Curitiba is the capital city of the Brazilian state of Paraná. In 2005 its population was approximately 1,788,559 people (biggest city in Southern Brazil). Its metropolitan area comprises 26 municipalities with a total population of over 3.5 million (2006 IBGE estimate). Curitiba is one of the most important city of Southern Brazil with Porto Alegre, being a cultural, political and economic center. Curitiba's main airport Afonso Pena International Airport is one of the most modern Brazilian terminals and the most important airport in Southern Brazil 2007 and will be the region's transportation hub according to Minister Nelson Jobim.