Minas Gerais is an eastern Brazilian State, north of Rio de Janeiro State. This is one of the most populous States in the country with an estimated population of 18 million residents. Belo Horizonte is the Capital of Minas Gerais and houses the State’s Government.

Minas Gerais is a very multi-cultural State and is home to people of; Amerindian, African, European and Asian origin.

Economy:

Minas Gerais is a resource rich state which produces; Iron ore, Gemstones, Coffee, Dairy Produce, Corn, Tobacco and Rice. The state also has a prominent manufacturing industry which produces; electronics, textiles, automobiles, steel and refined petroleum products. The State also has a number of hydro-electricity producing stations on the Paranaiba and Sao Francisco rivers. Tourism also plays a major part in Minas Gerais’ economy with visitors attracted to cities within the state which have well preserved colonial era architecture.

Major Cities:

Belo Horizonte: This is the capital and the largest city in the state with a population of approximately 2.3 million residents. Other prominent cities are; Contagem, Uberlandia, Governador Valadares and Uberaba.

Geography:

The state is home to a large proportion of the country’s rivers which include; the Rio Doce, Parana and Sao Francisco.