World Geography Unit 2

Minas Gerais was the major producer of gold for the Portuguese crown in the 18th century. This state, located in southeastern Brazil, played a crucial role in the economic development of the Portuguese Empire during that time. The discovery of gold in Minas Gerais led to a gold rush, attracting thousands of people from different parts of Brazil and even from other countries. The gold extracted from this region contributed significantly to the wealth and power of the Portuguese crown, making Minas Gerais the main gold producer in Brazil during the 18th century.

The former name of Kiribati, pronounced "Kiribus," was The Gilbert Islands.

"Bearbrass" was once considered as an alternative name for the capital city of Melbourne, Victoria, Australia. This suggests that at some point in history, there was a discussion or consideration of changing the name of the city to Bearbrass. However, the name Melbourne was ultimately chosen and is now the widely recognized name for the capital city of Victoria, Australia.

Sutter's Fort was originally located in Sacramento, California. The fort was established by John Sutter, a Swiss immigrant, in the 1840s. The area around the fort attracted a large number of Swiss immigrants, which contributed to the population of the city. Today, Sacramento is the capital of California.

In 1850, King Kamehameha declared Honolulu as the capital of Hawaii. This decision was significant as it solidified Honolulu's position as the political and economic center of the Hawaiian Kingdom. The city's strategic location and natural harbor made it an ideal choice for the capital. Honolulu's status as the capital continued even after Hawaii became a U.S. territory and later a state. Today, Honolulu remains the capital and largest city of Hawaii, serving as a major hub for tourism, commerce, and government activities.

Helsinki is the correct answer because it is the only northern European capital city that was completely burned to the ground twice, in 1713 and again in 1808. Stockholm, Reykjavik, and Oslo have not experienced such devastating fires in their histories.

Suva, Fiji is the correct answer because Suva is the capital city of Fiji and it is located near the mouth of the Rewa River.

In 1910, Portugal transitioned from being a kingdom to becoming a republic. This marked a significant change in the country's political structure, as it shifted from a monarchy to a democratic republic. The year 1910 is important in Portuguese history as it represents the end of the monarchy and the beginning of a new era of governance.

Kangaroo Island is named after a marsupial because it is home to a large population of kangaroos. The island is known for its diverse wildlife, including kangaroos, making it an appropriate name for the island.

Thursday Island is named after one of the days of the week. It is located in the Torres Strait, between the Australian mainland and Papua New Guinea. The island was named by Captain William Bligh, who discovered it on a Thursday in 1792. Thursday Island has a rich history and is known for its diverse culture and beautiful scenery.

The Gulf of Carpentaria can be found on the North Coast of Australia. This large bay is located between the Northern Territory and Queensland, and it is bordered by the Arafura Sea to the northwest. The Gulf of Carpentaria is known for its diverse marine life, including various species of fish, turtles, and dugongs. It is also an important fishing area and provides livelihoods for many indigenous communities in the region.

Belo Horizonte is the correct answer because it is the third largest city in Brazil. It is the capital of the state of Minas Gerais and has a population of over 2.5 million people. The city is known for its modern architecture, vibrant culture, and beautiful natural surroundings. It is an important economic and cultural center in Brazil, making it a significant city in the country.

Perth is the correct answer because it is the only Australian state capital city located on the scenic Swan River. The Swan River is known for its black swans, which is why Perth is often referred to as the "City of Black Swans".

Hobart, the capital city of Tasmania, has the snow-capped Mount Wellington as a scenic backdrop. This mountain provides a beautiful and picturesque view to the city, making it a popular tourist attraction. The other options, Port Louis, Mauritius, Wellington, New Zealand, and Edinburgh, Scotland, do not have Mount Wellington as their scenic backdrop.

Juneau, Alaska is the correct answer because it is the 2nd largest city in area in the world. Although it may not be as well-known as some other cities, Juneau covers a large land area due to its location in the expansive state of Alaska. This makes it larger in area than Johannesburg, South Africa, Fairbanks, Alaska, and St. Petersburg, Russia.