completion deadline for work to be finished is Friday 1 July.

A major concern has been the metro extension intended to connect the Olympic Park in Barra de Tijuca with the rest of the city, which has not been finished.

Officials claim it will be ready for the beginning of the Games and can transport more than 300,000 people a day to ease the traffic congestion in Rio.

Could Russia be banned from taking part?

Russia's athletics federation was suspended by the IAAF (athletics' world governing body) in November last year after being accused of "state-sponsored" doping.

As a result, all Russian track and field athletes intending to compete in Rio will undergo a minimum of three independent anti-doping controls.

A decision will be made at the IAAF council meeting on 17 June as to whether Russia can send a team to the Olympic Games.

How to watch on the BBC

The BBC will broadcast live coverage every day from Rio across TV, radio, BBC Red Button, connected TV, online and the BBC Sport mobile app.

There will also be live text commentary, features, expert analysis and highlights of all the big moments, so you won't miss any of the action.

For all the latest Rio 2016 news, click here.