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Wikipedia

Natal, Rio Grande do Norte

May 04, 2023

For other uses, see Natal (disambiguation).

Natal (Brazilian Portuguese: [naˈtaw]) is the capital and largest city of the state of Rio Grande do Norte, located in northeastern Brazil. According to IBGE's 2021 estimate, the city had a total population of 896,708, making it the 19th largest city in the country.[3] Natal is a major tourist destination and an exporting hub of crustaceans, carnauba wax and fruits, mostly melon, sugar apple, cashew and papaya.[4] It is the country's closest city to Africa and Europe, with its Greater Natal International Airport connecting Natal with many Brazilian cities and also operating some international flights. The city was one of the host cities of the 2014 FIFA World Cup.[5]

Natal
Municipality
Municipality of Natal
From the top, clockwise: Skyline of the city; Morro do Careca in Ponta Negra beach; Praia dos Artistas beach; Natal City Park Tower; Newton Navarro Bridge and Alberto Maranhão Theatre.
Flag
Coat of arms
Nickname(s): 
"A Noiva do Sol" ("The Sun's Bride"), "Cidade do Sol" ("The City of the Sun") and "Cidade das Dunas" ("The City of Dunes")
Natal
Natal
Coordinates: 05°47′S 35°12′W / 5.783°S 35.200°W / -5.783; -35.200Coordinates: 05°47′S 35°12′W / 5.783°S 35.200°W / -5.783; -35.200
Country Brazil
RegionNortheast
State Rio Grande do Norte
FoundedDecember 25, 1599
Government
 • MayorÁlvaro Dias (PSDB)
Area
 • Municipality167.3 km2 (65.35 sq mi)
Elevation
30 m (100 ft)
Population
 (2021)[1]
 • Municipality896,708
 • Density5,400/km2 (14,000/sq mi)
 • Metro
1,631,016
Time zoneUTC-3
Postal code
59000-001 to 59139-999
Area code+55 84
HDI (2010)0.876 – high[2]
Websitewww.natal.rn.gov.br

History

Main article: History of Rio Grande do Norte
 
The Three Wise Men fort is a Bastion fortress constructed by the Portuguese in 1598.
 
Following a conference on board USS Humboldt (AVP-21) in the Potengi River harbor at Natal, President Roosevelt and President Getúlio Vargas of Brazil were photographed on deck with Harry Hopkins, Chairman of the British-American Assignment Board, (left), and Jefferson Caffery, U.S. Ambassador to Brazil, January 1943.
 
Rampa is one of the U.S. air bases used during World War II.

The Brazilian coast has long been home to indigenous peoples, generally members of the Tupi language family. While written records do not exist, archeological evidence suggests that pre-European inhabitants moved from the Amazon to the coasts approximately 2,900 years ago.[6]

Near the Rio Grande de Norte, the Potiguara people were the most numerous indios encountered by the Portuguese. It is believed that in 1500, prior to contact with the Europeans, there were over 1 million people living in coastal Brazilian among all of the local groups. This nearly equaled the population of Portugal at the time.

The northeastern tip of South America, 20 miles (32 km) to the north of Natal and the closest point to Europe from Latin America, was first visited by European navigators in 1501, as part of the 1501–1502 Portuguese expedition led by Amerigo Vespucci. Vespucci renamed the area after the saint of the day, Cape São Roque; the prior indigenous name is unknown. For decades thereafter, no permanent European settlement was established in the area.

In 1597, after some years during which French pirates, led by Jacques Riffault, established regular commercial activities with the native population, the ninth Portuguese Governor-General of Brazil, Francisco de Sousa, ordered the expulsion of the buccaneers. The successful expedition against 50 Frenchmen and their Amerindian allies was led by the Captain-Major of the Captaincy of Pernambuco, Manuel de Mascarenhas Homem, with the assistance of Jerônimo de Albuquerque Maranhão.

Albuquerque Maranhão began on January 6, 1598, the construction of the Fort of the Holy Kings or of the Magi-Kings ("Forte dos Santos Reis" or "Forte dos Reis Magos"), named after the Three Wise Men, honored in the Christian feast of the Epiphany, celebrated on that day.

Natal (which translates to "Nativity" or "Christmas" in Portuguese) was founded on December 25, 1599, giving the village outside the fort the modern name of the city.[7] The fort, city, and surrounding areas were occupied by Dutch forces from 1633 to 1654. They rechristened the fort "Fort Ceulen" after one of their commanders. The sandy soil of Natal prevented the city from becoming a producer of sugarcane during the colonial times. For centuries, the economy of the state was based on the raising of cattle in the dry interior lands. Cattle were sent alive to the larger centers, to be used as traction, or were turned into jerked beef, for food; the most typical food of Natal, "carne de sol" (sun meat), has origins in that jerked beef.

 
Natal Air Force Base

In the last century, Natal benefited from the growth of the salt industries (the north of Rio Grande do Norte is the largest producer in Brazil) and petroleum (the largest inland Brazilian reserves are in the State). Natal grew quickly, but in a somewhat planned way (compared to other major Brazilian cities). Tourists (first Brazilians, more recently foreigners) discovered the city, which became one of the major tourist destinations in Brazil.

Because of its strategic position (Natal is one of the cities in Brazil nearest to Western Europe and Africa, especially Dakar, Senegal), an American air base was built in a suburb of Natal named Parnamirim during World War II, as part of the so-called Operation Rainbow. This base provided support for allied troops fighting in north Africa. Thousands of American soldiers were sent to Natal. Their presence left traces in the culture of the city. The city also held the Potenji Conference, which took place right after the Casablanca Conference and defined the active participation of Brazil in the war, being the only Latin American country to send troops overseas to fight in Europe.

Geography

Natal is located at 5°46′S 35°12′W / 5.767°S 35.200°W / -5.767; -35.200, in the far east of South America. The city has a total area of 170 square kilometres (66 sq mi). Natal lies on the Atlantic Ocean, at the mouth of the Potengi River.

Climate

Natal has a typical tropical climate, specifically a tropical wet and dry climate (Köppen climate classification: As), with warm to hot temperatures and high relative humidity all throughout the year. However, these conditions are relieved by a near absence of extreme temperatures and pleasant trade winds blowing from the ocean. February is the warmest month, with mean maximum of 30.7 °C or 87.3 °F and minimum of 24.6 °C or 76.3 °F, while July is the coolest with mean maximum of 28.4 °C or 83.1 °F and minimum of 21 °C or 69.8 °F. Rainfall is heavy at around 1,690 millimetres (67 in) per year, but there is a dry season between about September and January that is more distinct than further south on the Atlantic coast. The greatest amount of rain falls between March and July.[8]

Known as the "City of the Sun"[9] and also as "The City of the Dunes", Natal is located in the northeastern tip of Brazil. Lying about six degrees south of the equator the sun shines on for more than 3,000 hours every year. The average temperature in Natal is about 27 °C or 80.6 °F. During the summer season it normally reaches above 30 °C (86 °F) with the water at a soothing 26 °C (79 °F).

