Fortaleza

Lore & Background

After Dutch rule, the fort was renamed Fortaleza da Nossa Senhora de Assunção, giving the city its name. The city has a tropical wet and dry climate, with high humidity and temperatures averaging 27.0 °C. The rainy season runs February to May, with March and April being the wettest months. The vegetation includes coastal restinga and mangrove areas, with conservation units such as Cocó Park and Pedra da Risca do Meio Marine State Park.

Reader's Guide

Fortaleza is a key economic and industrial center in Northeast Brazil, with a GDP exceeding 75 billion reais, making it one of the richest cities in the country. It is the fourth most visited tourist destination in Brazil, according to the Ministry of Tourism. The city is the starting point of BR-116, the most important highway in the country, and is part of the Mercosur common market. The metropolitan area includes 12 municipalities and over 4.1 million residents. Historically, the city received Portuguese, Syrian-Lebanese, Spanish, Italian, English, and French immigrants, and during World War II hosted American military personnel. Fortaleza's significance lies in its role as a regional hub for commerce, industry, and tourism, and its rapid population growth, having become Brazil's fourth-largest city. Its environmental conservation areas protect mangrove forests and Atlantic Forest remnants, while its climate and coastal location make it a popular destination.

Did You Know?

• The BR-116, Brazil's most important highway, starts in Fortaleza.