Santa Catarina is a state in southern Brazil. Its capital is Florianópolis,
which lies on the island named Santa Catarina. Neighbouring states are Rio
Grande do Sul to the south and Paraná to the north. To the west it also borders
Argentina. Along with Parana and Rio Grande do Sul, Santa Catarina is a
state in temperated climate. Along with Sao Paulo, is a state which was named
after a catholic saint.
The capital Florianópolis was founded in 1675; it is located in an island,
connected to mainland by a bridge.
The Atlantic Ocean coast has many beaches, islands, bays and inlets. The
centre of is covered with groves of Brazilian pines, the southwest has
prairies, and the east and west strips of forests.
The state dates from the Spanish settlement of Santa Catarina island in 1542.
The Portuguese took control in 1675. The captaincy of Santa Catarina was
established in 1738. Large numbers of European immigrants, especially from
Germany, began arriving in the early 19th century. Immigrants from Italy,
Poland, Russia, and other parts of Europe later arrived, with one result being
an abundance of small, family held farms in the state's interior.
Santa Catarina is considered the coldest state in the country of Brazil
because of its highlands.