Guia do Brasil
Ceará
Known as the “Land of Light" because of its long and sunny days, Ceará has one of the most sought-after coastlines in the country, including paleontological treasures and natural reserves. Including tourism, the local economy is based on agriculture and textile industry. With a population of approximately 8.5 million, the state is notable for the richness of its local crafts and cooking, based on seafood and typical delicacies of the sertão. The capital, Fortaleza, is a coastal metropolis with a busy cultural agenda and excellent service infrastructure.
In 2006, Fortaleza hosted the Men’s Volleyball World Championship games, and in the year 2002, it was the stage of a phase of the World Beach Volleyball Tour – a sport strongly tied to the city's tradition. The Ceará state capital is the home town of Shelda, silver medallist at the Sydney 2000 and Athens 2004 Olympic Games, and Márcio Araújo, who won the silver medal at the Beijing 2008 Olympics. Another prominent name in the state is the sprinter Ana Cláudia Lemos, gold medallist in the 200m and in the 4x100m relay Athletics event at the 2011 Pan American Games of Guadalajara, in Mexico.
The main attractions of Ceará are its beaches such as Jericoacoara and Canoa Quebrada, with a backdrop sculptured with cliffs. The region of Cariri, wedged in the Chapada do Araripe, is famous for its natural flora and fauna, thermal springs, caves and waterfalls. The site offers several options for ecotourism and houses the largest formation of petrified fossil fields in the world, dating back to the Cretaceous period. In the cities, the old mills and mansions preserve the state's historic heritage.