Itwas inhabited in the past by countless indigenous people, noteworthy, due to their languages, customs, and different ethnicities. The most important were: the Manaós (Manaus), Barés, and Tamurãs. The Manáos were the most prominent group of the region and the name Manaus was derived from that name, which began as a village and afterwards became the city of Manaus, the capital of the Amazons, the largest territory of any state in Brazil and the main economic center in the northern region of Brazil.
The city is bathed by rivers and the tropical climate is very humid, with dry winters and rainy summers. The following are some the rivers: the Amazon, Purus, Madeira, Juruá, Içá, Negro, and Solimões, among others. The latter two are the main attractions of the state and they flow side by side, yet not mixing for over 18 kilometers. This phenomenon is called “the meeting of the waters” and it occurs due to the difference in temperatures, densities, and water currents.
As it is a region of large rivers, the cuisine specializes in fish. The Tucunaré and Pirarucu are some of the native fish. Many dishes are served with “pirão” (mush) made from cassava, one of the influence from the indigenous people. Also in Manaus is one of the greatest tropical fruit diversities in the world.
The city is noteworthy for its architectural cultural heritage, such as museums, theaters, temples, and libraries. The Free-trade zone of Manaus is one of the most renowned as being the main economic engine of the city. It is divided into three sectors: commercial, industrial, and agribusiness trade. This location was created starting from a legal decree for impelling the economic development of the region and nowadays, its goods are exported to such countries as Venezuela and Argentina.
Manaus due to its diversified fauna and flora is the “Environmental Capital of Brazil” with its natural resources. It houses such plants as “vitória régia” (Victoria water lily) , its leaves make up a circle growing to over one meter in diameter and accentuates, such animals as the manatee and the dolphin. They are located only in Manaus, also located in the Amazon forest, bringing about all the biodiversity of this state.