Linhares
19°23′27″S 40°04′19″W / 19.39083°S 40.07194°W
Linhares is the name of a municipality in the state of Espírito Santo, Brazil. One hundred and thirty-five km north of the state capital, it is the largest municipality by area at 4,407.4 km², and has a population of more than 124,000 people (1995, IBGE).
The municipality is named in honor of D. Rodrigo de Souza Coutinho, Count of Linhares, who was a minister in the Brazilian government in the 1800s and 1810s.
History
The area today known as Linhares was once inhabited by the Botocudo. A town founded by Europeans on August 22, 1800 was destroyed by the Indians during a war in 1809.
The area was visited by Brazilian Emperor Dom Pedro II in 1860. An island he set foot on is still known as the Emperor's Island.
Linhares became a municipality in 1945, when it separated from the municipality of Colatina.
Economy
The economy of Linhares is mostly based on commerce , agriculture, pecuary and oil.
Geography
Linhares is characterized by undulating lowlands and numerous lakes. The town sits on the Doce River amidst its 64 lakes.
The climate is hot, tropical, and humid, typically with a dry winter season and more humid summer. The main saltwater lagoons in the region are: Japaranã-Mirim, Palmas, Durão, Palminhas, Aguiá, Monsarás, Limão, Feia, Combóios, Piabanha, Óleo, Pau Grosso, Terra Alta and Patrão.
The Juparanã Lagoon (salt water) is also the second largest in water volume in the country. See Município de Linhares for a photo.