Santa Catarina

Brazilian State of Santa Catarina

State Capital City: Florianópolis

State Abbreviation: SC

Santa Catarina ("Saint Catherine") is a state in southern Brazil with one of the highest standards of living in Latin America.

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. #23 on map.

Most of its inhabitants are descendants of Portuguese, German, and Italian immigrants. The beaches along the coast of 561 km (349 mi) are a great attraction for tourists visiting the smallest state of the South Region. Florianópolis, the capital, is on an island and is one of the Brazilian cities that receives the most foreign tourists. To the south, Garopaba is the preferred destination of surfers looking for good waves. In the mountain region, São Joaquim is an attraction during winter because of its low temperatures. Blumenau, in the interior of Santa Catarina, is the stage for one of the biggest events of the country: the Oktoberfest, a traditional beer party originated from Germany, that happens in October. The heritage of the Italian, German and Portuguese immigrants can be seen in the architecture and the customs of the state. Joinville is Santa Catarina's largest city.