Minas Gerais

Official website: http://www.mg.gov.br

Flag	Map of Minas Gerais

Capital: Belo Horizonte
Area: 588,383 km2
Population: 17.891.494 (census 2000)
Important cities: Contagem, Juiz de Fora, Uberlândia, Montes Claros, Governador Valadares, Uberaba
Economy: agriculture, industry, minerals

Climate in Belo Horizonte, Minas Gerais
Important newspapers: O Estado de Minas ; Tribuna de Minas

The name Minas Gerais (literally, "general mines", or "the place with a large variety of mines") makes reference to the gold mines which attract hordes of explorers, during the second half of 16th century and the best part of the 17th century; huge amounts of gold from Minas was sent to Portugal and on to England.
On more recent times, other mineral resources were found on the State, notably iron (the State is one of the largest producers and exporters of iron ore and steel). Minas Gerais and Rio de Janeiro dispute the position of second most industrialized State in Brazil.


Latest News Recent information about Minas Gerais

Physical Geography Several mountain chains make Minas Gerais the State with highest mean altitudes in Brazil

History Gold was not found in Brazil until late in the 16th century

Travel to Minas Gerais Culture and travel information about the State of Minas Gerais

Economy and Infrastructure One of the wealthiest Brazilian States

More info and photos of Minas Gerais Links to other sites about Minas Gerais



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