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History of Ilhabela


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Before Portugal colonized Brazil in 1500, an indigenous tribe called the Tupinambas, inhabited the island. They called the island 'Ciribai', which means tranquil place.

The island was named Sao Sebastiao Island by Americo Vespuccio, on January 20, 1502. During the 16th century, the Portuguese set up military points on the shore of Sao Sebastiao Island.

On September 3, 1805, the Governor of the Province of Sao Paulo, Antônio Jose da Franca e Horta, decreted the political-administrative independence of the county. The Island had already 3.000 inhabitants at that time. The new county was named Villa Bella da Princeza, paying homage to the princess of Beira.

On November 30, 1938, during the Getulio Vargas' Estado Novo, an act altered the name of the county to Formosa. Six years later, on November 30, 1944, another act ultimately changed the name to Ilhabela.

Nowadays, the city is a popular touristic destination. Among the current critical issues of the island, is the lack of proper sewage pipes to collect all houses' waste water. As of January 2012, 46,6Percent of the buildings in the island lacked such infrastructure
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