A satellite view of Marajó
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Geography | |
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Location | Amazon River |
Coordinates | 0°59′S 49°35′W / 0.983°S 49.583°W |
Area | 40,100 km2 (15,500 sq mi) |
Area rank | 35th |
Length | 297 km (184.5 mi) |
Width | 204 km (126.8 mi) |
Highest elevation | 40 m (130 ft) |
Highest point | Breves (city) |
Administration | |
State | Pará |
Macroregion | Marajó |
Largest settlement | Breves (pop. 99,223) |
Demographics | |
Population | 250,000 |
Coordinates: 0°59′S 49°35′W / 0.983°S 49.583°W
Marajó (Portuguese pronunciation: [ˈiʎɐ dʒi maɾaˈʒɔ]) is an island located at the mouth of the Amazon River in Brazil. It is part of the state of Pará. Marajó is the largest fluvial island in the world and the second largest island in South America. With a land area of 40,100 square kilometres (15,500 sq mi) Marajó is comparable in size to Switzerland. It is approximately 295 kilometres (183 mi) long and 200 kilometres (120 mi) wide.
The island is known for the pororoca, a tidal bore phenomenon in the river that creates large waves reaching 4 m (13 ft) in height. It is a tourist destination, especially among surfing enthusiasts.
The northeast coastline of Marajó faces the Atlantic Ocean. The outflow from the Amazon between January and July is so great that the sea at the mouth is made up of fresh water for some distance from shore. The city of Belém lies to the south across the southern fork (also called the Pará River) of the river's mouth. The island sits almost directly on the equator.