Manaus

Manaus (formerly Manáos), city in north-west Brazil, capital of Amazonas State, a port on the Negro River (near its confluence with the River Amazon). Accessible by ocean-going vessels, it is one of the chief ports for the developing Amazon River Basin. Among the city's exports are rubber, Brazil nuts, timber, and other products of the surrounding rainforest. Industries include petroleum refining, tourism, and the manufacture of soaps, chemicals, and processed food. The University of Amazonas (1965), a large cathedral, and an ornate opera house are all located in the city. Manaus was founded by the Portuguese in 1669 and was a rubber boom town from 1890 until 1920. Population 1,592,555 (2004 estimate).