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Background Although the effects of physical activity (PA) on health and wellness are well-established, incorporating sedentary behaviours in the daily lives of populations from high- and medium- income countries is becoming increasingly common. Regardless of other factors, the area of residence can influence the physical activity level and sedentary behaviours. The aim of this study was to identify and analyse active and sedentary behaviours and factors associated with physical activity in two different geographical areas in south-eastern Brazil. Methods 1.770 schoolchildren aged 7-10 years old were studied. Parents or caregivers completed a validated questionnaire on PA and sedentary behaviours. Screen time (ST) was calculated from the time spent watching television, playing video games and using the computer. The level of active PA (>300 minutes per week) was identified and compared between the areas of study. Parametric and non-parametric tests and Poisson regression model with robust variance were used for statistical analysis. Results Compared to schoolchildren from the urban area, those from the rural area showed a higher percentage of compliance with the PA recommendations (87 vs. 69.7%) and screen time <2 h (34.8 vs. 18.8%) and less participation in supervised PA. Active commuting to school was more common among schoolchildren from urban areas, although using a bicycle was more common in rural areas. The characteristics of children who do not meet the recommended weekly PA are as follows: being female, living in urban areas, being overweight, not using video games or performing supervised PA. Total ST as well as daily use of television and the computer was not associated with physical activity level in the present sample. Participation in supervised physical activities in both areas was found to increase the prevalence of being active in the areas studied. Conclusions The results of the present study suggest that while schoolchildren from rural areas are more active and spend less time on sedentary activities than those from the urban area, the time spent in sedentary behaviors, such as watching television, playing video games and using the computer, is high in both contexts, and it is not associated with physical activity recommendation compliance. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]