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Acre (state)

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Acre is a state located in the westernmost part of Brazil. It sits within the North Region and the Amazonia Legal. The state shares borders with the Brazilian states of Amazonas and Rondônia. It also shares international borders with Bolivia to the southeast. To the south and west, Acre meets the country of Peru.

Brazil map 1892
Brazil map 1892

The capital and largest city is Rio Branco. Other significant cities include Cruzeiro do Sul, Sena Madureira, Tarauacá, and Feijó. Acre represents a small portion of the national population. It accounts for 0.42% of Brazil's people and 0.2% of its GDP.

The geography of Acre is defined by the Amazon rainforest. This massive forest covers the entire territory of the state. Much of the land consists of a low sandstone plateau called terra firme. This morphological unit is common across the Brazilian Amazon. The terrain generally rises from the southeast toward the northeast. Most of the state has a very flat or tabular topography. However, the Serra do Divisor in the extreme west contains the highest altitudes.

Acre Köppen
Acre Köppen

About 63% of the surface sits at low elevations. Another 16% lies between 300 and 609 meters. The remaining 21% is between 200 and 350 meters.

The climate in Acre is hot and very humid. It follows the Am type in the Köppen climate classification system. This means it stays warm with significant rainfall throughout the year. The annual rainfall is quite high. There is a distinct dry season during June, July, and August. These weather patterns heavily influence how people move around the state. Heavy seasonal rains often make the BR-364 highway impassable. Because of this, fluvial transport is the primary method of travel.

Nova Rodoviária de Rio Branco, no Acre
Nova Rodoviária de Rio Branco, no Acre

Rivers like the Juruá, Tarauacá, and Envira are vital for transport. These waterways are most navigable between November and June.

Acre has a deep history involving ancient civilizations. Researchers have discovered large geometric earthworks called geoglyphs. These structures date from between 1 AD and 1250 AD. They suggest that Pre-Columbian societies had advanced technological knowledge. These people may have practiced forest gardening to shape the land.

Fazenda Colorada
Fazenda Colorada

In the mid-18th century, the region was part of the Spanish Viceroyalty of Peru. After the wars of independence, the territory was disputed by Peru and Bolivia. During the mid-19th century, the discovery of rubber trees changed everything. This discovery brought many immigrants from Brazil and Europe to the region.

The struggle for control over Acre led to significant political shifts. In 1899, settlers declared an independent Republic of Acre. This sparked the Acre War between Brazilian settlers and Bolivian forces. The conflict ended with the Treaty of Petrópolis on November 17, 1903. Brazil purchased the territory from Bolivia for two million pounds sterling. Acre was first managed as a Brazilian territory. It was later united in 1920 and became a state in 1962.

The state has also seen strong female leadership. Iolanda Fleming was the first woman to govern the state.

The rubber industry has shaped the culture and economy of Acre. The state is known as the "Rubber Tree State" or the "Latex State." It is the leading national producer of rubber and Brazil nuts. The industry reached its peak in the early 20th century. This era brought a mix of traditions from southern, southeastern, and northeastern Brazil. This mixture also created a diverse local cuisine.

No coração da floresta, Festival Yawa reúne espiritualidade, tradição e cultura (22398391410)
No coração da floresta, Festival Yawa reúne espiritualidade, tradição e cultura (22398391410)

During the Second World War, Acre played a critical role. When Japanese forces took over rubber groves in British Malaya, Acre became essential. Native people known as "Rubber Soldiers" increased production for the Allies. This contribution helped attract North American investment to Brazil after the war.

Today, Acre remains a vital part of the global ecosystem. The Amazon rainforest provides unparalleled biodiversity. More than one-third of all species on Earth live in the Amazon. Acre is home to valuable species like the Hevea brasiliensis rubber tree. It also hosts the Bertholletia excelsa, or Brazil nut tree. The state's rivers, such as the Purús and the Acre, flow through this rich landscape.

Global Forest Change tree-cover loss year in Acre, 2001-2024
Global Forest Change tree-cover loss year in Acre, 2001-2024

Protecting these forests is important for the entire planet. The state continues to balance its natural resources with its growing communities.

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🖼️ Images & Media (19)
Hino_Acreno_oficial.ogg
File:Acre Köppen.svg
Acre Köppen.svg
File:Global Forest Change tree-cover loss year in Acre, 2001-2024.png
Global Forest Change tree-cover loss year...
File:Lista de mesorregiões do Acre.png
Lista de mesorregiões do Acre.png
Edifício_da_Prefeitura_-_Departamento_do_A...
File:Acre rio Branco (543).jpg
Acre rio Branco (543).jpg
File:Acre rio Branco (487).JPG
Acre rio Branco (487).JPG
File:Acre rio Branco (146).jpg
Acre rio Branco (146).jpg
File:Brazil map 1892.gif
Brazil map 1892.gif
File:Fazenda Colorada.jpg
Fazenda Colorada.jpg
File:Acre rio Branco (558).jpg
Acre rio Branco (558).jpg
File:Acre_rio_Branco_(386).jpg
Acre_rio_Branco_(386).jpg

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