The name literally means "general mines," referring to the historic gold and diamond rush of the 18th century.
Capital: Belo Horizonte (approximately 2.5–3 million inhabitants, with a metropolitan area of approximately 6 million).
Population: Brazil's second most populous state (approximately 21 million inhabitants).
Area: Fourth largest state (approximately 588,000 km², larger than France).
Economy: Still heavily focused on mining (iron ore, gold, lithium, gemstones), but also a major producer of coffee (more than half of Brazil), beef, dairy, steel, and industry.
History & Culture: Famous for its colonial Baroque cities (UNESCO World Heritage sites) such as Ouro Preto, Diamantina, Tiradentes, São João del Rei, and Congonhas (with sculptures by Aleijadinho).
Tourism: Colonial architecture, mountains, waterfalls, caves, ecotourism, and typical miner's cuisine (pão de queijo, tutu de feijão, queijo minas, cachaça).
Special: Landlocked (no coastline), hilly/plateau landscape, and numerous municipalities (853 – a record number in Brazil).
In short: a state steeped in history, Baroque gems, mining, coffee, and delicious food – often called the cultural "heart" of Brazil.
No comments:
Post a Comment