Dramatic Rio de JaneiroRio de Janeiro`s famous Copacabana Beach borders one of the world`s most densely populated residential areas. Rio is ideally situated between the Atlantic Ocean and the mountains that reach down to the city center. The towering granite slab of Pão de Açúcar dominates the entrance to Baía de Guanabara.Will and Deni McIntyre/Photo Researchers, Inc.Microsoft ® Encarta ® 2008. © 1993-2007 Microsoft Corporation. All rights reserved.
Legacy of GoldSo much gold was mined around the town of Ouro Preto in the 1700s that the area was dubbed Minas Gerais ("general mines"), now the name of the Brazilian state in which the town is located. Boomtowns sprinkled the hills, rich merchants built opulent mansions, and artisans created stunning baroque churches. Ouro Preto is now a UNESCO World Heritage Site.Bernard Boutrit/Woodfin Camp and Associates, Inc.Microsoft ® Encarta ® 2008. © 1993-2007 Microsoft Corporation. All rights reserved.
Belo Horizonte, Brazil`s First Planned CityBelo Horizonte, Brazil`s first planned city, was inaugurated as the capital...