The history and origin of Santa Catarina state revolves around the establishment of a colonial settlement on the island of Santa Catarina, which developed into the States Capital Florianopolis City. The State has fewer social and economic problems that can be associated with other more populous States in Brazil, and its cities have some of the highest standards of living in the country.

Santa Catarina has a large population of people of European descent. The State was settled by European migrants from Germany, Italy and Portugal.

Cities and towns:

Florianopolis:

Florianopolis (commonly referred to by locals as “Floripa”) is a southern Brazilian island City and the Capital City of Santa Catarina State. The city has a lot of reminders about its past under Portuguese colonization, which is evident in old villages, fortresses, churches and museums. The City has a large German
Population as is typical in most parts of southern Brazil. As of 2004, Florianopolis had an estimated population of 386,913 residents and is one of the smallest State capitals in the country.

Joinville: this is the most populous city in Santa Catarina home to an estimated half a million residents.

Blumenau:

Blumenau is a southern Brazilian City in the state of Santa Catarina. An important city in the region, Blumenau has a population of about 265,000 residents. The City was founded in 1850 by a German Immigrant; Herman Otto Blumenau. The city hosts the Oktoberfest; a beer festival that attracts over a million visitors to the region.