The New International Encyclopædia/Paraná (State)

PARANÁ. A southeastern State of Brazil, bounded by the Atlantic Ocean on the east, the State of São Paulo on the north, Paraguay and Matto Grosso on the west, and Argentina and Santa Catharina on the south (Map: Brazil, G 8). Area 85,430 square miles. The low strip of coastland is followed by a mountain range reaching an altitude of nearly 5000 feet and passing into an elevated plateau lying about 3000 feet above the sea. The portion along the western frontier slopes toward the Paraná River, whose tributaries are the chief rivers of the State. Most of them, however, are unfit for navigation, owing to rapids. The climate is generally healthful in the elevated portions, but very hot and humid on the coast. Forests cover a large part of the State, especially in the western half, which is almost unknown, and inhabited by roving Indians. On the coast are cultivated cotton, coffee, and manioc, and in the more elevated regions grain and fruits are raised, but the maté industry is the most important, and maté is almost the only export. The population of the State in 1890 was 249,491, consisting to a great extent of German and Polish immigrants. Capital, Curitiba (q.v.). Consult Lange, Südbrasilien (2d ed., Berlin, 1885).