Happy TravellerWelcome to São Francisco, a charming municipality located in the north of the state of Minas Gerais in Brazil. With a population of 56,477 and an area of 3,300 km², São Francisco is a small but vibrant city that offers visitors a unique glimpse into rural Brazilian life.
São Francisco is situated on the right bank of the São Francisco River, and is connected by paved road to Brasília de Minas and to Montes Claros. Despite being isolated from major population centers, the city has a thriving agricultural economy, with a particular emphasis on cattle raising. In fact, there were 103,000 head of cattle in São Francisco in 2006, and the main agricultural crops include sugarcane, bananas, castor oil seeds, and corn. The GDP of São Francisco was R$140,741,000 in 2005, and irrigation from the São Francisco River allows for the production of tropical fruits.
While São Francisco may be small, it has a rich history that dates back to 1831, when it became a municipality. Today, visitors can explore the city’s historic center, which is home to a number of well-preserved colonial buildings. One of the most notable is the Igreja Matriz de São Francisco de Assis, a beautiful church that was built in the 19th century and is a testament to the city’s strong Catholic heritage.
In addition to its historic center, São Francisco is also home to a number of natural attractions that are sure to delight visitors. One of the most popular is the Parque Estadual da Serra das Araras, a stunning nature reserve that is home to a wide variety of flora and fauna. Visitors can hike through the park’s lush forests, swim in its crystal-clear streams, and marvel at its breathtaking waterfalls.
Despite its many attractions, São Francisco is a city that faces a number of challenges. It is isolated from major population centers, and suffers from drought and poor soils. However, the city has made great strides in recent years to improve the quality of life for its residents. Today, São Francisco has 10 basic clinics, 15 health centers, and 1 hospital with 24 beds, and the life expectancy of its residents is 69.2 years.
In conclusion, São Francisco is a hidden gem that offers visitors a unique glimpse into rural Brazilian life. With its rich history, stunning natural attractions, and thriving agricultural economy, it is a city that is sure to delight visitors of all ages. So why not plan your trip to São Francisco today and discover all that this charming municipality has to offer?
