Ponto dos Volantes | |
|---|---|
 Flag  Seal | |
 | |
| Country | Brazil |
| State | Minas Gerais |
| Intermediate Geographic Region | Teófilo Otoni |
| Immediate Geographic Region | Teófilo Otoni |
| Incorporated | 21 December 1995 |
| Government | |
| • Mayor | Cândido Ferraz Alves (PSDB) |
| Area | |
• Total | 1,212 km2 (468 sq mi) |
| Population (2022) | |
• Total | 10,883[1] |
| • Density | 8.98/km2 (23.3/sq mi) |
| Demonym | ponto-volantense |
| Time zone | UTC−3 (BRT) |
| Postal Code | 39615-000 |
| Area code(s) | +55 33 |
| Website | Ponto dos Volantes, Minas Gerais |
Ponto dos Volantes (Brazilian Portuguese pronunciation:[ˈpõtuduzvoˈlɐ̃t͡ʃis]) is a Brazilianmunicipality located in the northeast of the state ofMinas Gerais. The city is part of theImmediate Geographic Region of Teófilo Otoni. The population according to the2022 census was 10,883 inhabitants in an area of 1,212.413 km² (approx. 468 sq mi).[2] It became a municipality in 1995.
In the early 20th century, the site of what is now Ponto dos Volantes was a small rural settlement known as Barra dos Pilões, named for its location at the confluence of severalstreams.[3] The modern town, however, only began to form with the construction of theBR-116 highway in the 1940s. A smallbar was opened at the construction site, which soon became a popular meeting point for workers, local farmers, and prostitutes. Once the highway was completed, some of the workers decided to settle there permanently, founding the town and giving it the new name "Ponto dos Volantes"—which literally translates to "Drivers' Stop" or "Point of the Drivers."
Ponto dos Volantes was established as a settlement ofItinga in 1943. It was later elevated to adistrict in 1985, and finally became an independent municipality in December 21, 1995.[4]
Ponto dos Volantes is located in theJequitinhonha Valley. According to the 2017 regional division by theBrazilian Institute of Geography and Statistics (IBGE), the municipality is part of theIntermediate andImmediate Geographic Regions of Teófilo Otoni.[5] Prior to this, under the previous microregion and mesoregion system, it belonged to the microregion of Araçuaí, which was itself part of themesoregion of Jequitinhonha.[6]
TheGDP of Ponto dos Volantes is approximatelyR$ 122.6 million, with public administration accounting for the largest share of value added at 52.4%. This is followed by the services sector (35%), agriculture and livestock (8.6%), and industry (4.1%).[7] The GDP per capita in Ponto dos Volantes is R$ 10,000.[7]
Ponto dos Volantes is the municipality whereIsabel Mendes da Cunha lived, a celebrated artisan renowned for her clay sculptures depicting women. Recognized as one of the most famous craftswomen in Minas Gerais, she became known as the "Dollmaker of the Jequitinhonha Valley."[8] Each year, the district of Santana do Araçuaí hosts the Santana do Araçuaí Crafts Fair, considered the largest of its kind in the Jequitinhonha Valley. The fair serves as a vital platform, showcasing the work of local artisans and featuring performances by artists with national reputations.[9]
16°44′43″S41°30′05″W / 16.74528°S 41.50139°W /-16.74528; -41.50139
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