Santa Catarina (state)

Santa Catarina (state)

Santa Catarina ( "Saint Catherine") is a state in southern Brazil with one of the highest standards of living in Latin America and in the Southern Hemisphere. Its capital is Florianópolis, which mostly lies on the Santa Catarina Island. Neighbouring states are Rio Grande do Sul to the south and Paraná to the north. It is bounded on the east by the Atlantic Ocean, and to the west it borders the province of Misiones, Argentina. Most of its inhabitants are descendants of Portuguese, German, and Italian immigrants.

The beaches along the coast of 561 kilometres (349 mi) are a great attraction for tourists visiting the smallest state of the South Region. Florianópolis, the capital, is one of the Brazilian cities that receives the most foreign tourists. To the south, Garopaba is popular with surfers. In the mountain region, São Joaquim is an attraction during winter because of its low temperatures and the snow. Blumenau, in the interior of Santa Catarina, is the stage for one of the biggest events of the country: the Oktoberfest of Blumenau, a traditional beer party originated from Germany, is held in October. The heritage of the German, Swedish, Finnish, Dutch and Danish immigrants can be seen in the architecture and the customs of the state. Joinville is Santa Catarina's largest city.

Quality of life is very high by Brazilian and Latin American standards. It is the Brazilian state with the highest levels of income, education and public health, and one of the lowest rates of illiteracy. Santa Catarina boasts Brazil's highest average life expectancy and lowest homicide rate in addition to lower levels of corruption.