Initially, Manaus Brazil was a small port by the name of Sao Jose da Barra, founded by the Portugese settlers in 1669 to defend themselves from Spanish penetrations. In fact, the region derived its name from the native "Manaos" (meaning 'Mother of God') tribes who once inhabited the land. In 1948, it received urban status with the name "Cidade da Barra do Rio Negro", altered to "Cidade de Manaus" later in 1856. The vulcanization process being invented in Manaus Brazil, the city manufactured rubber extensively from 1890 to1920. Presently, the city is the main financial center of northern Brazil.
Although rubber manufacture was the principal industrial activity in Manaus Brazil until 20th century, its importance declined with passing time. At present, Brazilian nuts and timber together with chemical industries, soap production and refining of petroleum have taken over the market considerably. Various cellular companies like Nokia, BenQ-Siemens, Sagem and Gradiente with their production units located in Manaus Brazil offer it huge economical supports.
Manaus Brazil accessible through rail-road-water-air transports, has led to booming up of extensive travel and tourism industry. The Amazon Rain Forests with varied wildlife, the Teatro Amazonas opera house, the Bosque da Ciencia and Parque do Mindu forests, beach at Ponta Negra, the CIGS Zoo, Federal University of Amazonas - the earliest Brazilian federal university and Mercado Adolpho Lisboa - the oldest urban marketplace, are a handful of destinations attracting huge tourists from all corners of the world . Finally, it is world's largest 'Samba' festival which bestows an altogether distinct global recognition to Manaus Brazil.
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