Country Brazil University Federal University of Roraima Area 224,298.98 km2 | Capital Boa Vista Governor Paulo Quartiero Population 488,072 (2013) | |
Destinations Boa Vista, Rorainopolis, Pacaraima, Mucajai, Amajari | ||
Roraima (Pemon: roro ima, "Parrot + Mount(s)" i.e. "Green Peak", ) is the northernmost and least populated state of Brazil, located in the Amazon region. It borders the states of Amazonas and Para, as well as the nations of Venezuela and Guyana. The population is approximately 450,000 (2010) and the capital is Boa Vista. Roraima is the Brazilian state with the fewest municipalities, 15 in total.
Contents
Map of Roraima
The lost world mount roraima
Geography
The climate of Roraima is tropical with an annual mean temperature of 26°C (78.8°F). The states southern part is located in the Amazon rainforest, while the north has open grassland fields, and there is a small strip of savanna to the east. The state is rich in mineral deposits - especially gold, diamonds, cassiterite, bauxite, marble and copper. Many of these deposits are located in indigenous reserves, and illegal mining has resulted in frequent conflicts with the native population, especially the Yanomami and the Macuxi and allied groups.
The Monte Roraima National Park is located around one of the highest mountains of both Venezuela (outside of the Andes) and Brazil, and the highest in Guyana, a 2,875 m (9,432 ft) high tepui known as Monte Roraima. Only a small fraction of the mountain is in Brazilian territory, however, and the highest point of the Brazilian part is at 2,734 metres (8,970 ft).
History
Since the beginnings of the 16th century, the region now considered the state of Roraima was disputed territory, because of its rich mineral reserves. It was sought by the Spanish, Portuguese, Dutch and English until the beginning of the last century. But in 1943, together with a section from the state of Amazonas, the Federal Government created the territory of Rio Branco, which became Roraima in 1962. In 1988, Roraima became a state by decision of the National Congress. The name of the state was taken from Mount Roraima, whose name comes from the Pemon words “roroi” (“cyan”) and “ma” (“large”). One of the main archaeological site is the Pedra Pintada, Roraima, with ancient rock art and engravings.
Economy
The service sector is the largest component of GDP at 87.5%, followed by the industrial sector at 8.7%. Agriculture represents 3.8%, of GDP (2004). Roraima exports: wood 74%, leather 22.6% (2002).