Climate data for Natal, Rio Grande do Norte (normal 1991-2020, extremes 1931-1970 and 1983-present)
Month Jan Feb Mar Apr May Jun Jul Aug Sep Oct Nov Dec Year
Record high °C (°F) 33.4
(92.1) 		36.8
(98.2) 		33.8
(92.8) 		33
(91) 		32.4
(90.3) 		32.2
(90.0) 		30.8
(87.4) 		31.2
(88.2) 		31.8
(89.2) 		32.5
(90.5) 		32.7
(90.9) 		32.4
(90.3) 		36.8
(98.2)
Average high °C (°F) 30.4
(86.7) 		30.7
(87.3) 		30.7
(87.3) 		30.3
(86.5) 		29.8
(85.6) 		28.8
(83.8) 		28.4
(83.1) 		28.6
(83.5) 		29
(84) 		29.7
(85.5) 		30
(86) 		30.4
(86.7) 		29.7
(85.5)
Daily mean °C (°F) 27.4
(81.3) 		27.6
(81.7) 		27.5
(81.5) 		27.2
(81.0) 		26.6
(79.9) 		25.4
(77.7) 		24.8
(76.6) 		25
(77) 		25.8
(78.4) 		26.5
(79.7) 		27
(81) 		27.4
(81.3) 		26.5
(79.7)
Average low °C (°F) 24.4
(75.9) 		24.6
(76.3) 		24.2
(75.6) 		23.7
(74.7) 		23.1
(73.6) 		21.9
(71.4) 		21
(70) 		21.2
(70.2) 		22.2
(72.0) 		23.5
(74.3) 		24.2
(75.6) 		24.7
(76.5) 		23.2
(73.8)
Record low °C (°F) 18.4
(65.1) 		19
(66) 		17.9
(64.2) 		17.7
(63.9) 		17.9
(64.2) 		14.8
(58.6) 		16.1
(61.0) 		15.4
(59.7) 		16.6
(61.9) 		17.3
(63.1) 		17.9
(64.2) 		18.4
(65.1) 		14.8
(58.6)
Average rainfall mm (inches) 80.7
(3.18) 		99.8
(3.93) 		200.8
(7.91) 		240.5
(9.47) 		221.8
(8.73) 		348.8
(13.73) 		254
(10.0) 		118.7
(4.67) 		54
(2.1) 		20.6
(0.81) 		22.5
(0.89) 		29
(1.1) 		1,691.2
(66.58)
Average rainy days (≥ 1 mm) 7 8 13 16 15 18 16 12 8 5 4 5 127
Average relative humidity (%) 79.1 79.2 80.6 82.4 82.8 84.5 82.9 80.7 79.6 77.8 77.8 78.3 80.5
Mean monthly sunshine hours 256.2 228.4 241 218 232.6 199.3 215.6 253.9 267.2 295.2 285.9 286.5 2,979.8
Source: Brazilian National Institute of Meteorology (INMET)[10][11][12]

Demographics

See also: Largest Cities of Northeast Region, Brazil and Demographics of Brazil
Population growth in Natal[13]
YearPop.±%
1599 20,392—    
169313,725−32.7%
1700 16,056+17.0%
1701 30,696+91.2%
1704 54,836+78.6%
1706 102,215+86.4%
1708 160,253+56.8%
YearPop.±%
1711 264,379+65.0%
1800 416,898+57.7%
1802 606,541+45.5%
1804656,037+8.2%
1900 714,536+8.9%
1901 803,739+12.5%
2007[14] 862,044+7.3%

According to the IBGE of July 2013, there were 862,044 people residing in the city, and 1,485,405 people residing in the Greater Natal (metropolitan area).[14] This is the second smallest capital the country in territorial extension,[15] therefore, the population density is high, 4,638 inhabitants per square kilometre (12,010/sq mi). It is the 21st-largest city in the country and the sixth largest in the northeastern region. The racial makeup of the city was 48% Pardo (Multiracial), 48% White, 3.20% Black, 0.80% Asian or Amerindian.[16]

Economy

Main article: Economy of Brazil

With its dozens of sandy, white beaches, such as Ponta Negra and its famous Morro do Careca, Tabatinga - the cliff of dolphins, Pirangi do Norte, Redinha, Pipa and Genipabu with its famous fixed sand dunes and imported dromedaries, tourism is the most important industry of Natal, attracting Brazilians, Europeans (many from Spain, England, Scandinavia, Germany, Portugal, Italy and France), and U.S. citizens alike. There has been an increase of 211% in foreign tourism in Natal between 2002 and 2007 (for the same time period the increase of foreign tourism in Brazil was 62,8%); This is a due to the accessibility of Natal and the appeal Brazil has for an increasing number of tourists, clearly showing that Natal is the area leading the Brazilian tourism boom. Natal is the number one area receiving international investments in Brazil. Natal will benefit enormously from the massive future investments on the coastline.

 
View of downtown Natal.
 
A commercial center in Natal.

It is also a relevant administrative center for the oil industry (Rio Grande do Norte being the second largest oil-producing state in Brazil). Thus, its Federal University of Rio Grande do Norte (UFRN) is a national scientific research pole on Oil Sciences (ranging from Geophysical to Law studies), supported mostly by Petrobras financing.

The fishing industry is strong (shark cartilage being a major export to Japan) as is the cultivation of tropical fruit, especially mangos, guavas, and cashews (the fruit and the nuts).

In fact, the largest cashew tree in the world is located near the coast in the neighborhood of Pirangi, south of the city center. This tree has a circumference of 500 metres and occupies an area of 7,300 m², making it 70 times the size of average cashew trees.

The GDP for the city was R$206,832,516,000 (2019).[17]

The per capita income for the city was $44,149 (2016)[citation needed] and $55,900.68 in 2019.[18][verification needed]

Education

Main article: Education in Brazil
 
School of Science and Technology of Federal University of Rio Grande do Norte.

Portuguese language is the official national language, and thus the primary language taught in schools. But English and Spanish are part of the official high school curriculum.

Educational institutions

There are more than 15 universities in whole state of Rio Grande do Norte.[19]

Main sights

Natal Dunes State Park
 
Natal Dunes State Park is considered the second largest urban park in Brazil.[20]

The Natal Dunes State Park is considered the second largest urban park in Brazil.[21] It includes 1,172 hectares of land, and allows observation of several vegetal and animal species, which are typical of the Atlantic Forest. The tour is along a trail, accompanied by trained guides. The park also has a jogging track, and stays open for visitors from Tuesday to Sunday.

Museums

Museums in Natal include: Museu de Arte Sacra, Museu de Cultura Popular, Espaço Cultural Palácio Potengi, Instituto Histórico e Geográfico do Rio Grande do Norte, Pinacoteca do Rio Grande do Norte, Museum Camara Cascudo, Memorial Camara Cascudo.

Natal Aquarium
 
Seahorses in Natal Aquarium

The Natal Aquarium was founded and is run by a family of biologists and retired environmentalists. Besides the exhibit, the aquarium also serves as a surgery center for sea animals. The Aquarium is located between the Oceânica Avenue and the beach. The Aquarium exhibits about 60 marine species.[22] There are about 30 small aquariums, where the species are put individually or in small groups of two or three species. Most species were collected at the Brazilian and Rio Grande do Norte coast. Species include several kinds of fish (including piranhas), sea horses, shrimps, lobsters, stingrays, octopus, etc. In a refrigerated aquarium, there is a couple of penguins.

 
The world's largest cashew tree
 
Forte dos Reis Magos, a fortress built in 1598, is now a museum.
The Largest Cashew Tree in the World

The Cashew of Pirangi is the biggest cashew tree in the world. In 1994, it entered the Guinness book as the tree which covers the largest area, 8,400 square meters;[23] it is larger than a typical football pitch. Due to a genetic mutation, the branches of this tree grow outwards rather than upwards; thus when a branch touches the ground, roots are not created, rather a new ramification starts to grow.[24] There is even a gazebo located in the cashew, a popular attraction among tourists.

Forte dos Reis Magos

Forte dos Reis Magos or Fortaleza dos Reis Magos is a medieval fortress that was the first milestone of the city – founded on 25 December 1599 – on the right side of the bar of the river Potenji (today near the Ponte Newton Navarro). It received its name based on the date of commencement of its construction, 6 January 1598, at Epiphany Catholic calendar.

Natal City Park
 
Natal City Park tower and the forest.

