Foz do Iguaçu facts for kids

Iguaçu Falls, a famous natural wonder.

The amazing Itaipu Dam at night.

The flag of Foz do Iguaçu.

The city's coat of arms.

Foz do Iguaçu (pronounced "Foss doo Ee-gwah-SOO") is a lively city located in the south of Brazil. It is the fourth largest city in the state of Paraná. About 309,000 people call Foz do Iguaçu home. The city is located about 650 kilometers (400 miles) west of Curitiba, which is Paraná's capital city.

Foz do Iguaçu is special because it sits right on the border where three countries meet: Brazil, Argentina, and Paraguay. The people who live here are called iguaçuenses. The city is most famous for two incredible landmarks: the stunning Iguaçu Falls and the massive Itaipu Dam.

What Makes Foz do Iguaçu Special?

Foz do Iguaçu is known worldwide for its natural beauty and impressive engineering. It attracts many visitors from all over the globe.

Iguaçu Falls: A Natural Wonder

The Iguaçu Falls are a breathtaking series of waterfalls on the Iguaçu River. They are much wider than Niagara Falls and are a true natural wonder. The falls are shared between Brazil and Argentina, with national parks on both sides to protect them. Visitors can explore walkways and viewpoints to get close to the roaring water. The sound of the falls is powerful, and rainbows often appear in the mist.

Itaipu Dam: A Giant Powerhouse

The Itaipu Dam is one of the largest hydroelectric dams in the world. It was built on the Paraná River, right on the border between Brazil and Paraguay. This huge dam generates a lot of electricity, providing power to both countries. It's an amazing example of human engineering and shows how we can use natural resources to create energy. You can even take tours to learn how this giant structure works.

Location and Borders

Foz do Iguaçu has a unique location. It is part of a special area called the "Triple Frontier."

Triple Frontier: Three Countries Meet

The Triple Frontier is where the borders of Brazil, Argentina, and Paraguay come together. The Paraná and Iguaçu rivers meet here. This makes Foz do Iguaçu a very important city for trade and tourism. People can easily cross bridges to visit neighboring cities like Ciudad del Este in Paraguay and Puerto Iguazú in Argentina. This creates a vibrant mix of cultures and activities.

Economy and Tourism

Tourism is a very important part of Foz do Iguaçu's economy. Many people visit the city to see the famous falls and dam.

Visitor Attractions

Besides the falls and the dam, Foz do Iguaçu offers other attractions for visitors. There are national parks, bird parks, and even a Buddhist temple and a mosque, showing the city's diverse culture. The city also has many hotels, restaurants, and shops to serve the tourists. The Foz do Iguaçu International Airport helps bring people from all over the world to this exciting destination.

Images for kids

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  A beautiful sunset over Foz do Iguaçu National Park.

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  Flags waving proudly in Iguazu National Park.

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  An amazing aerial view of the Iguaçu falls.

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  A peaceful Buddhist temple in Foz do Iguaçu.

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  A beautiful mosque located in the city.

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  The Foz do Iguaçú Cathedral, a landmark in the city.

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  Airplanes at the Foz do Iguaçu International Airport.

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  The Tri-border area where Brazil, Paraguay and Argentina meet.

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  A Military School building in Foz do Iguaçu.

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  Another view of the magnificent Iguaçu falls.

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  A lovely hotel in Foz do Iguaçú, close to the Iguaçu Falls.

See also

In Spanish: Foz do Iguaçu para niños