Bananal Island

island, Brazil

Also known as: Ilha do Bananal

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Portuguese:: Ilha Do Bananal

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Bananal Island, island, Tocantins estado (state), central Brazil. The island is formed by the Araguaia River, which for 200 miles (320 km) divides into major (western) and minor (eastern) branches, with Bananal Island lying between them. The major branch of the Araguaia forms part of the boundary between Mato Grosso and Tocantins states. Small boats navigate the minor branch. The island (maximum width 35 miles [55 km]) is the habitat of babassu palms (see photograph), tropical birds, and freshwater fish. Suyá Indians live on Bananal Island. It became the Araguaia National Park in 1959 and includes an airstrip. It is the largest known inland river island in the world and a source of ecotourism for the region.

This article was most recently revised and updated by Amy McKenna.