A view of Fortaleza, capital of Brazil's northeastern Ceara state. The city is one of the fastest growing cities and has recently become the third-largest city in the country. The northeastern region of Brazil has also surpassed the traditionally more developed south region in energy consumption, a sign that the population is buying more domestic appliances.(Australfoto/Douglas Engle)

A view of Fortaleza, capital of Brazil's northeastern Ceara state. The city is one of the fastest growing cities and has recently become the third-largest city in the country. The northeastern region of Brazil has also surpassed the traditionally more developed south region in energy consumption, a sign that the population is buying more domestic appliances.(Australfoto/Douglas Engle)