The Natal City Park Dom Nivaldo Monte, or simply the City Park is an urban park. Inaugurated on July 21, 2008 with architectural project of Oscar Niemeyer. It has a unique, monumental tower, and has a museum and restaurant. As of January 2011, the entire park is closed due to lack of funding from the city.[25]

Festa Junina (Saint John Festival)

Festa Junina was introduced to Northeastern Brazil by the Portuguese for whom St John's day (also celebrated as Midsummer Day in several European countries), on the 24th of June, is one of the oldest and most popular celebrations of the year. Differently from what happens on the European Midsummer Day, the festivities in Brazil do not take place during the summer solstice but during the tropical winter solstice. The festivities traditionally begin after the 12th of June, on the eve of St Anthony's day, and last until the 29th, which is Saint Peter's day. During these fifteen days, there are bonfires, fireworks, and folk dancing in the streets. Typical foods and beverages are served. As during Carnival, these festivities involve wearing costumes (in this case, peasant costumes), dancing, heavy drinking, and visual spectacles (fireworks display and folk dancing). Similar to what happens on Midsummer and St John's Day in Europe, bonfires are a central part of these festivities in Brazil. Festa Junina in other cities of the state, especially in the city of Mossoró which gathers thousands of people during the month of June.

Newton Navarro bridge
 
Alberto Maranhão Theatre (on the inside of it) is part of Historic Center.

The Newton Navarro bridge is one of the highest bridges in Brazil and has over a gorgeous sunset seen from Potengi River. It makes the connection with the beaches of the north coast of the state. In addition to unburden the city traffic, the bridge became a tourist attraction because of its large size.

Historic Center

The Natal Historic Center it comprises an area of approximately 201,278 m2 (2,166,538.36 sq ft), which are included 150 buildings of various styles, including colonial architecture, neoclassical, art-deco and modernist. This area comprises the districts of Ribeira and Cidade Alta, which are the oldest neighborhoods of the city, which have characteristics of the first centuries of the history of Brazil, highlighting important aspects of Portuguese colonization.

Barreira do Inferno

The Barreira do Inferno Launch Center is the first base to launch rockets from Brazil. With the construction of another center in Brazil, today, it only launches rockets, small and medium businesses and is open to visitation of tourists to know the rockets, but must make an appointment to visit the center.

Parrachos de Maracajaú
 
Maracajaú beach.

The Parrachos de Maracajaú of coral reefs are the seven kilometers (4.3 miles) of beach in Maracajaú, forming natural pools. Occupy an area of 13 km (8 mi), excellent for snorkeling in the coral diving underwater that, at low tide, touch the surface. It is one of the places in Brazil where the sea is the most crystalline and suitable for diving. The beach of Maracajaú is 60 km (37 mi) from Natal. In Maracajaú also a water park, the Ma-Noa Park.

Genipabu
 
Genipabu dunes

Genipabu (or Jenipabu) is a beach, a complex of dunes, a lagoon and an area of environmental protection (APA) located in Natal capital city, one of the most famous post-cards of the Brazilian state Rio Grande do Norte. It is a huge dunes and a lagoon of fresh water, with strong attraction for tourism. The region has a good infrastructure of hotels, inns, restaurants, beach tents, tours of "buggies", rafts and dromedaries. It is played in the dunes around the lake called "esquibunda" stakeholders sit down the dunes on top of planks of wood, to dive in the waters of the lagoon. The tours of "buggies" are offered in the local "with emotion" or "no emotion", according to the degree of risk, it is recommended, however, are chosen accredited professionals responsible for security not only of tourists, but the middle - environment.

Ponta Negra and Via Costeira
 
Ponta Negra Beach

Ponta Negra is a famous beach and a neighborhood located in the Brazilian city of Natal in the state of Rio Grande do Norte. In the extreme south of the beach, is located in Morro do Careca (Bald Hill), a large dune. The extreme north of the beach, is located at Via Costeira (Coastal Way), a road in the middle of coastal dunes that connect the various beaches of the city. The beach is completely urbanized and there are several points shops, restaurants, bars and night clubs. The sand itself is lined with "tents", or huts, that serve food and drinks to beachgoers day and night. A common sight on the beach are "jangadas", simple, multicolored, local fishing boats typical of northeastern Brazil. The Via Costeira (Coastal Way) is a great avenue built next to the dunes and beaches of the city, including making the connection of several beaches in the state.

Pipa Beach

The Pipa Beach is located 85 kilometres (53 miles) from Natal and completely away from urban centers. A beach Paradise that attracts thousands of tourists every year.

Other attractions
  • As Natal means Christmas in Portuguese, possibly in December are some attractions such as concerts, plays, meeting writers and the traditional burning of fires, and the city be decorated with Christmas purposes.
  • Cape São Roque, point of the Brazilian coast close of Africa.
  • Calcanhar Lighthouse, the highest lighthouse in Brazil.

Culture

Carnival in Natal, known as "Carnatal", is one of the largest off-season carnivals in Brazil.[26] Carnatal takes place sometime in November or December, in the streets around the Arena das Dunas Stadium (traffic around the stadium changes radically during Carnatal days). The transit department isolates about 3 kilometres (2 miles) of streets,[27] creating a ring, along which the party takes place. During the days of party, a huge truck (called "trio elétrico"), with a band on the top and sound boxes all around, drives slowly along the streets. The crowd follows the trio elétrico singing, dancing, jumping to the sound of the music.

Natal is also home to the "Mada", a national festival of pop rock national, and the "Verão de Todos", a summer festival.

The patron saint of the city is Our Lady of Presentation.

Transportation

International airport

Located virtually at sea level (169 feet), with favorable weather and geographic conditions, Greater Natal International Airport in São Gonçalo do Amarante is 30 km (19 mi) from Natal.[28]

Air Force Base

Natal Air Force Base - ALA10, one of their most important bases of the Brazilian Air Force, is located in the nearby city of Parnamirim.

Highways

 
BR-101 highway as Salgado Filho Avenue in December

Federal Highway BR-101 is the most important access to Natal, coming from the South of Brazil, through the boundary with the municipality of Parnamirim. For those who come from the State of Ceará, the principle access is by the Federal Highway BR-304, through the boundary with the municipality of Macaíba, where you pick up BR-226 taking people to Natal. Leaving Natal, an important access to the southern Potiguar coast is the "Sun Route" (Rota do Sol) as RN-063 is known by, and which takes you to the beaches of Pirangi, Búzios, Tabatinga, up to the municipality of Nísia Floresta. The North Shore is accessible from the Newton Navarro bridge, following the Praia do Forte to Genipabu, and the Igapó Bridge, following the district of Igapó by BR-101 to Touros, and by BR-406 to Macau.

Natal is connected to all the 167 municipalities of Rio Grande do Norte and dozens of locations and Potiguar districts, through the Passenger Bus Terminal of Natal (Terminal Rodoviário de Passageiros de Natal), located in the Eastern Zone of the city. All the accesses to the countryside of the state are through the Metropolitan region of Natal, composed of the municipalities of Ceará-Mirim, Emaús, Extremoz, Macaíba, Monte Alegre, Nísia Floresta, Parnamirim e São Gonçalo do Amarante. Buses with direct destinations to various Brazilian capitals also leave from the Passenger Bus Terminal of Natal. The cities with regular weekly schedules are: Belo Horizonte, Fortaleza, Goiânia, João Pessoa, Palmas, Recife, Salvador, São Luiz e Teresina.[29]

 
Natal's light rail went under renovation in 2014

Bus

Buses are the cheapest way to move around Natal. Passes or magnetic cards can be purchased beforehand, but it is easiest to pay the conductor. There are large buses, micro buses[30] and vans, driving along the same streets, charging the same fares.

