|
Description
|
| |
-
With
an area the size of Portugal and a population similar to that
of Norway, the state of Santa Catarina is a land of contrasts:
in terms of landscape, the mountain ranges are in contrast with
the coastline, punctuated with beaches, bays and inlets and dozens
of islands; in terms of architecture, cities such as Blumenau
and Joinville have retained the same typical building style from
the time the first immigrants, mainly Germans, colonized the state,
contrasting with the capital, Florianσpolis,
which is a young, modern city with water sports championships
running all year round.
|
|
|
|
-
The
colonization process began on the coast with the arrival of Portuguese
from the Azores in the middle of the eighteenth century, sent
by the Portuguese king to complete the take-over. After them came
the Italians, who settled mainly in the south and west of the
state, and last of all the Germans, who chose to go north and
north-east and founded the cities of Blumenau in the Itajaν Valley,
and Joinville.
|
-
Santa
Catarina is made up of a mixture of nationalities that are reflected
in the culture and historical heritage of the state. Tourists
can enjoy the state's attractions all year round. In the summer,
when temperatures reach 35Ί C, they can visit the state's beautiful
beaches, whereas in winter, when temperatures go down and snow
occasionally falls, tourists can enjoy the highlands country.
|
 |
|
|
-
Known
as a piece of Europe set in the southern hemisphere, Santa Catarina
has one of the highest economic development indices in Brazil,
based on diverse industries including cattle-rearing and mineral
extraction. The most important industries are in the agroindustrial
sector covering metals, textile, ceramics and electrical and electronic
machinery and equipment.
|
-
The
main industrial activity takes place in the Joinville area with
the textiles industry being centred on Blumenau in the Itajaν
Valley. The ceramic and porcelain industries are mainly in the
south of the state and export to more than sixty countries. The
cities of Tubarγo, Criciϊma and neighbouring administrative districts
have economies that are based on mineral extraction, particularly
coal.
|
 |
 |
-
Twenty
five per cent of the state is involved in agriculture with plantations
growing rice, garlic, onions and apples which when harvested in
Fraiburgo and Sγo Joaquim, represent more than half Brazil's total
production which amounts to 480 tons. To the west, Santa Catarina
has some of the country's largest abattoirs such as Sadia in Concσrdia,
Perdigγo in Vidreira and Chapecσ in the town of the same name.
|
-
Exports
leave via three ports: Sγo Francisco do Sul on the northern coast,
Itajaν near Camboriϊ, and Imbituba, Brazil's first privately owned
port in the south of the state.
|
 |
