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Bahia

geography Maturity 11-13 Next article →

Bahia is a large and important state in Brazil. It sits in the Northeast Region of the country.

To the east, the state meets the Atlantic Ocean. It has the longest coastline in all of Brazil. This coast stretches for 1,103 kilometers. The Bay of All Saints is found here too. It is the largest bay on the Brazilian coast.

The state is the fifth largest in Brazil by area. It is also the fourth largest by population.

Stamp of Brazil - 1981 - Colnect 201328 - Bahia
Stamp of Brazil - 1981 - Colnect 201328 - Bahia

The land in Bahia changes depending on where you go. A high area called the Diamantina Tableland divides the state. The eastern part has the Atlantic Forest. This area gets regular rain and stays green.

Mata Atlântica no meio azul
Mata Atlântica no meio azul

The western part is much more dry and arid. This dry area is called the sertão.

Vaqueiros baianos, vaqueiros nordestinos no sertão
Vaqueiros baianos, vaqueiros nordestinos no sertão

A very important river called the São Francisco flows through the west. It starts in Minas Gerais and runs to the Atlantic. This river provides vital water to the dry lands. It helps power big projects like the Sobradinho Dam.

Chapada Diamantina Panorama
Chapada Diamantina Panorama

Bahia has a very long history with many changes. Portuguese explorers first saw the land in the year 1500. They landed at Porto Seguro on the southern coast.

Centro Histórico de Salvador Bahia Largo do Pelourinho 2019-6501
Centro Histórico de Salvador Bahia Largo do Pelourinho 2019-6501

In 1549, the city of Salvador was built on a hill. Salvador served as a capital for Portuguese colonies for a long time. The state was once a center for growing sugar and tobacco. Many African slaves were brought here to work on these farms. This history shaped the culture of the state deeply. In 1823, Bahia finally joined the independent Empire of Brazil.

Today, Bahia is a place of work and many people. About 14,141,626 people live in the state.

The state is divided into 417 different municipalities. Salvador is the capital and the largest city. Many people also live in the many historic towns. The state is known for its strong industry and farming. It also produces 4.2% of the money made in Brazil.

Arena Fonte Nova view from lake (zoom)
Arena Fonte Nova view from lake (zoom)

Many different groups of people live here together. This includes many Indigenous groups like the Pataxó and Tupinambá.

Pictographs in Parque Nacional da Chapada Diamantina
Pictographs in Parque Nacional da Chapada Diamantina

Visitors come to Bahia to see many wonderful things. You can explore the Chapada Diamantina National Park.

Belezas da Chapada Diamantina 13
Belezas da Chapada Diamantina 13

It has very beautiful hills and canyons. People also visit places like Morro de São Paulo and Ilhéus. The state has a lot of power in tourism. You can see old buildings in the historic center of Salvador.

Centro Histórico de Salvador Bahia Largo do Pelourinho 2019-6501
Centro Histórico de Salvador Bahia Largo do Pelourinho 2019-6501

You might even see the famous Capoeira dance. Bahia links its old history to its modern life. It remains a very special part of Brazil today.

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🖼️ Images & Media (17)
File:Global Forest Change tree-cover loss year in Bahia, 2001-2024.png
Global Forest Change tree-cover loss year...
File:Belezas_da_Chapada_Diamantina_13.JPG
Belezas_da_Chapada_Diamantina_13.JPG
Mapa topográfico e administrativo da...
File:Visão parcial do Santuário do Bom Jesus da Lapa e da Senhora da Soledade.jpg
Visão parcial do Santuário do Bom Jesus...
File:06.06.2023 - Cerimônia de abertura da 17ª Bahia Farm Show (52955296372).jpg
06.06.2023 - Cerimônia de abertura da 17ª...
File:Patrimônio Imaterial Capoeira (49188233638).jpg
Patrimônio Imaterial Capoeira (49188233638).jpg
File:Vaqueiros baianos, vaqueiros nordestinos no sertão.jpg
Vaqueiros baianos, vaqueiros nordestinos...
File:Centro Histórico de Salvador Bahia Largo do Pelourinho 2019-6501.jpg
Centro Histórico de Salvador Bahia Largo...
File:Chapada Diamantina Panorama.jpg
Chapada Diamantina Panorama.jpg
File:170-Vale do Capao 2015 2048px 23.jpg
170-Vale do Capao 2015 2048px 23.jpg
Pictographs in Parque Nacional da Chapada...
File:Mata Atlântica no meio azul.jpg
Mata Atlântica no meio azul.jpg

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