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Natal

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Natal, Capital city in Rio Grande do Norte, Brazil.

Description

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.

History

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.

Culture

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.

Practical

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.

Did you know?

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.

Inception
1599
Elevation above the sea
30 m
Part of
Natal, Greater Natal
Shares border with
São Gonçalo do Amarante, Extremoz, Parnamirim, Macaíba
GPS coordinates
-5.79500,-35.20889
Latest update
December 14, 2025 19:25

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« Natal - Capital city in Rio Grande do Norte, Brazil » is provided by Around Us (aroundus.com). Images and texts are derived from Wikimedia project under a Creative Commons license. You are allowed to copy, distribute, and modify copies of this page, under the conditions set by the license, as long as this note is clearly visible.

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