Espírito Santo

Espírito Santo is one of the states of southeastern Brazil, often referred to by the abbreviation "ES". With its capital at Vitória and largest city at Vila Velha. Those who are born in the state are known as "Capixabas", authough the precise word is "Espiritossantenses". The name means literally "holy spirit" after the Holy Ghost of Christianity.

Espírito Santo was first inhabited by Amerindians, whose different tribes were usually semi-nomadic. The area was colonized by the Portuguese, and subsequently descendants of black slaves, and, later, by European immigrants of various origins.

One of the most important lake districts in Brazil lies on the banks of the Doce river. The area contains some 26 large lakes, the biggest of which is called Juparanã Lake.

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