Minas Gerais

Ethnic Groups

The first inhabitants of Minas Gerais were the Amerindians. In the XVII century, the first groups of Bandeirantes from São Paulo started arriving in the region looking for gold mines and created the first villages. In the XVIII century, lots of golds mines were found in Minas Gerais, and thousands of Portuguese seattled in the region, mostly from the Minho region, Northern Portugal. The Portuguese immigration to the gold region during the 1700's was so big that Portugal had to abolish immigration to Brazil for a period. Also many people from many parts of Brazil arrived in the gold areas. In the same period, thousands of Africans, mostly from Angola, were brought to Minas Gerais to work as slaves. In 1750, almost half of the population was composed by slaves(Blacks and mixed Black/White). The other half was composed mostly by Whites, mixed Whites, Indians and Blacks and free blacks.

Related Topics:
Amerindians - Bandeirantes - São Paulo - Portuguese - Minho - Africans - Angola

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In the late XIX century, with the end of slavery in Brazil, European immigrants started arriving in larger number to Minas Gerais. In the 1840's, some Germans started arriving. In the 1890's and 1900's, thousands of Northern Italians arrived in Minas Gerais to work in coffee plantation. In the same period some Lebanese, Syrian,Swiss,Portuguese, Spaniards and other immigrants also seattled in Minas Gerais.

Related Topics:
European - Germans - Italians - Lebanese - Syrian - Swiss - Portuguese - Spaniards

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Although, the population of Minas Gerais is known for its strong Portuguese heritage and strong influence from Catholic religion.

Related Topics:
Portuguese - Catholic

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