Tocantins facts for kids
Tocantins can mean a few things:
- Tocantins, which is one of the states in Brazil.
- Tocantins River, a big river that flows through Brazil.
There are also some smaller Brazilian cities named Tocantins.
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Tocantins: A Brazilian State
Tocantins is a state located in the northern part of Brazil. It was created quite recently, in 1988, from the northern part of the state of Goiás. This makes it one of Brazil's newest states. Its capital city is Palmas, which was built specifically to be the capital.
Where is Tocantins?
The state of Tocantins is right in the middle of Brazil. It's a place where three important Brazilian biomes meet: the Amazon rainforest, the Cerrado (a type of savanna), and the Pantanal (a large wetland). This mix of environments makes Tocantins very special. It has a tropical climate, which means it's warm all year round. The state is known for its flat areas and plateaus.
Nature and Wildlife
Tocantins is home to amazing nature. Because it touches the Amazon, Cerrado, and Pantanal, you can find many different plants and animals here. The Araguaia River and the Tocantins River flow through the state, creating rich areas for wildlife. You might see jaguars, capybaras, and many types of birds. The Jalapão State Park is a famous natural area in Tocantins. It has golden sand dunes, clear rivers, and beautiful waterfalls. It is a great place for eco-tourism.
The Tocantins River
The Tocantins River is one of the longest rivers in Brazil. It flows for about 2,450 kilometers (1,522 miles). The river starts in the state of Goiás and flows north. It eventually joins the Araguaia River before emptying into the Atlantic Ocean. The Tocantins River is very important for the region. It provides water for farming and is used for transportation. There are also several dams on the river that produce electricity.
Life in Tocantins
Life in Tocantins often revolves around farming and cattle ranching. Important crops grown here include soybeans, corn, and rice. The state is also developing its tourism industry, especially in places like Jalapão. The BR-153 highway, also known as the Belém-Brasília Highway, is a main road that connects Tocantins to other parts of Brazil. This highway helps with trade and travel across the state. The people of Tocantins are known for their friendly culture and connection to the land.
Images for kids
See also
In Spanish: Tocantins para niños