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Natal, Brazil

Natal with a population of about 800,000 is the capital of Rio Grande do Norte state, NE Brazil, just above the mouth of the Potengi River. The name Natal comes form its founding day, Christmas Day, 1599. Later (from 1633 to 1654) it was occupied by the Dutch and in 1817 was briefly the seat of a revolutionary government until it was suppressed by imperial authorities. It grew rapidly during World War II, when an airport was built for flights to Africa. It is a modern city that has retained its colonial flavor and as an additional tourist attraction (and point of relaxation for the locals) it is surrounded by white sand and palm studded beaches. On the commercial side (can't be all play and no work even in Brazil!) its port handles a good volume of coastal shipping and particularly in the export of tungsten. There is also some light manufacturing.