Xingu National Park

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location of Xingu National Park in Brazil
location of Xingu National Park in Brazil

The Parque Nacional Xingu is located in the state of Mato Grosso, Brazil and was created on April 14, 1961, signed by President Jânio Quadros. The area of the park is 2,642,003 ha.(26,420 km²), and it is contained in the municipalities of Mato Grosso; Canarana, Paranatinga, São Félix do Araguaia, São José do Xingu, Gaúcha do Norte, Feliz Natal, Querência, União do Sul, Nova Ubiratã and Marcelândia.

Pátio da Aldeia Kamaiurá, Alto-Xingu. Indigenous people playing the "Uruá" flute
Pátio da Aldeia Kamaiurá, Alto-Xingu. Indigenous people playing the "Uruá" flute

The National Park created with the twin objectives of protecting the environment and the indigenous populations of the area.

The tribes which are present includes (population as of 2002) Kamayurá (355), Kaiabi (745), Yudjá (248), Aweti (138), Mehinako (199), Wauja (321), Yawalapiti (208), Ikpeng (319), Kalapalo (417), Kuikuro (415), Matipu (119), Nahukwá (105), Suyá (334) and Trumai (120). The population is growing at 3% per year.