Paraíba |
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The whole of the South American region that is today known as Brazil was initially occupied by semi-nomadic tribes that depended on the land and earth for their survival. These were hunter-gatherers and farmers. Then, halfway through the 1500’s, European explorers made their way to this part of the world, which was still a mysterious hideaway at this time. Portuguese settlers founded Filipéia de Nossa Senhora das Neves (which is now known as the capital, João Pessoa). This was situated at the mouth of the Paraíba do Norte River and was conveniently located for transport and access to water. When it was discovered that this region yielded extremely fertile sugar plantations, the different European entities of France, Portugal and Holland (or the Netherlands) began to fight over it. The Dutch powers became a substantial threat to Portugal, who managed to retain supremacy in the country. In addition to the sugarcane that is so amply available in Paraíba, it was discovered as late as in 1989 that the area is also particularly rich in tourmaline crystals, which display a gorgeous neon turquoise hue in this particular area. The service sector remains Paraíba’s most important in terms of its GDP (Gross Domestic Product) contribution. This is followed by industry and agriculture. Its main agricultural products include corn, sugarcane, pineapples, beans and beef. Paraíba exports cotton, footwear, sugar, alcohol, seafood and sisal. Another very important contributor in terms of the economy is tourism. The following tourist attractions are “must-sees” during your time in the beautiful Paraíba: • Casa da Pólvora – a historical museum Here is the Paraíba government web site: http://www.pb.gov.br/ And Here is the Paraíba tourism web site: http://www.pbtur.pb.gov.br/ |