Natal, Capital city in Rio Grande do Norte, Brazil.
Natal is the capital of Rio Grande do Norte, spreading along the Atlantic at the mouth of the Potengi. The settlement includes numerous sandy beaches, high dunes, and several neighborhoods extending across a wide area with natural lagoons and coastal landscapes.
Portuguese settlers built a fortress on the riverbank in 1598 to secure the coast from French and Dutch claims. The official founding of the settlement took place on December 25, 1599, making it an important colonial outpost in northeastern Brazil.
The settlement takes its name from Christmas Day, the date of its founding, which is reflected in local traditions. Visitors experience a coastal community where fishing and modern city life stretch across several kilometers, with markets, beach restaurants, and an active maritime culture.
An international airport in the greater area connects the city to several domestic destinations and offers the shortest Brazilian air link to Africa and Europe. Access to most beaches and dunes runs along main roads, with taxis and local buses operating frequently.
Measurements from an international space agency show that air quality here ranks among the cleanest on the American continent. The high air purity is attributed to steady Atlantic winds and limited industrialization in the region.
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