Pará

Para is a vast state in northern Brazil, straddling the mouth of the Amazon River and covering enormous tracts of rainforest. Its capital is Belem, a historic port city near the Atlantic. Rich in Amazonian culture and biodiversity, it is a gateway to the eastern Amazon.

Para is dominated by Amazon rainforest and the great river's lower course and delta, including Marajo, one of the largest river islands in the world. The terrain is largely low and forested. The climate is hot, humid and equatorial.

Para has a strong Amazonian culture, famed for the acai fruit, the Cirio de Nazare, one of the largest religious processions in the world, and rhythms such as carimbo and brega. River life and Indigenous heritage shape its identity.

Belem was founded by the Portuguese in 1616 to guard the mouth of the Amazon, and the region prospered during the rubber boom. Para has been central to debates over Amazon development and conservation. Belem hosts major international events.