Rio
Grande Do Norte is a small north-eastern Brazilian State situated
between Ceara to the north and Paraiba to the south, off the North
Atlantic Ocean. The State has a population of about 3 million residents
and enjoys some of the best living standards in the northern parts
of Brazil.
Cities and Towns:
Natal:
The City of Natal is situated in eastern Brazil at the bank
of River Potenji near the country’s coastline off the Atlantic
Ocean. The City has an estimated population of 0.7 million residents
and is considered the safest city in Brazil, with a low crime
and homicide rate. Natal is known as the “sand dune city” for
the sand dune formations found along its beaches.
Natal is the Capital and largest City of Rio Grande Do Norte
State. The City’s origins date back to 1598 when the
Pernambuco Capitancy Governor sent his forces to build a fort
here to protect
the area from anticipated invasion by the French and the Dutch.
Other major cities in Rio Grande Do Norte are; Mossoro, Acu,
Japi, Ceara Mirim and Caico.
Economy:
Agriculture dominates the State’s economy. The state is
a major producer of fruits such as; Water melon and mango.
Sugarcane is also widely grown in plantations and there are also
a number
of livestock rearing farms. Lately tourism especially in Natal
is picking up pace.
Airports:
The Augusto Severo International Airport in Natal is the main
airport in the State providing an air link to other parts of
Brazil.