Goiás

Goiás is a landlocked state located in the Central-West region of Brazil. It is bordered by Mato Grosso to the north and west, Mato Grosso do Sul to the southwest, Minas Gerais to the south, Tocantins to the north and northeast, and the Federal District to the east. The capital and largest city is Goiânia. The state covers about 340,086 square kilometers and has an estimated population of around seven million people. The terrain is largely part of the Cerrado, featuring plateaus and river basins, with natural areas such as Chapada dos Veadeiros National Park.

History in brief: The region was inhabited by Indigenous peoples before European contact. It gained economic prominence during colonial times through mineral extraction and agricultural development. Goiás was organized as a Brazilian province in the 18th and 19th centuries and later became a state after the proclamation of the Republic.

Economy: Goiás has a diversified economy anchored in agribusiness and cattle ranching. Leading products include soybeans, corn, sugarcane, cotton, and poultry, with substantial activity in mining and industry. The services sector also plays a growing role, concentrated in Goiânia. Tourism is supported by natural attractions such as Chapada dos Veadeiros and historic towns with colonial architecture.

Administration and demographics: Goiás is subdivided into 246 municipalities and is governed by a governor and a state Legislative Assembly. Higher education institutions include the Universidade Federal de Goiás (UFG) in Goiânia and various private universities. The state plays a key role in Brazil’s agricultural supply and regional development.