Simplify the following text for a Grade 6 native English-speaking person.
Original: Minas Gerais is in the west of the southeastern subdivision of Brasil , which also contains the states of SÃ # o Paulo , Rio de Janeiro and EspÃ rito Santo .
Simplified: Minas Gerais is in the west of the southeastern part of Brazil . That area also has the states of SÃ # o Paulo , Rio de Janeiro and EspÃ rito Santo .