MANAUS, June 22 — For one month, Brazil will be putting its best cleated foot forward as the world turns its attention to the bustling, colourful country for the duration of the FIFA World Cup. For the uninitiated, it’s also a prime opportunity to become acquainted with the richly diverse economic powerhouse.

On Sunday, June 22, the US and Portugal will face off in a heated battle in Manaus, the capital city of Amazonas state. Here’s a primer on the host city, set in one of the most remarkable regions in the world.

Location: In the heart of the world’s biggest rainforest, the Amazon, where the Negro River meets Solimoes River in northern Brazil

Nickname: “Paris of the Tropics,” “City of the Forest”

Temperature: Equatorial, varying between 13° Celcius and 37° Celcius

Population: 1.8 million

Interesting facts:  To understand what makes Manaus a particularly remarkable destination, one has to understand the scope of its state, Amazonas.

With an area that spans 1.5 million square kilometres, Brazil’s biggest state is the size of France, Spain, Sweden and Greece combined.

As a gateway to the biggest rainforest on the planet, Manaus is home to an incredibly rich diversity of plant life, birds, insects, fish and wildlife. The area is said to represent 20 per cent of the world’s freshwater reserves, and is home to valuable mining, gas and oil deposits.

More than any other urban centre in Brazil, it’s said that Manaus has made the biggest effort to preserve the traditions of indigenous Brazilian tribes.

In the 19th century, Manaus was a hub for the rubber industry, and an economic powerhouse for Brazil.

Today, the city is an industrial and technological hub.

With an area that spans 1.5 million square kilometres, Brazil’s biggest state is the size of France, Spain, Sweden and Greece combined. This is a view of Manaus' main square. — AFP pix

To see and do:

The meeting of the rivers

One of the biggest and best spectacles Manaus has to offer, the meeting of the Negro and Solimoes rivers is described as a majestic, awe-inspiring sight. For about 6 km, the dark coloured waters of the Negro and the muddy waters of the Solimoes flow side by side without mixing. The best way to witness the natural phenomenon is to take a boat ride, between January and July.

Ponta Negra Beach

Not far from the city center, the beach features sports courts, a playground, boardwalk, bars and restaurants.

Amazon Theatre

The landmark dates back to 1896 and symbolises the region’s prosperity during the rubber boom. All the materials used to construct the theatre came from Europe. The theatre is the city’s main concert hall.

Mercado Municipal

Inspired by the former Les Halles marketplace in Paris, Mercado Municipal is one of the largest open markets in the city and sells fresh fruits, spices, fish and souvenirs. — AFP-Relaxnews

The Amazon Theatre, Manaus.