Petrolândia, Municipality in São Francisco Region, Pernambuco, Brazil.
Petrolândia is a municipality in the São Francisco Region of Pernambuco, stretching across semi-arid terrain where coconuts, bananas, and guava are grown. The area sits at around 280 meters elevation and is connected by roads linking it to larger coastal cities.
The settlement was originally known as Jatobá, then renamed Itaparica between 1939 and 1943, before taking its current name honoring Emperor Dom Pedro II. These name changes reflect the shifting history of settlement in the Sertão region.
The region holds memories of the Kambiwá people, an indigenous group whose language was once spoken in Barreira and reflects the deep connection of the place to its original inhabitants.
The best time to visit is during the cooler months from June to August, when temperatures are more pleasant. The region is easily accessible by road, and visitors should prepare for heat and remember that lodging and dining options may be limited.
A hydroelectric power plant operated by CHESF feeds power into the regional grid and contributes significantly to the area's prosperity. This facility is one of the reasons why the local economy is stronger compared to other places in the Sertão.
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