Tocantins, Federative unit in northern Brazil
Tocantins is a federative unit in northern Brazil extending over more than 270,000 square kilometers between Goiás, Bahia, Maranhão, Piauí and Pará. Numerous rivers flow through savanna landscape, forming an extensive network of waterways across the territory.
The Brazilian Congress created this state in 1988 by separating the northern section of Goiás, forming the twenty-seventh federative unit of the country. The capital Palmas was built shortly after as a planned city and now serves as the administrative and economic center.
The population brings together customs from indigenous communities, Portuguese settlers and regional migrants, visible in local festivals and traditional celebrations throughout the year. Craft markets and religious processions show how people connect their past with everyday life.
Palmas airport connects the capital with larger Brazilian cities, while federal highways cross the entire territory. Travelers should expect long distances between places and plan enough supplies for drives through remote areas.
The territory holds Bananal Island in the Araguaia River, the largest river island in Brazil and second largest in the world. Large parts of the island are protected areas where visitors can observe rarely seen bird species and mammals.
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