Happy TravellerWelcome to Niquelândia, the largest municipality in Goiás state, Brazil. This charming city is an important producer of minerals, with one of the largest nickel reserves in the world. But there’s more to Niquelândia than just mining. Join us as we explore the geography, economy, history, tourism, health and education of this fascinating destination.
Geography:
Located 370 km from the state capital, Goiânia, Niquelândia has an elevation of 650 meters above sea level. The average annual temperature is 32 °C, and the climate is tropical humid. The municipality is crossed by highways BR-414 and GO-080, GO-237 e GO-327, besides the various municipal roads that make up a total of 12,000 kilometers.
Economy:
As the name of the city implies (Niquelândia can be translated as Nickeland), it is the national capital of nickel. It has one of the largest nickel reserves in the world, which are exploited by two mining companies: Companhia Níquel Tocantins—CNT, belonging to the Votorantim group -, and Codemin – to Anglo American. Although mining is practically all done for nickel, there are also more than 120 types of mineral, such as gold, crystal, platinum, copper, mica, iron, manganese, diamonds, quartz, marble, cobalt, asbestos and even uranium.
History:
Niquelândia is one of the oldest towns in the state of Goiás. It was settled shortly after the arrival of the Portuguese bandeirantes, with the news of the discovery of gold. Niquelândia is one of the oldest municipalities in Goiás. The town was founded in 1735 as São José do Tocantins. In 1938, the German miner Freimund Brockes was panhandling in the region for gold and discovered the second largest nickel deposit in the world. This discovery attracted miners from all over Brazil and the little town grew rapidly. In 1943 the city changed its name to Niquelândia.
Tourism:
The most important touristic site near the town is the artificial lake of Serra da Mesa. It was created with the construction of the Serra da Mesa Dam, in Minaçu, at the end of the nineties. It is formed by the joining of the Maranhão, Tocantinzinho and Bagagem rivers. Serra da Mesa has one of the largest concentrations of fresh water in the country, with a surface of 1,784 km². With 57% of its area in the municipality of Niquelândia, it has reached a width of 22 km. in the rainy season.
Health and education:
Hospitals: 5 with 167 beds (2007) Schools: 40 with 14,365 students (2006) Higher education: Unidade Universitária de UEG Infant mortality rate in 2000: 26.40 Literacy rate in 2000: 84.4%
Whether you’re a history buff, nature lover, or just looking for adventure, Niquelândia has something for everyone. Come visit this unique destination and discover all it has to offer!
