Pará

Pará is a state in the Northern region of Brazil. Its capital is Belém. Covering about 1,247,000 square kilometers, Pará is the second-largest Brazilian state by area and contains a large portion of the Amazon rainforest. It borders Amazonas to the west, Maranhão and Tocantins to the east, Mato Grosso to the south, and has a long Atlantic coastline to the northeast. The Marajó Archipelago lies at the mouth of the Amazon River.

Geography and environment: Major rivers include the Amazon and Tocantins, and the state hosts a substantial portion of the Amazon basin. Marajó Island is one of the world’s largest river islands. The climate is tropical and humid, with high rainfall and rich biodiversity. The Carajás Mineral Province in the southeast contains one of the world’s largest iron ore deposits.

Economy: Pará’s economy centers on mining, especially iron ore from the Carajás mine, as well as logging, cattle ranching, and agriculture (soy, cassava, açaí). Hydroelectric power is significant, with Belo Monte Dam on the Xingu River contributing substantial capacity. The state relies on river and port transport to connect interior production with Atlantic markets.

Demographics and culture: The population is diverse, including Indigenous communities and descendants of European and African settlers. Portuguese is the predominant language. Regional cuisine features tacacá, pato no tucupi, and maniçoba; music and festivals reflect Amazonian and Northeastern influences. The Amazon estuary and Marajó region are important cultural and ecological areas.

History: European exploration began in the 17th century; Pará became a Brazilian province and later a state within the republic in the 19th century. The state’s development has been shaped by river trade, mining, and, more recently, infrastructure projects and conservation efforts.