Santa Catarina is at the top of the list in Brazilian human and economic development. Located in Southern Brazil, near
Economic Vitality and Diversity
Due mainly to the influence of European immigrants, Catarinenses are firm believers in hard work. This belief is constantly renovated through the effort of Santa Catarina families and the enthusiasm of those who come in search of professional opportunities and better quality of life – 15% of the current population, 900 thousand people, have come from other states and countries. Santa Catarina’s economic model is a proven success. It is characterized by the diversification of activities, strength of small and medium-sized family businesses, vocation for export, agricultural strength, potential for tourism and emphasis on innovation.With 3% of the Brazilian population and occupying 1.1% of the national territory, in 2006, the state generated 4.33% of the country’s GNP and 4.34% of Brazilian exports, placing the State as the sixth largest exporter. In the last three decades, the economy of the state grew more than three-fold, which is larger than the national average. While the Brazilian GNP per capita is R$ 12,777, that of Santa Catarina is R$ 17,172.A comparison with three neighboring Latin American countries shows that Santa Catarina’s GNP of about US$ 45.9 billion is larger than the sum of the GNP’s of Bolivia, Uruguay and Paraguay.
Natural Riches, Luxurious Landscapes And Environment
Santa Catarina is blessed by nature. A large variety of climates and landscapes are concentrated within its territory. This favors a variety of agricultural crops and the exploration of tourist activities.On the coastline cut by bays, with dunes, lakes, small islands are some of the most beautiful beaches in Brazil – in all, there are more than 500 beaches. Within a two-hour car drive lies the mountain region, where it is very cold and snow falls in the winter. Plains dominate the west, forests the north. Canyons with exuberant subtropical vegetation are found in the south. The environment is preserved by Conservation Units and through programs which bring together the Government, international financial institutions and the society in the defense and promotion of bio-diversity. The proportion of Atlantic rainforest still existing in the State in relation to the original area is four times larger than the national average. In more than 80% of the municipalities, waste material is adequately treated and disposed of.
