Minas Gerais

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Inland federal unit (state) of southeast Brazil; area 586,624 sq km/226,,495 sq mi; population (1991) 16,956,900; capital Belo Horizonte. The region is rich in mineral deposits (iron ore, manganese, bauxite, nickel) and is the centre of the country's iron ore, coal, diamond, and gold mining industries. Cattle are raised in the northwest of the region, and coffee, maize, dairy products, fruit, and sugar are produced. The ports of Rio de Janeiro, Vitoria, and Santos are used for its external trade. The Rio São Francisco flows through the northern part of the region. Other towns include Juiz de Fora, Governador Valadares, Uberaban, and Uberlândia. Gold was discovered at the end of the 17th century.

The blue band is lighter than that of the Dutch tricolour. Effective date: 16 August 1972. >>