Goiás

Goiás is a federative unit in the central highlands of Brazil with large farming areas and forested river valleys among rolling hills. The region has smaller towns scattered across the interior and a capital city serving as a regional hub for commerce and services.

Gold seekers founded early settlements in the 18th century that later became permanent towns when mineral resources declined. The status as a separate state was formalized when the Brazilian republic established its federative structure in the late 19th century.

Many towns hold street festivals with grilled meat, regional music performances and crafts stalls that last several days. The local people live a relaxed cowboy culture with rodeo events and folk dances deeply connected to rural traditions.

Travelers find accommodation and local services in Goiânia as well as smaller cities like Pirenópolis or Alto Paraíso that work as starting points for trips into rural areas. Bus connections reach most larger communities while a car offers more flexibility for remote conservation sites.

Chapada dos Veadeiros in the northern part of the state contains rock layers among the oldest on Earth and polished smooth by flowing water. The waterfalls drop over whitish quartz stone and form clear pools lying between scrubland and open savannas.

Location: Brazil

Inception: 1889

Capital city: Goiânia

Elevation above the sea: 607 m

Reference: GO

Shares border with: Mato Grosso do Sul, Mato Grosso, Tocantins, Bahia, Minas Gerais, Federal District

Website: http://goias.gov.br

GPS coordinates: -15.88333,-49.83333

Latest update: December 14, 2025 23:02