Foz do Iguaçu is the 6th largest city of Paraná state and the 12nd largest of the Brazil's Southern region, with a population of 270,000 habitants (including the nearby community of Santa Terezinha do Iguaçu). It is located approximately 500 km west of Curitiba, Parana's capital city. The habitants of the city are called iguaçuenses. It is situated at 25°50′S 54°30′W.

History

In 1549, a Spanish explorer, Cabeza de Vaca, found the falls while trailing down the river. Very impressed, he named them "Quedas de Santa Maria". But later the name changed to Quedas do Iguazu - a native name from the Guarani Indians who once lived there.

Until 1860 it was in Paraguayan territory, but after the Paraguayan War, large chunks of the territory were passed on to Brazilian control in the north side and Argentinian control in the south side.

The region was almost uninhabited, with only a military colony until 1897. Given the little attention given by political authorities, the region was very predated by foreigners, mainly Argentinians.

In 1910, the colony's status was upgraded to the position of "vila" (town or village), named "Vila Iguassu", and, in 1914, to city.

In 1916, Alberto Santos-Dumont visited the region and, impressed with the beauties of the region, invoked more attention by the government to the area and asked for the misappropriation of the land where the Parque do Iguaçu (Iguassu Park) is located. Until 1917, this region had an owner, Jezus Val. The state misappropriated the land in the next year, and, in 1939, the Parque do Iguaçu was created.

In 1945, an agreement between the Brazilian Academy of Letters and the Academy of Lisbon changed the city name to Foz do Iguaçu.

The city experienced a big economical boom in the 60s to the late 80s, first with the construction of the Friendship Bridge, concluded in 1965, and the Itaipu Dam, finished in the beginning of the 70s. However, the city suffered with the world economic recession, that brought in fewer tourists and fewer consumers to Ciudad del Este's imported goods.

In 2004, the city's economy started again to rise, after a long time of recession.

Climate

The climate of Foz do Iguaçu is sub-tropical, with two distinctive seasons; one humid and hot in the summer and another, dry and cool, in the winter. The city's annual average temperature is 23.8°C, but can be as high as 43°C in the summer (highest) or as low as -5°C in the winter (lowest). The average in the summer is 26,5°C and in the winter 15,4°C.

The climate of the city is generally hot or warm throughout the year, due to the relatively low altitude (standing only 173 above sea's level).

Generally, the city is sunny during the year, but rain is fairly common during the spring and in the summer. The weather of the city, however, changes very constantly, because the region where the city stands is the zone where frequently three fronts meet. As consequence, it is not uncommon to see temperatures as high as 35°C and in the summer as low as 8°C in the city, and commonly, thunderstorms.

One of the world's most natural wonders.