Madre de Deus

Located across two islands, Madre de Deus and Maria Guarda, this municipality stands as the smallest territory in northeastern Brazil at 32 square kilometers.

Portuguese settlers established a community named Madre de Deus do Boqueirão in 1696, which remained part of Salvador until achieving municipal independence in 1990.

The territory holds strong connections to its maritime heritage through artisanal fishing practices, while maintaining fifteen distinct residential neighborhoods across its islands.

A bridge connects the municipality to the mainland through Candeias and São Francisco do Conde, with the distance to Salvador measuring 28 kilometers.

During low tide, residents can walk the 100-meter distance between the island and the mainland, creating a natural temporary pathway.

Location: Bahia

Inception: 1990

Elevation above the sea: 1 m

Part of: Salvador, Greater Salvador

Shares border with: Saubara, Salvador, Santo Amaro, São Francisco do Conde

Website: http://madrededeus.ba.gov.br

GPS coordinates: -12.74083,-38.62083

Latest update: May 27, 2025 11:35