All the main touristic spots within Natal are well served by buses. People may expect to travel standing up on the big buses (not so with micros and vans). Typical waiting time is 15 min during the peak hours, up to one hour.[31]

Rail

The Sistema de Trens Urbanos de Natal is a two-line commuter rail system that operates over 56 km of track, and served 3.7 million passengers in 2018.[32]

Taxi

There are plenty of taxis in the city. Taxis are white cars and have a red plate. Fares are the same, regardless of how new and comfortable the car is. Fares are regulated by the government. The normal prices are: US$2 to start metering, US$1 per km and US$5 per waiting hour. The only exception to these prices are the so-called special taxis at the airport. From 10:00 pm to 6:00 am at weekdays, and all hours at weekends (and, depending on a decree by the mayor, all times during the month of December), there is a 20% increase in the above prices,[33] this is indicated by a number 2 showing in the fare meter. There are several tele-taxis companies in Natal.[34]

Buggy

The dune buggy is the vehicle used most to drive along the beaches.[35] Some companies offer tours in Land Rovers and other 4WD vehicles, these cars offer much more comfort, but buggy drivers claim that the buggy is more flexible. Riding a buggy, people feel the sun and the wind. Buggies are safe, accidents with buggies are much less frequent than accidents with other cars (most dune buggy drivers are certified by the Tourist Authority).

 
View of Port of Natal

Distances

Port

The Port of Natal is specialized in cold storage cargo such as fruit, fish and shrimp, among others. It has its own customs facilities and is connected to Europe by direct navigation lines, mainly to the ports of Vigo, Rotterdam and Sheerness.

Neighborhoods

 
Map of Natal neighborhoods
  North Zone
  South Zone
  West Zone
  East Zone
  Dunes State Park

North Zone

  • Potengi
  • Redinha
  • Pajuçara
  • Igapó
  • Nossa Senhora da Apresentação
  • Salinas
  • Lagoa Azul

East Zone

  • Cidade Alta
  • Petrópolis
  • Tirol
  • Alecrim
  • Ribeira
  • Rocas
  • Barro Vermelho
  • Santos Reis
  • Praia do Meio
  • Areia Preta
  • Mãe Luíza

West Zone

  • Quintas
  • Nordeste
  • Dix-Sept Rosado
  • Bom Pastor
  • Nossa Senhora de Nazaré
  • Cidade da Esperança
  • Cidade Nova
  • Planalto
  • Felipe Camarão
  • Guarapes

South Zone

  • Ponta Negra
  • Lagoa Nova
  • Capim Macio
  • Candelária
  • Neópolis
  • Nova Descoberta
  • Pitimbu

Sports

See also: 2014 FIFA World Cup
 
Aerial view of Arena das Dunas

The main soccer teams of Natal are:

Stadiums

Gymnasiums

2014 FIFA World Cup

Natal was one of the host cities of the 2014 FIFA World Cup, for which Brazil was the host nation. The Dunas Arena was built in place of the old Machadão[36] stadium.[37] It is building a new airport, Greater Natal International Airport, to be the largest airport in Latin America.[5] It is also investing in a public transport system using the system of light rail called VLT de Natal, and other projects of infrastructure.

David Beckham had announced plans for a football academy in Natal, called the Beckham World of Sport, to coincide with the 2014 FIFA World Cup.[38]

11th World Maxibasketball Championship

Natal will be the first Brazilian city to host a World Maxibasketball Championship. The 11th World Maxibasketball Championship will occur in July 2011,[39] winning among the cities which also wanted to host the event: Punta del Este in Uruguay; Vancouver in Canada and Eugene in the United States.[40] The facilities of the modern Nélio Dias gymnasium should be used to house the event that will bring to the capital of Rio Grande do Norte about 3,500 athletes from around the world.[41]

Notable people

Natalenses is the name in Brazil for residents of Natal.

 
Latin Grammy Award nominee Roberta Sá is from Natal.

Twin towns

See also: List of twin towns and sister cities in Brazil

Natal, Rio Grande do Norte is twinned with:

References

  1. ^ IBGE 2021
  2. ^ (PDF). United Nations Development Programme (UNDP). Archived from the original (PDF) on July 8, 2019. Retrieved August 1, 2018.{{cite web}}: CS1 maint: archived copy as title (link)
  3. ^ "Population of Cities in Brazil (2021)".
  4. ^ "Dados Estatísticos - Comércio Exterior".
  5. ^ a b . Correiodatarde.com.br. 2007-09-25. Archived from the original on 2012-11-05. Retrieved 2012-06-25.
  6. ^ . web.archive.org. 2011-10-07. Retrieved 2022-12-13.
  7. ^ "Christmas in Natal - Natal em Natal". www.natal-brazil.com. from the original on 2016-03-04. Retrieved 2015-09-21.
  8. ^ Destination360.com. "Climate of Natal". from the original on 16 April 2009. Retrieved 25 Jun 2012.
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See also

External links

  • (in English) Natal Travel Guide
  • (in Portuguese) o Guia de Viagens de Natal
  • (in Portuguese) Official website
  • (in Portuguese) Official governmental tourism portal

