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Mato Grosso

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Mato Grosso is a massive state located in the Central-West region of Brazil.

It ranks as the third largest state in the country by land area. The state covers a total of 903,357 square kilometers. This makes its size roughly 82.2% of the neighboring nation of Bolivia. Mato Grosso shares borders with several other Brazilian states. These neighbors include Rondônia, Amazonas, Pará, Tocantins, Goiás, and Mato Grosso do Sul.

Mato Grosso - BR-174 (sinalização) (8102611909)
Mato Grosso - BR-174 (sinalização) (8102611909)

The landscape of Mato Grosso is quite varied. It features a flat terrain that alternates between vast plains and large plateaus called chapadas. There are three primary ecosystems within the state. The first is the Amazon rainforest, located in the extreme northwest.

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

The second is the Cerrado. The third is the Pantanal, which is the world's largest wetland. This ecosystem includes the Paraguay River basin. The river flows from north to south through the region. Many other rivers, such as the Miranda and the Cuiabá, flow into it. From October to April, high waters create large lakes and bays.

The Pantanal is a biologically rich area. It serves as a habitat for nearly one thousand animal species. The region is also home to many aquatic birds. The Paraguay basin contains about 230 species of fish. Some of these are considered "noble" species for sport fishing. Others are studied by researchers or kept by aquarists. The fishing industry is vital to the local economy. For many people living there, fish is a staple food. This wetland is much larger than the Everglades in Florida.

Mato Grosso has a long and complex history. The Bororo Indians have lived in this area for a long time. In 1880, soldiers patrolled near Cuiabá to protect settlers from Bororo raids. By the end of the 19th century, the Bororo population was reduced by disease and warfare. However, between five and ten thousand Bororo still lived in the region. In 1903, the Treaty of Petrópolis changed the state's borders. Brazil ceded the southwestern part of the state to Bolivia in exchange for Acre.

Bandeira de Mato Grosso
Bandeira de Mato Grosso

In 1977, the state was split into two. This division created the state of Mato Grosso do Sul.

Explorers were often drawn to this remote region. In the early 20th century, expeditions searched for lost civilizations. A famous example is British Captain Percy Fawcett. He led an expedition to find the "Lost City of Z" in the Brazilian jungles. Some people even believed in the Hollow Earth hypothesis. They speculated that this region had access points to the interior of the earth. Today, the state is much more connected. It has many roads, such as the BR-163 highway.

BR 163 Cuiabá-Rondonópolis duplicada
BR 163 Cuiabá-Rondonópolis duplicada

The Marechal Rondon International Airport also serves many passengers.

Cuiaba airport 3
Cuiaba airport 3

The economy of Mato Grosso is driven largely by the land. Agriculture is the largest component of the GDP at 40.8%. The service sector follows closely at 40.2%. In 2020, the state led Brazil in grain production with a 28.0% share. It is the largest producer of soybeans, maize, and cotton in the country.

SojaBrasnorte
SojaBrasnorte

Specifically, it produces about 65% of Brazil's cotton. Cattle ranching is also huge. In 2009, the cattle herd reached 30 million animals.

Tocando a Boiada
Tocando a Boiada

The state also produces gold, tin, and diamonds. The city of Juína is a main center for diamond extraction.

Many people live and work in the state's urban centers. As of 2018, the population was 3,441,998 people. The population density is quite low at 3.8 inhabitants per square kilometer. Cuiabá is the capital and the largest city.

The state has a high number of universities, with more than 58 located there. Students can attend the Federal University of Mato Grosso.

UFMT - panoramio (3)
UFMT - panoramio (3)

For tourism, the Chapada dos Guimarães National Park is very popular.

CHAPADA DOS GUIMARÃES - MIRANTE
CHAPADA DOS GUIMARÃES - MIRANTE

This park features sandstone mountains, caves, and waterfalls. The state remains a vital part of Brazil's economy and natural heritage.

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🖼️ Images & Media (12)
File:CHAPADA DOS GUIMARÃES - MIRANTE.JPG
CHAPADA DOS GUIMARÃES - MIRANTE.JPG
File:Global Forest Change tree-cover loss year in Mato Grosso, 2001-2024.png
Global Forest Change tree-cover loss year...
File:Cuiabá center.jpg
Cuiabá center.jpg
File:UFMT - panoramio (3).jpg
UFMT - panoramio (3).jpg
File:SojaBrasnorte.jpg
SojaBrasnorte.jpg
File:Tocando a Boiada.jpg
Tocando a Boiada.jpg
File:Amaggi_sede.jpg
Amaggi_sede.jpg
File:BR 163 Cuiabá-Rondonópolis duplicada.jpg
BR 163 Cuiabá-Rondonópolis duplicada.jpg
File:Mato Grosso - BR-174 (sinalização) (8102611909).jpg
Mato Grosso - BR-174 (sinalização)...
File:Cuiaba airport 3.jpg
Cuiaba airport 3.jpg
File:Bandeira de Mato Grosso.svg
Bandeira de Mato Grosso.svg
File:Cidade Alta, Cuiabá - MT, Brazil - panoramio (3).jpg
Cidade Alta, Cuiabá - MT, Brazil -...
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