Minas

Minas is a term with several meanings in Portuguese and Spanish. It is the plural of mina, meaning mine, and is used in everyday language as well as in place names. The most widely known use in Brazil is Minas Gerais, a large inland state whose name translates to General Mines.

Minas Gerais is located in southeastern Brazil and borders several other states. Its capital is Belo Horizonte. The state features diverse terrain, including mountains and valleys, and has a long history tied to mining, especially gold in the 18th century and later iron ore. This mining heritage helped shape its cities, culture, and economy. Today, Minas Gerais has a diversified economy that includes mining, manufacturing, agriculture, and services, and it is one of Brazil’s more populous and economically significant states. The state is home to UNESCO World Heritage Sites such as Ouro Preto and Diamantina, which preserve well-preserved colonial architecture and mining-era landscapes.

Beyond the state, Minas can appear as a surname and as a toponym in different countries, reflecting the word’s meaning related to mines. In addition, Minas serves as the Portuguese and Spanish plural form of mine, making it a common linguistic element in Lusophone and Ibero-American contexts.