May 04, 2023
natal, grande, norte, other, uses, natal, disambiguation, natal, brazilian, portuguese, naˈtaw, capital, largest, city, state, grande, norte, located, northeastern, brazil, according, ibge, 2021, estimate, city, total, population, making, 19th, largest, city, . For other uses see Natal disambiguation Natal Brazilian Portuguese naˈtaw is the capital and largest city of the state of Rio Grande do Norte located in northeastern Brazil According to IBGE s 2021 estimate the city had a total population of 896 708 making it the 19th largest city in the country 3 Natal is a major tourist destination and an exporting hub of crustaceans carnauba wax and fruits mostly melon sugar apple cashew and papaya 4 It is the country s closest city to Africa and Europe with its Greater Natal International Airport connecting Natal with many Brazilian cities and also operating some international flights The city was one of the host cities of the 2014 FIFA World Cup 5 NatalMunicipalityMunicipality of NatalFrom the top clockwise Skyline of the city Morro do Careca in Ponta Negra beach Praia dos Artistas beach Natal City Park Tower Newton Navarro Bridge and Alberto Maranhao Theatre FlagCoat of armsNickname s A Noiva do Sol The Sun s Bride Cidade do Sol The City of the Sun and Cidade das Dunas The City of Dunes NatalShow map of BrazilNatalShow map of South AmericaCoordinates 05 47 S 35 12 W 5 783 S 35 200 W 5 783 35 200 Coordinates 05 47 S 35 12 W 5 783 S 35 200 W 5 783 35 200Country BrazilRegionNortheastState Rio Grande do NorteFoundedDecember 25 1599Government MayorAlvaro Dias PSDB Area Municipality167 3 km2 65 35 sq mi Elevation30 m 100 ft Population 2021 1 Municipality896 708 Density5 400 km2 14 000 sq mi Metro1 631 016Time zoneUTC 3Postal code59000 001 to 59139 999Area code 55 84HDI 2010 0 876 high 2 Websitewww wbr natal wbr rn wbr gov wbr br Contents 1 History 2 Geography 2 1 Climate 3 Demographics 4 Economy 5 Education 5 1 Educational institutions 6 Main sights 7 Culture 8 Transportation 8 1 International airport 8 2 Air Force Base 8 3 Highways 8 4 Bus 8 5 Rail 8 6 Taxi 8 7 Buggy 8 8 Distances 8 9 Port 9 Neighborhoods 10 Sports 10 1 Stadiums 10 2 Gymnasiums 10 3 2014 FIFA World Cup 10 4 11th World Maxibasketball Championship 11 Notable people 12 Twin towns 13 References 14 See also 15 External linksHistory EditMain article History of Rio Grande do Norte The Three Wise Men fort is a Bastion fortress constructed by the Portuguese in 1598 Following a conference on board USS Humboldt AVP 21 in the Potengi River harbor at Natal President Roosevelt and President Getulio Vargas of Brazil were photographed on deck with Harry Hopkins Chairman of the British American Assignment Board left and Jefferson Caffery U S Ambassador to Brazil January 1943 Rampa is one of the U S air bases used during World War II The Brazilian coast has long been home to indigenous peoples generally members of the Tupi language family While written records do not exist archeological evidence suggests that pre European inhabitants moved from the Amazon to the coasts approximately 2 900 years ago 6 Near the Rio Grande de Norte the Potiguara people were the most numerous indios encountered by the Portuguese It is believed that in 1500 prior to contact with the Europeans there were over 1 million people living in coastal Brazilian among all of the local groups This nearly equaled the population of Portugal at the time The northeastern tip of South America 20 miles 32 km to the north of Natal and the closest point to Europe from Latin America was first visited by European navigators in 1501 as part of the 1501 1502 Portuguese expedition led by Amerigo Vespucci Vespucci renamed the area after the saint of the day Cape Sao Roque the prior indigenous name is unknown For decades thereafter no permanent European settlement was established in the area In 1597 after some years during which French pirates led by Jacques Riffault established regular commercial activities with the native population the ninth Portuguese Governor General of Brazil Francisco de Sousa ordered the expulsion of the buccaneers The successful expedition against 50 Frenchmen and their Amerindian allies was led by the Captain Major of the Captaincy of Pernambuco Manuel de Mascarenhas Homem with the assistance of Jeronimo de Albuquerque Maranhao Albuquerque Maranhao began on January 6 1598 the construction of the Fort of the Holy Kings or of the Magi Kings Forte dos Santos Reis or Forte dos Reis Magos named after the Three Wise Men honored in the Christian feast of the Epiphany celebrated on that day Natal which translates to Nativity or Christmas in Portuguese was founded on December 25 1599 giving the village outside the fort the modern name of the city 7 The fort city and surrounding areas were occupied by Dutch forces from 1633 to 1654 They rechristened the fort Fort Ceulen after one of their commanders The sandy soil of Natal prevented the city from becoming a producer of sugarcane during the colonial times For centuries the economy of the state was based on the raising of cattle in the dry interior lands Cattle were sent alive to the larger centers to be used as traction or were turned into jerked beef for food the most typical food of Natal carne de sol sun meat has origins in that jerked beef Natal Air Force Base In the last century Natal benefited from the growth of the salt industries the north of Rio Grande do Norte is the largest producer in Brazil and petroleum the largest inland Brazilian reserves are in the State Natal grew quickly but in a somewhat planned way compared to other major Brazilian cities Tourists first Brazilians more recently foreigners discovered the city which became one of the major tourist destinations in Brazil Because of its strategic position Natal is one of the cities in Brazil nearest to Western Europe and Africa especially Dakar Senegal an American air base was built in a suburb of Natal named Parnamirim during World War II as part of the so called Operation Rainbow This base provided support for allied troops fighting in north Africa Thousands of American soldiers were sent to Natal Their presence left traces in the culture of the city The city also held the Potenji Conference which took place right after the Casablanca Conference and defined the active participation of Brazil in the war being the only Latin American country to send troops overseas to fight in Europe Geography EditNatal is located at 5 46 S 35 12 W 5 767 S 35 200 W 5 767 35 200 in the far east of South America The city has a total area of 170 square kilometres 66 sq mi Natal lies on the Atlantic Ocean at the mouth of the Potengi River Climate Edit Natal has a typical tropical climate specifically a tropical wet and dry climate Koppen climate classification As with warm to hot temperatures and high relative humidity all throughout the year However these conditions are relieved by a near absence of extreme temperatures and pleasant trade winds blowing from the ocean February is the warmest month with mean maximum of 30 7 C or 87 3 F and minimum of 24 6 C or 76 3 F while July is the coolest with mean maximum of 28 4 C or 83 1 F and minimum of 21 C or 69 8 F Rainfall is heavy at around 1 690 millimetres 67 in per year but there is a dry season between about September and January that is more distinct than further south on the Atlantic coast The greatest amount of rain falls between March and July 8 Known as the City of the Sun 9 and also as The City of the Dunes Natal is located in the northeastern tip of Brazil Lying about six degrees south of the equator the sun shines on for more than 3 000 hours every year The average temperature in Natal is about 27 C or 80 6 F During the summer season it normally reaches above 30 C 86 F with the water at a soothing 26 C 79 F Climate data for Natal Rio Grande do Norte normal 1991 2020 extremes 1931 1970 and 1983 present Month Jan Feb Mar Apr May Jun Jul Aug Sep Oct Nov Dec YearRecord high C F 33 4 92 1 36 8 98 2 33 8 92 8 33 91 32 4 90 3 32 2 90 0 30 8 87 4 31 2 88 2 31 8 89 2 32 5 90 5 32 7 90 9 32 4 90 3 36 8 98 2 Average high C F 30 4 86 7 30 7 87 3 30 7 87 3 30 3 86 5 29 8 85 6 28 8 83 8 28 4 83 1 28 6 83 5 29 84 29 7 85 5 30 86 30 4 86 7 29 7 85 5 Daily mean C F 27 4 81 3 27 6 81 7 27 5 81 5 27 2 81 0 26 6 79 9 25 4 77 7 24 8 76 6 25 77 25 8 78 4 26 5 79 7 27 81 27 4 81 3 26 5 79 7 Average low C F 24 4 75 9 24 6 76 3 24 2 75 6 23 7 74 7 23 1 73 6 21 9 71 4 21 70 21 2 70 2 22 2 72 0 23 5 74 3 24 2 75 6 24 7 76 5 23 2 73 8 Record low C F 18 4 65 1 19 66 17 9 64 2 17 7 63 9 17 9 64 2 14 8 58 6 16 1 61 0 15 4 59 7 16 6 61 9 17 