Southeast Brazil

The Southeast Region of Brazil is composed by the states of Espírito Santo, Minas Gerais, Rio de Janeiro and São Paulo. It is the richest region of the country, responsible for approximately 60% of the Brazilian GDP. Southeast Brazil is the cultural and economic hub of the country. The Southeast consists of the four states of Espírito Santo, Minas Gerais, Rio de Janeiro, and São Paulo. Its total area of 927,286 square kilometers corresponds to 10.9 percent of the national territory. The region has the largest share of the country's population, 63 million in 1991, or 39 percent of the national total, primarily as a result of internal migration since the mid-nineteenth century until the 1980s. In addition to a dense urban network, it contains the megacities of São Paulo and Rio de Janeiro, which in 1991 had 18.7 million and 11.7 million inhabitants in their metropolitan areas, respectively. The region combines the highest living standards in Brazil with pockets of urban poverty. In 1994 São Paulo boasted an average income of US$4,666, while Minas Gerais reported only US$2,833. Originally, the principal biome in the Southeast was the Atlantic Forest, but by 1990 less than 10 percent of the original forest cover remained as a result of clearing for farming, ranching, and charcoal making. Anthropic activity had altered 79.5 percent of the region, ranging from 75 percent in Minas Gerais to 91.1 percent in Espírito Santo. The region has most of Brazil's industrial production. The state of São Paulo alone accounts for half of the country's industries. Agriculture, also very strong, has diversified and now uses modern technology. The highly industrialized areas around the cities of Rio de Janeiro, São Paulo, and Belo Horizonte form the economic hub of Brazil. The majority of the country's population is concentrated in this region. The area is rich in minerals, and its manufacturing, agricultural, and other industries are the most advanced in the country. The cities contain the head offices of many international companies.

The temperatures in this region are tropical. Temperatures range from 27-32°C in January and 16°C in July. Rainfall totals are high (over 1000mm). The wettest seasons is during the summer months - November to April.

The Brazilian Highlands dominate the south eastern part of Brazil. When the Brazilian highlands reach the coast they form an area of steep slopes. However, North of Rio things are very different. The Golden Coast stretches 3,480 kilometers north and contains some of the world's most beautiful beaches. These beaches stretch up into the north-eastern region until they meet the Amazon.