Paraná
Located in the South of the country, Paraná was created when the state separated from São Paulo in 1853. Its name refers to the big river bordering its western side.
Paraná was sparsely populated for a long time, with the Spanish occupying the territory at the beginning of the 16th century. Due to the low rural population, an official European integration programme was introduced at the beginning of the 1800s – Poles, Germans, Italians, Ukrainians and Japanese all helped build the state.
At the end of the 19th century, Paraná’s economic prosperity was spurred on by the implantation of the railways, which helped the wood industry to grow. The soil, considered the most fertile in Brazil, covers 40% of the state and was responsible for the rapid expansion of the coffee industry in the 20s. The port of Paranaguá is one of Brazil’s oldest and most important.
Paraná is one of the highest states in Brazil: over half of its territory is above 600 metres. Floresta de Araucárias —common in regions of high altitude—is typical vegetation, and the Paraná Pine is the state’s symbol.
For tourists, the main feature is the famous Iguaçu Falls, on the border with Paraguay and Argentina. According to the Swiss foundation New7wonders, they are one of the Seven New Wonders of Nature, are in the Iguaçu National Park, and are a UNESCO Heritage Site.
Curitiba, with its European influences, is the highest and coldest capital in Brazil and is an example to the world in urban solutions and the use of natural resources. The city has approximately 51m2 of green space per inhabitant, a characteristic that can be seen in the dozens of urban parks, such as the Tanguá and the Barigui, in places like the Botanical Gardens and the Arame Opera, a tubular structure that is the city’s symbol.
The Ilha do Mel, one of the most beautiful strips of the Paraná coast offers beaches, ecotourism, and adventure. Cars are not permitted on the island, and anyone walking around at night must use a hand torch. In spite of its rustic nature, the island has a good tourist infrastructure, especially charming Bed and breakfasts.
With different customs and traditions from most other Brazilian states, the people of Paraná are known for being slightly more reserved, but that doesn’t impede their hospitality in a state that offers beautiful natural and cultural attractions.
