Discovering South America: Brazil

48

Brazil

tural, mining, and industrial complex. Its chief manufactured items are steel, steel products, automobiles, and textiles. Factories process gold, manganese, and gemstones from the surrounding region. Belo Horizonte is also a leading cultural center, boasting three universities, a historical museum, numerous libraries, and several sports stadiums. The climate is refreshing and cool. Curitiba Curitiba, standing some 3,000 feet (915 meters) above sea level on the plateau of Serra do Mar, is the capital of the state of Paraná. Since the late 1800s, Curitiba’s bracing climate and lovely location have attracted immigrants of Slav, German, and Italian origin. Curitiba grew rapidly after 1950, becoming a major city yet keeping its comfortable lifestyle. The city’s prosperity stems from its role as a commercial and processing center for the surrounding ranches and huge farms. Recife Recife began as a port in 1709. Interestingly, for a time it was under Dutch control and served as a refuge for Jews fleeing the Spanish Inquisition. When the Portuguese conquered the city, its Jewish residents left or practiced in secret. The capital of the northeastern state of Pernambuco, Recife is a fast- growing urban area that has been called the “Venice of Brazil” because it is cut through by numerous waterways and connected by many bridges. Local fishermen go out onto the high seas in jangadas , crude log rafts with beauti- ful sails unique to the area that require expert navigational skills to maneu- ver. Recife exports great quantities sugar, cotton, and coffee.