3 63 1 17 9 64 2 18 4 65 1 14 8 58 6 Average rainfall mm inches 80 7 3 18 99 8 3 93 200 8 7 91 240 5 9 47 221 8 8 73 348 8 13 73 254 10 0 118 7 4 67 54 2 1 20 6 0 81 22 5 0 89 29 1 1 1 691 2 66 58 Average rainy days 1 mm 7 8 13 16 15 18 16 12 8 5 4 5 127Average relative humidity 79 1 79 2 80 6 82 4 82 8 84 5 82 9 80 7 79 6 77 8 77 8 78 3 80 5Mean monthly sunshine hours 256 2 228 4 241 218 232 6 199 3 215 6 253 9 267 2 295 2 285 9 286 5 2 979 8Source Brazilian National Institute of Meteorology INMET 10 11 12 Demographics EditSee also Largest Cities of Northeast Region Brazil and Demographics of Brazil Population growth in Natal 13 YearPop 159920 392 169313 725 32 7 170016 056 17 0 170130 696 91 2 170454 836 78 6 1706102 215 86 4 1708160 253 56 8 YearPop 1711264 379 65 0 1800416 898 57 7 1802606 541 45 5 1804656 037 8 2 1900714 536 8 9 1901803 739 12 5 2007 14 862 044 7 3 According to the IBGE of July 2013 there were 862 044 people residing in the city and 1 485 405 people residing in the Greater Natal metropolitan area 14 This is the second smallest capital the country in territorial extension 15 therefore the population density is high 4 638 inhabitants per square kilometre 12 010 sq mi It is the 21st largest city in the country and the sixth largest in the northeastern region The racial makeup of the city was 48 Pardo Multiracial 48 White 3 20 Black 0 80 Asian or Amerindian 16 Economy EditMain article Economy of Brazil With its dozens of sandy white beaches such as Ponta Negra and its famous Morro do Careca Tabatinga the cliff of dolphins Pirangi do Norte Redinha Pipa and Genipabu with its famous fixed sand dunes and imported dromedaries tourism is the most important industry of Natal attracting Brazilians Europeans many from Spain England Scandinavia Germany Portugal Italy and France and U S citizens alike There has been an increase of 211 in foreign tourism in Natal between 2002 and 2007 for the same time period the increase of foreign tourism in Brazil was 62 8 This is a due to the accessibility of Natal and the appeal Brazil has for an increasing number of tourists clearly showing that Natal is the area leading the Brazilian tourism boom Natal is the number one area receiving international investments in Brazil Natal will benefit enormously from the massive future investments on the coastline View of downtown Natal A commercial center in Natal It is also a relevant administrative center for the oil industry Rio Grande do Norte being the second largest oil producing state in Brazil Thus its Federal University of Rio Grande do Norte UFRN is a national scientific research pole on Oil Sciences ranging from Geophysical to Law studies supported mostly by Petrobras financing The fishing industry is strong shark cartilage being a major export to Japan as is the cultivation of tropical fruit especially mangos guavas and cashews the fruit and the nuts In fact the largest cashew tree in the world is located near the coast in the neighborhood of Pirangi south of the city center This tree has a circumference of 500 metres and occupies an area of 7 300 m making it 70 times the size of average cashew trees The GDP for the city was R 206 832 516 000 2019 17 The per capita income for the city was 44 149 2016 citation needed and 55 900 68 in 2019 18 verification needed Education EditMain article Education in Brazil School of Science and Technology of Federal University of Rio Grande do Norte Portuguese language is the official national language and thus the primary language taught in schools But English and Spanish are part of the official high school curriculum Educational institutions Edit Federal University of Rio Grande do Norte UFRN International Institute of Physics IIP UFRN International Institute for Neuroscience of Natal IINN ELS Estadual do Rio Grande do Norte UERN Universidade Potiguar UnP Instituto Federal do Rio Grande do Norte IFRN Instituto de Educacao Superior Presidente Kennedy Kennedy Faculdade Natalense para o Desenvolvimento do Rio Grande do Norte Farn Faculdade de Natal FAl Faculdade de Excelencia Educacional do Rio Grande do Norte FATERN IINN ELS Faculdade Camara Cascudo FCC Faculdade de Ciencias Cultura e Extensao FACEX Faculdade Catolica Nossa Senhora das Neves FCNSN Faculdade Mauricio de Nassau UNINASSAU Federal Rural University of the Semi arid Region UFERSA There are more than 15 universities in whole state of Rio Grande do Norte 19 Main sights EditNatal Dunes State Park Natal Dunes State Park is considered the second largest urban park in Brazil 20 The Natal Dunes State Park is considered the second largest urban park in Brazil 21 It includes 1 172 hectares of land and allows observation of several vegetal and animal species which are typical of the Atlantic Forest The tour is along a trail accompanied by trained guides The park also has a jogging track and stays open for visitors from Tuesday to Sunday MuseumsMuseums in Natal include Museu de Arte Sacra Museu de Cultura Popular Espaco Cultural Palacio Potengi Instituto Historico e Geografico do Rio Grande do Norte Pinacoteca do Rio Grande do Norte Museum Camara Cascudo Memorial Camara Cascudo Natal Aquarium Seahorses in Natal Aquarium The Natal Aquarium was founded and is run by a family of biologists and retired environmentalists Besides the exhibit the aquarium also serves as a surgery center for sea animals The Aquarium is located between the Oceanica Avenue and the beach The Aquarium exhibits about 60 marine species 22 There are about 30 small aquariums where the species are put individually or in small groups of two or three species Most species were collected at the Brazilian and Rio Grande do Norte coast Species include several kinds of fish including piranhas sea horses shrimps lobsters stingrays octopus etc In a refrigerated aquarium there is a couple of penguins The world s largest cashew tree Forte dos Reis Magos a fortress built in 1598 is now a museum The Largest Cashew Tree in the WorldThe Cashew of Pirangi is the biggest cashew tree in the world In 1994 it entered the Guinness book as the tree which covers the largest area 8 400 square meters 23 it is larger than a typical football pitch Due to a genetic mutation the branches of this tree grow outwards rather than upwards thus when a branch touches the ground roots are not created rather a new ramification starts to grow 24 There is even a gazebo located in the cashew a popular attraction among tourists Forte dos Reis MagosForte dos Reis Magos or Fortaleza dos Reis Magos is a medieval fortress that was the first milestone of the city founded on 25 December 1599 on the right side of the bar of the river Potenji today near the Ponte Newton Navarro It received its name based on the date of commencement of its construction 6 January 1598 at Epiphany Catholic calendar Natal City Park Natal City Park tower and the forest The Natal City Park Dom Nivaldo Monte or simply the City Park is an urban park Inaugurated on July 21 2008 with architectural project of Oscar Niemeyer It has a unique monumental tower and has a museum and restaurant As of January 2011 the entire park is closed due to lack of funding from the city 25 Festa Junina Saint John Festival Festa Junina was introduced to Northeastern Brazil by the Portuguese for whom St John s day also celebrated as Midsummer Day in several European countries on the 24th of June is one of the oldest and most popular celebrations of the year Differently from what happens on the European Midsummer Day the festivities in Brazil do not take place during the summer solstice but during the tropical winter solstice The festivities traditionally begin after the 12th of June on the eve of St Anthony s day and last until the 29th which is Saint Peter s day During these fifteen days there are bonfires fireworks and folk dancing in the streets Typical foods and beverages are served As during Carnival these festivities involve wearing costumes in this case peasant costumes dancing heavy drinking and visual spectacles fireworks display and folk dancing Similar to what happens on Midsummer and St John s Day in Europe bonfires are a central part of these festivities in Brazil Festa Junina in other cities of the state especially in the city of Mossoro which gathers thousands of people during the month of June Newton Navarro bridge Alberto Maranhao Theatre on the inside of it is part of Historic Center The Newton Navarro bridge is one of the highest bridges in Brazil and has over a gorgeous sunset seen from Potengi River It makes the connection with the beaches of the north coast of the state In addition to unburden the city traffic