Mato Grosso do Sul

Mato Grosso do Sul is located in the central western part of Brazil. It borders  the states of Goiás, Mato Grosso, Distrito federal, Minas Gerais, São Paulo, and also Bolivia and Paraguai. This strategic position marked the history of the state, which was separated from the state of Mato Grosso only a couple of decades ago. Due to its location (it borders several states and countries), and the fact that it was a gateway to reach the gold mines in the region of Cuiabá, Mato Grosso do Sul was disputed between the Spanish and the Portuguese in the XVIII and XIX centuries. In spite of the adverse weather the region was occupied by the ancestors of the current farmers.  Those colonizers were given large plots of lands by the Portuguese crown in order de develop cattle activities. The southern region of the state was highly influenced by the influx of immigrants coming from the South of Brazil. The geography of the state heavily influenced the culture of “matogrossenss” (natives of Mato Grosso do Sul). They incorporated the mores of the Hispanic populations, as well as the indigenous people. Mato Grosso do Sul has a high concentration of indigenous people, and only second to the Amazon region.