Minas Geraes

Minas Geraes, the most populous state of Brazil, lies inland from Espírito Santo and south of Bahia, and has an area of 222,160 sq. m. Pop. (1888) 3,018,807. Lying wholly in the tableland, its surface is occupied with grass and bush-covered campos, rising, however, in the Serra do Espinhaço to 5900 feet. The principal rivers include the navigable São Francisco and the Rio Grande, which unites with the Paranáhyba to form the Paraná. Agriculture and stock-raising are the chief industries. Some gold is still obtained, and diamonds, iron, and lead are mined. The inhabitants include very few whites; among the Indians the Botocudos (q.v.) are met with.