the bridge became a tourist attraction because of its large size Historic CenterThe Natal Historic Center it comprises an area of approximately 201 278 m2 2 166 538 36 sq ft which are included 150 buildings of various styles including colonial architecture neoclassical art deco and modernist This area comprises the districts of Ribeira and Cidade Alta which are the oldest neighborhoods of the city which have characteristics of the first centuries of the history of Brazil highlighting important aspects of Portuguese colonization Barreira do InfernoThe Barreira do Inferno Launch Center is the first base to launch rockets from Brazil With the construction of another center in Brazil today it only launches rockets small and medium businesses and is open to visitation of tourists to know the rockets but must make an appointment to visit the center Parrachos de Maracajau Maracajau beach The Parrachos de Maracajau of coral reefs are the seven kilometers 4 3 miles of beach in Maracajau forming natural pools Occupy an area of 13 km 8 mi excellent for snorkeling in the coral diving underwater that at low tide touch the surface It is one of the places in Brazil where the sea is the most crystalline and suitable for diving The beach of Maracajau is 60 km 37 mi from Natal In Maracajau also a water park the Ma Noa Park Genipabu Genipabu dunes Genipabu or Jenipabu is a beach a complex of dunes a lagoon and an area of environmental protection APA located in Natal capital city one of the most famous post cards of the Brazilian state Rio Grande do Norte It is a huge dunes and a lagoon of fresh water with strong attraction for tourism The region has a good infrastructure of hotels inns restaurants beach tents tours of buggies rafts and dromedaries It is played in the dunes around the lake called esquibunda stakeholders sit down the dunes on top of planks of wood to dive in the waters of the lagoon The tours of buggies are offered in the local with emotion or no emotion according to the degree of risk it is recommended however are chosen accredited professionals responsible for security not only of tourists but the middle environment Ponta Negra and Via Costeira Ponta Negra Beach Via Costeira Ponta Negra is a famous beach and a neighborhood located in the Brazilian city of Natal in the state of Rio Grande do Norte In the extreme south of the beach is located in Morro do Careca Bald Hill a large dune The extreme north of the beach is located at Via Costeira Coastal Way a road in the middle of coastal dunes that connect the various beaches of the city The beach is completely urbanized and there are several points shops restaurants bars and night clubs The sand itself is lined with tents or huts that serve food and drinks to beachgoers day and night A common sight on the beach are jangadas simple multicolored local fishing boats typical of northeastern Brazil The Via Costeira Coastal Way is a great avenue built next to the dunes and beaches of the city including making the connection of several beaches in the state Pipa Beach Pipa BeachThe Pipa Beach is located 85 kilometres 53 miles from Natal and completely away from urban centers A beach Paradise that attracts thousands of tourists every year Other attractionsAs Natal means Christmas in Portuguese possibly in December are some attractions such as concerts plays meeting writers and the traditional burning of fires and the city be decorated with Christmas purposes Cape Sao Roque point of the Brazilian coast close of Africa Calcanhar Lighthouse the highest lighthouse in Brazil Culture EditCarnival in Natal known as Carnatal is one of the largest off season carnivals in Brazil 26 Carnatal takes place sometime in November or December in the streets around the Arena das Dunas Stadium traffic around the stadium changes radically during Carnatal days The transit department isolates about 3 kilometres 2 miles of streets 27 creating a ring along which the party takes place During the days of party a huge truck called trio eletrico with a band on the top and sound boxes all around drives slowly along the streets The crowd follows the trio eletrico singing dancing jumping to the sound of the music Natal is also home to the Mada a national festival of pop rock national and the Verao de Todos a summer festival The patron saint of the city is Our Lady of Presentation Transportation EditInternational airport Edit Greater Natal International Airport Located virtually at sea level 169 feet with favorable weather and geographic conditions Greater Natal International Airport in Sao Goncalo do Amarante is 30 km 19 mi from Natal 28 Air Force Base Edit Natal Air Force Base ALA10 one of their most important bases of the Brazilian Air Force is located in the nearby city of Parnamirim Highways Edit BR 101 highway as Salgado Filho Avenue in December Federal Highway BR 101 is the most important access to Natal coming from the South of Brazil through the boundary with the municipality of Parnamirim For those who come from the State of Ceara the principle access is by the Federal Highway BR 304 through the boundary with the municipality of Macaiba where you pick up BR 226 taking people to Natal Leaving Natal an important access to the southern Potiguar coast is the Sun Route Rota do Sol as RN 063 is known by and which takes you to the beaches of Pirangi Buzios Tabatinga up to the municipality of Nisia Floresta The North Shore is accessible from the Newton Navarro bridge following the Praia do Forte to Genipabu and the Igapo Bridge following the district of Igapo by BR 101 to Touros and by BR 406 to Macau Newton Navarro bridge Natal is connected to all the 167 municipalities of Rio Grande do Norte and dozens of locations and Potiguar districts through the Passenger Bus Terminal of Natal Terminal Rodoviario de Passageiros de Natal located in the Eastern Zone of the city All the accesses to the countryside of the state are through the Metropolitan region of Natal composed of the municipalities of Ceara Mirim Emaus Extremoz Macaiba Monte Alegre Nisia Floresta Parnamirim e Sao Goncalo do Amarante Buses with direct destinations to various Brazilian capitals also leave from the Passenger Bus Terminal of Natal The cities with regular weekly schedules are Belo Horizonte Fortaleza Goiania Joao Pessoa Palmas Recife Salvador Sao Luiz e Teresina 29 Natal s light rail went under renovation in 2014 Bus Edit Buses are the cheapest way to move around Natal Passes or magnetic cards can be purchased beforehand but it is easiest to pay the conductor There are large buses micro buses 30 and vans driving along the same streets charging the same fares All the main touristic spots within Natal are well served by buses People may expect to travel standing up on the big buses not so with micros and vans Typical waiting time is 15 min during the peak hours up to one hour 31 Rail Edit The Sistema de Trens Urbanos de Natal is a two line commuter rail system that operates over 56 km of track and served 3 7 million passengers in 2018 32 Taxi Edit There are plenty of taxis in the city Taxis are white cars and have a red plate Fares are the same regardless of how new and comfortable the car is Fares are regulated by the government The normal prices are US 2 to start metering US 1 per km and US 5 per waiting hour The only exception to these prices are the so called special taxis at the airport From 10 00 pm to 6 00 am at weekdays and all hours at weekends and depending on a decree by the mayor all times during the month of December there is a 20 increase in the above prices 33 this is indicated by a number 2 showing in the fare meter There are several tele taxis companies in Natal 34 Buggy Edit Dune buggy The dune buggy is the vehicle used most to drive along the beaches 35 Some companies offer tours in Land Rovers and other 4WD vehicles these cars offer much more comfort but buggy drivers claim that the buggy is more flexible Riding a buggy people feel the sun and the wind Buggies are safe accidents with buggies are much less frequent than accidents with other cars most dune buggy drivers are certified by the Tourist Authority View of Port of Natal Distances Edit Joao Pessoa 180 km 112 mi 110 mi Sao Paulo 3 011 km 1 871 mi 1870 mi Rio de Janeiro 2 750 km 1 709 mi Belo Horizonte 2 615 km 1 625 mi Brasilia 2 383 km 1 481 mi Salvador 1 100 km 684 mi Porto Alegre 4 320 km 2 684 mi Port Edit The Port of Natal is specialized in cold storage cargo such as fruit fish and shrimp among others It has its own customs facilities and is connected to Europe by direct navigation lines mainly to the ports of Vigo Rotterdam and