Mato Grosso do Sul

Mato Grosso do Sul is one of the states of Brazil. It shares borders with the states of Mato Grosso, Goiás, Minas Gerais, São Paulo and Paraná. It also borders the countries of Paraguay and Bolivia to the west. Campo Grande is the capital of the state

Mato Grosso do Sul means "Southern Thick Forest". The name comes from its northern neighbour state of Mato Grosso. Mato Grosso do Sul was a part of Mato Grosso until they were split in the 1970s. Many people wrongly refer to Mato Grosso do Sul as simply "Mato Grosso". This has caused the government to consider changing its name to "Pantanal", the world's largest wetlands which is in the state.

 Economy 
Mato Grosso do Sul's economy is based mainly on farm products. Cattle-raising is the most important product of the state. Other products include sugarcane, wheat, soybeans, manioc, rice and cotton.

 Geography 
The state is in western Brazil, in an area of the country that is mostly marshes of the Pantanal.

Mato Grosso do Sul is divided into 11 regions. It has 78 municipalities. Larger cities include:
 Campo Grande, the capital of the state.
 Corumbá
 Aquidauana
 Três Lagoas
 Naviraí
 Nova Andradina
 Paranaíba
 Dourados
 Ponta Porã
 Bonito

The highest elevation is the 1,065 m high Morro Grande.

 History 
In 1977 the state was created by dividing the state of Mato Grosso. It officially became a state two years later on January 1, 1979.

 Flag 
Mato Grosso do Sul's flag was made by Mauro Michael Munhoz. White is for hope, green is for the state's plantlife, blue is for the sky and the yellow star adds balance, force and serenity.

 References 

 Other websites