Santa Catarina is a state in Brazil. It is situated in the southern part of the country. The capital of this Brazilian state is Florianópolis, the biggest portion of which lies on the Santa Catarina Island. Most of the Santa Catarina dwellers maintain highest standards of living.
The neighboring states of Santa Catarina are Paraná to the north and Rio Grande do Sul to the south. The eastern part of it is bounded on the east by the Atlantic Ocean, and to the west it is bordered by the province of Misiones, Argentina.
Most of the residents of Santa Catarina are the descendants of Portuguese, German and Italian immigrants and Joinville is considered to be the largest city of this state.
Santa Catarina is located in a very strategic position in Mercosur, the South American Common Market. It lies between 25º57'41" and 29º23'55" of the Southern latitude and between the meridians 48º19'37" and 53º50'00" of Western longitude.
Santa Catarina is considered to be a major industrial and agricultural hub.
The northeastern part of the state is quite strong in electric-mechanical, textile and furniture industries; in the west, cattle and poultry breeding activities dominates while the southern part of the state is strong in ceramics.
Aside this Santa Catarina is a wonderful tourist destination. It is mostly preferred by the travelers for its majestic beaches. The summer season, December-March make the state one of the most desired travel spots in Brazil and South America. There are several cities inside the territory of the Brazilian state of Santa Catarina.
