This Brazilian state belongs to the northeastern region; its capital Recife has 1,421,947 inhabitants. The state’s total surface is 101,023 square kilometers and the population pulls a grand total of 7,910,992 inhabitants nicknamed Pernambucans. Located in the nation’s easternmost end, the State of Pernambuco abuts the states of Paraiba and Ceara to the north; the states of Alagoas and Bahia to the south; the Atlantic Ocean to the east, and the State of Piaui to the west.The population is distributed in 185 municipalities. Population density reaches 78 inhabitants per square kilometer, with the cities bearing the brunt of the total population. Other major burgs are Jaboatão dos Guararapes, Olinda, Caruaru, Paulista, Petrolina, Cabo de Santo Agostinho, Camaragibe, Vitória de Santo Antão and Sao Lourenço da Mata. Literacy rate in Pernambuco is 65.7%. All along the coastline, visitors will chance upon ruins of former fortresses and abandoned turreted walls that lie as silent testimonies of the war against the Dutch. Cases in point are such forts as Brum, Cinco Pontas and Orange. Pernambuco boasts a rich cultural and historical heritage scattered in several cities. Pernambuco is naturally inclined to tourism for both its gorgeous beaches and natural beauties, and its charming dwellers.The state’s economy relies on agriculture, stock breeding and industry. Sugar and cotton are the main crops here along the coastal plains, while cattle is raised inland. Other major crops are corn, coffee, cocoa, sisal, beans, fruits, onions and tomatoes.As far as communications and transportation are concerned, Pernambuco is run across by 2,535 kilometers of Federal roads and 4,731 kilometers of state highways, let alone 30,000 kilometers of municipal ways. Railroads extend for 995 km. River and maritime navigation also plays a key role in the state’s economy since Recife has one of the country’s largest ports and harbors.
