Aruanã

76710 - 000 Aruanã

Aruanã is a small Brazilian municipality in the state of Goiás in the mesoregion Northwest Goiás and in the micro- region of Rio Vermelho. It is located west-northwest of the Brazilian capital Brasília and Goiânia northwest of the capital.

Aruanã lies at the mouth of the Rio Vermelho in the Rio Araguaia. The name Aruanã refers to a characteristic fish of the region, as well as a dance of the indigenous people Karajá, which still lives on the banks of the Rio Araguaia. In the mythology of the Tupi- Guarani Aruanã is the god of joy and protector of Karajá.

Aruanã is a tourist destination and a major producer of cattle.