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Piauí

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Piauí is a state located in the Northeast Region of Brazil. It contains 1.6% of the total Brazilian population. The state also produces 0.7% of the nation's Gross Domestic Product, or GDP. Piauí is bordered by several other Brazilian states. To the west, it sits next to Maranhão and Tocantins. To the east, it shares borders with Ceará and Pernambuco. To the south, it is bounded by Bahia. The state has a small section of Atlantic coastline to the north. This coastline is only 66 kilometers long.

Praia Luís Correia I
Praia Luís Correia I

The geography of Piauí is shaped largely by the Parnaíba River basin. This river forms the entire western boundary with Maranhão. The land near the Atlantic coast and the lower Parnaíba is low and swampy. Historically, these areas were known for being malarial. Moving south, the land rises into a plateau with open fields called campos. This region is watered by many tributaries of the Parnaíba. These include the Poti, the Longa, and the Canindé. The Piauí River is also a tributary and is navigable for boats.

Foz do rio poti visto do parnaiba
Foz do rio poti visto do parnaiba

Different ecoregions define the various landscapes of the state. The eastern portion is dominated by Caatinga shrublands. These dry areas extend across much of northeastern Brazil.

SERRA DA CAPIVARA03
SERRA DA CAPIVARA03

In the southwest, the Cerrado savannas cover the land. These are located in the upper Parnaíba and Gurguéia river basins. Along the coast, sandy soils support Northeastern Brazil restingas. These are low, evergreen forests that grow in nutrient-poor soil. Near the lower Parnaíba, you will find Maranhão Babaçu forests. These forests are characterized by stands of the Babaçu palm.

Janela do Sertão
Janela do Sertão

History in Piauí is preserved through significant archaeological sites. The Serra da Capivara National Park is a UNESCO World Heritage Site. It contains more than 400 archaeological sites. This park holds the largest concentration of rock paintings in the world.

Serra da Capivara - Several Paintings 2b
Serra da Capivara - Several Paintings 2b

These paintings and other remains show evidence of prehistoric Paleo-Indian cultures. The state also features the Sete Cidades National Park. These sites offer a look at ancient, sedentary-based Indigenous Brazilian cultures.

Parque da Serra da Capivara - BR 324
Parque da Serra da Capivara - BR 324

Early colonial history involved settlers like Francisco Dias d'Ávila and Domingos Afonso Mafrense. Mafrense founded the settlement that is now known as Oeiras in 1674.

The capital city of Piauí is Teresina. It is unique because it is the only state capital in the northeast located inland. Teresina was the first planned city in Brazil. An architect designed the city in 1852 using a chessboard pattern. The city sits at the confluence of the Parnaíba and Poti Rivers.

9GvtkTd
9GvtkTd

It is often called the Green City. This name comes from the many mango trees lining its streets. Teresina serves as a major center for education and transport. Students attend the Universidade Federal do Piauí to further their studies.

Pórtico da UFPI (University)
Pórtico da UFPI (University)

The economy of Piauí relies on several different sectors. The service sector is the largest, making up 60.1% of the GDP. The industrial sector follows at 27.3%. Agriculture accounts for 12.6% of the GDP. Key agricultural products include cotton, sugar, and tobacco. The state also exports essential oils, soybeans, and cashews. Livestock raising has been a major industry since the 17th century.

Energia Eolica
Energia Eolica

Piauí also possesses valuable mineral resources. There are significant deposits of nickel and iron ore. The state is also home to South America's only opal mines in Pedro Segundo.

Demographics and culture provide a rich view of life in the state. According to the 2022 census, Piauí has 3,271,199 residents. The population is mostly Christian, with a high proportion of Catholics. However, there is great religious diversity. There are more than 800 adherents of Afro-Brazilian religions in Teresina. The state also celebrates the Festa Junina, a festival inspired by Portuguese traditions. This festival includes bonfires, fireworks, and folk dancing. These cultural elements help define the multicultural identity of the people in Piauí.

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🖼️ Images & Media (11)
File:Serra_da_Capivara_-_Several_Paintings_2b.jpg
Serra_da_Capivara_-_Several_Paintings_2b.jpg
File:Praia Luís Correia I.jpg
Praia Luís Correia I.jpg
File:Janela_do_Sertão.jpg
Janela_do_Sertão.jpg
File:SERRA_DA_CAPIVARA03.jpg
SERRA_DA_CAPIVARA03.jpg
File:Global Forest Change tree-cover loss year in Piauí, 2001-2024.png
Global Forest Change tree-cover loss year...
File:Foz do rio poti visto do parnaiba.jpg
Foz do rio poti visto do parnaiba.jpg
File:Pórtico da UFPI (University).JPG
Pórtico da UFPI (University).JPG
File:Energia_Eolica.jpg
Energia_Eolica.jpg
File:Companhias_aéreas_que_voam_para_Teresina_.jpg
Companhias_aéreas_que_voam_para_Teresina_.jpg
File:9GvtkTd.jpg
9GvtkTd.jpg
File:Parque da Serra da Capivara - BR 324.jpg
Parque da Serra da Capivara - BR 324.jpg
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