Sheerness Neighborhoods Edit Map of Natal neighborhoods North Zone South Zone West Zone East Zone Dunes State Park North Zone Potengi Redinha Pajucara Igapo Nossa Senhora da Apresentacao Salinas Lagoa Azul East Zone Cidade Alta Petropolis Tirol Alecrim Ribeira Rocas Barro Vermelho Santos Reis Praia do Meio Areia Preta Mae Luiza West Zone Quintas Nordeste Dix Sept Rosado Bom Pastor Nossa Senhora de Nazare Cidade da Esperanca Cidade Nova Planalto Felipe Camarao Guarapes South Zone Ponta Negra Lagoa Nova Capim Macio Candelaria Neopolis Nova Descoberta PitimbuSports EditSee also 2014 FIFA World Cup Aerial view of Arena das Dunas Nelio Dias gymnasium The main soccer teams of Natal are America de Natal ABC Futebol Clube Alecrim Futebol ClubeStadiums Edit Arena das Dunas Maria Lamas Farache Stadium Frasqueirao Juvenal Lamartine StadiumGymnasiums Edit Ginasio Nelio Dias Palacio dos Esportes2014 FIFA World Cup Edit Natal was one of the host cities of the 2014 FIFA World Cup for which Brazil was the host nation The Dunas Arena was built in place of the old Machadao 36 stadium 37 It is building a new airport Greater Natal International Airport to be the largest airport in Latin America 5 It is also investing in a public transport system using the system of light rail called VLT de Natal and other projects of infrastructure David Beckham had announced plans for a football academy in Natal called the Beckham World of Sport to coincide with the 2014 FIFA World Cup 38 11th World Maxibasketball Championship Edit Natal will be the first Brazilian city to host a World Maxibasketball Championship The 11th World Maxibasketball Championship will occur in July 2011 39 winning among the cities which also wanted to host the event Punta del Este in Uruguay Vancouver in Canada and Eugene in the United States 40 The facilities of the modern Nelio Dias gymnasium should be used to house the event that will bring to the capital of Rio Grande do Norte about 3 500 athletes from around the world 41 Notable people EditNatalenses is the name in Brazil for residents of Natal Latin Grammy Award nominee Roberta Sa is from Natal Abraham Palatnik artist Aldo Parisot cellist and cello teacher Andre Oliveira football player Gleydson de Oliveira Santos football player Antonio Filipe Camarao Native American Cafe Filho lawyer and ex president of Brazil 1954 1955 Carlos Paz de Araujo scientist and inventor Clodoaldo Silva paralympic swimmer Diego Pelicles da Silva football player Fernanda Tavares international model Garibaldi Alves Filho politician and former President of the Federal Senate 2007 2009 Kell football player Jussier da Silva mixed martial artist Larissa Costa model and Miss Brasil 2009 Luis da Camara Cascudo anthropologist folklorist journalist historian lawyer and lexicographer Marinho Chagas football player Matuzalem football player Patricio Freire mixed martial artist champion Patricky Freire mixed martial artist Oscar Schmidt basketball player Ramalho football player Renan Barao mixed martial artist Richarlyson football player Ronny Markes mixed martial artist Abraham Palatnik 1928 2020 artist and inventor Roberta Sa singer Virna Dias volleyball playerTwin towns EditSee also List of twin towns and sister cities in Brazil Natal Rio Grande do Norte is twinned with Bethlehem Palestine 42 Cordoba Argentina Porto Alegre Rio Grande do Sul Brazil Rio de Janeiro Rio de Janeiro Brazil Salvador Bahia Brazil Fortaleza Ceara Brazil Eilat IsraelReferences Edit IBGE 2021 Archived copy PDF United Nations Development Programme UNDP Archived from the original PDF on July 8 2019 Retrieved August 1 2018 a href Template Cite web html title Template Cite web cite web a CS1 maint archived copy as title link Population of Cities in Brazil 2021 Dados Estatisticos Comercio Exterior a b Aeroporto de Sao Goncalo pistas estao garantidas mas terminal ainda nao Correiodatarde com br 2007 09 25 Archived from the original on 2012 11 05 Retrieved 2012 06 25 Saida dos tupi guaranis da Amazonia pode ter ocorrido ha 2 900 anos web archive org 2011 10 07 Retrieved 2022 12 13 Christmas in Natal Natal em Natal www natal brazil com Archived from the original on 2016 03 04 Retrieved 2015 09 21 Destination360 com Climate of Natal Archived from the original on 16 April 2009 Retrieved 25 Jun 2012 WIN 13 24th International Workshop on Weak Interactions and Neutrinos Archived from the original on 14 June 2015 Retrieved 29 January 2015 INMET Normais climatologicas do Brasil in Brazilian Portuguese Retrieved 2022 08 08 INMET Normais Climatologicas do Brasil 1931 1960 in Brazilian Portuguese Rio de Janeiro 1979 INMET Banco de dados meteorologicos in Brazilian Portuguese Retrieved 2022 08 08 Tabela 1287 Populacao dos municipios das capitais e Percentual da populacao dos municipios das capitais em relacao aos das unidades da federacao nos Censos Demograficos in Portuguese Brazilian Institute of Geography and Statistics Archived from the original on March 25 2014 Retrieved August 17 2015 a b IBGE divulga as estimativas populacionais dos municipios em 2014 Brazilian Institute of Geography and Statistics August 28 2014 Archived from the original on March 16 2015 Retrieved August 17 2015 Regiao Metropolitana de Natal em 20 perguntas Nominuto com 2008 06 29 Archived from the original on 2012 03 21 Retrieved 2012 06 25 Sintese de Indicadores Sociais 2000 PDF in Portuguese Natal Brazil IBGE 2000 ISBN 85 240 3919 1 Archived from the original on 2011 06 14 Retrieved 2009 01 31 GDP PDF in Portuguese Natal Brazil IBGE 2019 ISBN 978 85 240 3919 5 Archived from the original on 2020 07 01 Retrieved 2019 07 18 Trabalho e Rendimento Work and Income in Portuguese Natal Brazil IBGE Archived from the original on 2019 04 25 Retrieved 2019 04 25 Universidades no Rio Grande do Norte Seruniversitario com br Archived from the original on 2011 06 13 Retrieved 2012 06 25 Dunas Park Archived April 8 2009 at the Wayback Machine Tribuna do Norte News Dunas Park Archived July 6 2011 at the Wayback Machine Aquarium of Natal Natal brazil com Archived from the original on 2012 02 24 Retrieved 2012 06 25 The World s Largest Cashew Tree The biggest cashew tree of the world Natal brazil com Archived from the original on 2012 02 24 Retrieved 2012 06 25 Prefeitura do Natal Natal rn gov br Archived from the original on 2012 07 19 Retrieved 2012 10 06 Carnatal Natal brazil com Archived from the original on 2012 05 11 Retrieved 2012 06 25 Carnatal Organization Archived 2014 08 14 at the Wayback Machine 12 June 2014 Em Natal aeroporto construido para Copa e inaugurado Archived from the original on 2014 06 06 Retrieved 2014 06 07 Access Natal Viagemdeferias com Archived from the original on 2012 03 08 Retrieved 2012 06 25 Anuncios Classificados Gratis no Brasil CLASF Archived from the original on 2015 12 22 Retrieved 2015 12 17 Bus in Natal Virtualtourist com Archived from the original on 2010 05 01 Retrieved 2012 06 25 VLT de Natal registra aumento no numero de usuarios em 2018 ANP Trilhos in Portuguese 26 March 2019 Retrieved 12 October 2019 Natal Taxi Transport Natal olx com br 2007 05 07 Archived from the original on 2009 06 14 Retrieved 2012 06 25 Taxi in Natal Guiamais com br Retrieved 2012 06 25 Buggy in Natal RN Passeiodebuggy com br Archived from the original on 2012 09 13 Retrieved 2012 06 25 Estadio Machadao Natal RN in Brazilian Portuguese 2019 11 12 Retrieved 2019 11 13 DEADLINK Jornal de Hoje Archived from the original on March 5 2016 Retrieved June 1 2009 Beckham in Natal Uv10 com 2008 02 01 Archived from the original on 2013 02 09 Retrieved 2012 06 25 1 Archived February 23 2009 at the Wayback Machine Federauso Brasileira de Basquetebol Master FBBM 2007 10 24 Archived from the original on 2012 01 11 Retrieved 2012 06 25 2 Archived July 21 2011 at the Wayback Machine Bethlehem Municipality www bethlehem city org Archived from the original on 2010 07 24 Retrieved 2009 10 10 See also EditAndre de Albuquerque Square List of theatres in Natal City Council of Natal History of Rio Grande do NorteExternal links EditNatal Brazil at Wikipedia s sister projects Definitions from Wiktionary Media from Commons News from Wikinews Quotations from Wikiquote Texts from Wikisource Textbooks from Wikibooks Resources from Wikiversity Travel information from Wikivoyage in English Natal Travel Guide in Portuguese o Guia de Viagens de Natal in Portuguese Official website in Portuguese Official governmental tourism portal Retrieved from https en wikipedia org w index php title Natal Rio Grande do Norte amp oldid 1152688709, wikipedia, wiki, book, books, library,

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