Belem is a City in the north Amazonia Regions of Brazil and the Capital of Para State. The City has an estimated 1.4 million residents and is the largest in the State situated off the North Atlantic Ocean in the Guajara Bay, on the equator. The name Belem is a Portuguese word meaning “Bethlehem” after the holy Israeli City. It is here at the city that the Para and Tocantins Rivers empty into the Atlantic.

The City’s humble beginnings date back to 1616 when it was established by the Portuguese as a Port town. The Port of Belem is today one of the busiest on the Brazilian Coastline.

Economy:

The State of Para has rich agricultural lands which produce; rubber, timber and Brazilian Nuts. The Port of Belem is one of the main stations for goods in and out of the country. Fishing is also a part of the city’s economy and a source of income for the local fishermen.

Tourism in Belem:

Belem’s main attractions are its colonial era architecture. Places to visit here are;

The famous Emilio Geoldi Museum: a preservation of the Amazon’s history, culture and ecosystem.
The Museu Nacional dos Coches: This houses a good collection of carriages and coaches from as far back as the 17th century.

The Torre de Belem: one of the city’s landmarks built in the 16th century by the Portuguese and used as a watch tower.
Other notable places are; Jeronimos Monastery and the Museum of ancient art.

Air services:

Belem is served by the Val de Caes International Airport which also provides frequent domestic flights to other cities in the country.