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Manaus Facts |
Manaus Information |
Manaus Tourist Attraction Manaus Location Map | Manaus City Map |
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History: Manaus entered into the pages of history with the Europeans establishing an Indian village in the year 1669 near the Sao Jose da Barra Fortress which was erected to protect the Portuguese settlement from the Dutch invaders. The village rose to the status of a town in the year 1832, which again got promoted to become a city in the year 1858. The year 1856 is the year when the city got its present name from Cidade da Barra do Rio Negro. The name Manaus has been given in the honor of the mother of the gods, Manao. With the rise of rubber trade and the development of harbor and sea trade in the city, Manaus got the name of ‘Paris of the Tropics’. But the city was deprived of its golden period after the invention of synthetic rubber.
Geography: elevated from the sea level at a height of 92 m, and covering an expanse of 11.401 square km, Manaus, provides home to 1.644.690 people. It is just a few km from the rainforest region of the Amazonas state. The soil and weather is very favorable for the growth of rubber plantations. Manaus experiences warm weather throughout the year. Rainfall occurs only in the summer months when the temperatures rise to 30 degree centigrade to 36 degree centigrade. It can be very humid in the summer season as it is surrounded by rainforests all around.
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Economy: the most important industry in Manaus was the rubber industry. But after the introduction of synthetic rubber the demand for natural rubber diminished to a great extent. Apart from the rubber industry the important industries are that of timber, Brazilian nuts, soap manufacturing and chemical industries, to increase the trade and commerce in the region the Brazilian government has made Manaus a duty – free zone. The other industries are petroleum refinery, brewery and ship building.
Social Conditions: the two most important social issues which are haunting the country, Brazil as well as the state Amazonas, are the political tussles and poverty. However, these problems have been handled well by the government. One very important st4ep towards eradicating poverty is the hunger – eradicating program started by the president Luiz Inaco Lula da Silva. But amongst all this there is the ray of hope in the tourism industry which never declines in effectiveness.
The society of Manaus is a multicultural one with Indians dominating the inhabitance. Being the first settlers of the city the Indians of Manaus have carved a new society for themselves.
Transport System:
- The intra – city transport system is very well developed with taxi and public transport system like the buses. Apart from that the ferry and river boat system can also be availed of to travel along the Amazons. Boat and taxi transport are the best possible ways to get around the city.
- The Eqduardo Gomes International airport welcomes flights from major cities of the world and also some important cities of Brazil and the rest of South American continent. A staggering 1.4 million passengers travel to and fro this airport every year.
Administration and Government: Manaus is the capital city of the Amazonas state in the north of Brazil. The city was founded in the year 1669 as an Indian settlement village. The mayor of the city at present is Serafim Correa who governs the city of 1.644.690 population.
Educational Institution: apart from secondary and higher secondary education, there are special educational programs which take the students to excursions as a part of their curriculum to study Amazon Resource Management and Human Ecology. Manaus being at the centre of the Amazon rainforests plays a host to many of the excursions. The “meeting of the waters” of the rivers Rio Solimoes and the Rio Negro, which occurs in the city of Manaus provides an interesting avenue for study and research. The National Institute for Amazon Research which forms the home ground for the research of the LBA or the Large Biosphere Atmosphere experiments. The excursions also include a trip to the Balbina Hydro – electric Dam and the Presidente Figuereido region which displays a number of caves and waterfalls.
Cultural Life: the cultural life of Manaus is very colorful with loads of merrymaking. The month of June is a very appropriate time for visiting the city because of the Processão de São Pedro when you can get to see numerous boats and steamers on the Amazon waters. The presence of culture can be deeply felt in the museums and the art galleries of the cities.
Accommodation Options: Manaus offers a range of accommodation options to choose from. You can go for the luxury hotels like the Tropical Manaus, Tropical Manaus Business, Manaus Century Hotel, Parthenom the Future. Other that that there is the Ibis Hotel Manaus and the Novotel which has a very strategic location in the business centre of the city. If you are looking to stay in the heart of the city and yet suit the needs of your wallet then there are lots of budget accommodations in the city also. Some of the budget hotels in the city are Hotel Brazil, Hotel Rio Branco and Hotel Alvarado.
Food and Wine: looking for a treat in Brazilian food, then Manaus is the place for you! The city has a variety of regional flavors to offer on its palette. You can also choose from Japanese food. Wine is also available according to choice. Some of the popular eateries in Manaus are the Acai e Companhia, Casa da Sopa and the Canto da Peixada. There is a wide variety of food to titillate your senses, provided you are ready to give into the soul of Manaus!
Shopping: The city is fast becoming a very important center for the manufacture and trade of electrical appliances. The Amazonas Shopping Center is the biggest shopping center in the northern Brazil. Another favorite haunt for the shoppers is the Millennium Center which is also a home to the best restaurant, a nightclub and also the Manaus Century Hotel nearby if you need to stay overnight.
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