According to the Municipal Human Development Index (MHDI), Florianopolis takes first place in quality of life in Brazil. In a research undertaken by the United Nations, the capital of the state of Santa Catarina stands out among the 21 metropolitan regions in Brazil that were part of the study, getting a mark of 0.815 (considered very high) in an index that varies from 0 to 1.
The “Ilha da Magia” (Magical Island), is a nickname that is not restricted only to natural beauties, historical patrimony, and local folklore, but also encompasses the calculations of the United Nations Development Program (UNDP), which are: opportunity for a long and healthy life, access to knowledge, and a standard of living that guarantees the basic needs of an individual (health, education, and income).
If this isn’t enough to convince you to think of the city as an excellent place to visit, or even to live in, it’s worth noting that, within 436.5 square kilometers, Florianopolis is able to charm inhabitants and tourists with a beautiful show of all that’s best in nature: from trails inside the Atlantic Forest to a delicious dive in its paradisiac lagoons and beaches, passing through historical places, such as archeological sites.
With activities for all ages and lifestyles, Floripa, (as it’s informally called), also offers a lively nightlife, both in crowded nightclubs and in famous restaurants.
A healthy city
According to information from the Ministerio da Saude (Health Ministry) and the Agencia Nacional de Saude Suplementar (National Agency for Supplementary Health), Florianopolis has the lowest percentage of obesity among Brazilian capital cities. The information was collected from health insurance plans, and indicates an 11.7% rate, much lower than the national average, 17.7%.
Floripa is the stage for many sports, both on land and in water. Its dunes are an invitation to sandboarding, the woods are ideal for trekking, and its beaches are a delight for surfing and its variations, windsurfing and kitesurfing.
Jurere, a very special place
In the north of Florianopolis, the big hit is the famous district of Jurere. This aristocratic region of Florianopolis is not only famous for the biggest and trendiest parties in town. With a large, thickly wooded forest, it is a model of environmental preservation in Brazil, and home to the Chico Mendes Institute. Also a model for organic urbanization and sustainability, Jurere is, in short, a successful real estate, residential and resort enterprise. The district has two schools that are among the best educational institutions in Brazil.
