GOYAZ, go-ylizI (from the extinct Indian tribe of Guayazes). A State of Brazil, bounded by the State of Maranhao on the north; by Maranhao, Piauhy, Bahia, and Minas Geraes on the east; by Minas Geraes on the south; and by Para and Matto Grosso on the west (Map: Brazil, H 6). Area, 288,470 square miles. Goyaz forms a part of the Brazilian table-land, and is traversed by a number of mountain ranges in the south and along the eastern boundary. Forests are found only along the rivers, but a large part of the State is covered with a low brushwood. The chief rivers are the Tocantins, which runs through the central part of the State in a northern direction, and the Araguaytt, which forms the western boundary. Little is known of the northern part of Goyaz. The climate is moderate and generally healthful. In spite of its abundant natural resources and favorable climate, Goyaz is one of the most isolated and least developed of the Brazilian States. One of
the chief reasons for this is to be found in the lack of transportation facilities. There are no railways, while the large rivers are rendered unfit for navigation by their numerous rapids. Agriculture is little developed, the production being barely sufficient to supply the domestic demand. The gold deposits of the State, once extensive, are apparently exhausted, the mining industry being extinct. The chief centres of population are found in the south. Population, in 1890, 227,572. The Indians number about 25,000,, and there are large numbers of negroes. Capital, Goyaz,(q.v.). In the southern portion of the State a territory of about 5500 square miles has been set aside for the future capital of the Republic of Brazil.