Belém is a city located in the state of Pará, in the northern part of Brazil. It is the capital and also the largest city of the state, and it serves as the gateway to the Amazon River with a strategic position near the Atlantic Ocean. Belém is also known as 'Cidade das Mangueiras' (City of Mango Trees) due to the numerous mango trees that line the city's streets and public spaces. The city was founded on January 12, 1616, by the Portuguese Crown, and has over four centuries of rich history influenced by indigenous, European, and African cultures. Historically, Belém was an essential port and hub for the exploration and trade of the resources from the Amazon rainforest, notably during the rubber boom in the late 19th to early 20th century, which brought wealth and prosperity to the region. Today, the city is an important economic center in the North of Brazil, and has a population of about 1.5 million inhabitants while the metropolitan area encompasses approximately 2.5 million people. Culturally, Belém reflects a mixture of traditions, including indigenous customs, Portuguese colonial heritage, and African influences, especially manifest in its cuisine, music, dance, and religious festivals. The local cuisine is famous for its use of native Amazonian ingredients, such as the açaí berry, and dishes like 'pató no tucupi' (duck in tucupi sauce) and 'tacacá' (a soup made with jambu leaves and dried shrimp). The music scene features popular rhythms such as Carimbó, a dance and music style which originated from indigenous and African influences. The Círio de Nazaré, one of the largest religious processions in Brazil and the world, is celebrated annually in Belém and attracts millions of pilgrims and tourists. It is a festival honoring Our Lady of Nazareth and it has been classified by UNESCO as Intangible Cultural Heritage of Humanity. Demographically, Belém is a melting pot of races and ethnicities, with a majority of the population being of mixed Indigenous, European, and African descent, reflecting the diverse heritage of Brazil. Economically, Belém has a diversified economy with a mix of industrial, agricultural, and service sectors. The city acts as a distribution and logistics center for products from the Amazon region, including timber, minerals, and agricultural produce. In recent years, Belém has invested in tourism, showcasing its natural beauty, historical architecture (like the Ver-o-Peso market, a public market and one of the oldest in Brazil), and cultural significance. Geographically, the city of Belém is characterized by its proximity to the equator, therefore experiencing a hot and humid tropical climate with lush vegetation. The landscape is interspersed with rivers, mangroves, and wetlands, contributing to the city's unique urban ecosystem. In summary, Belém is a city that embodies the convergence of history, culture, and natural resources, playing an integral role in the development and identity of the Brazilian Amazon region.