Piauí, Federative unit in northeastern Brazil.
Piauí is an administrative unit in northeastern Brazil that stretches from the Atlantic coast to dry plateaus. The landscape shifts between flat pastures, gentle hills, and rocky areas where thornbushes and cacti grow.
Cattle herders from Pernambuco moved into the region in the 17th century and founded the first settlements along the rivers. This expansion led to prolonged conflicts with the native peoples who had lived there for centuries.
The name comes from the Piauí River, a smaller waterway inland that served as a landmark for early settlers. Today you see these roots in folk art and ceramic work that draw motifs from cattle herding and life near water.
Travelers should be prepared for heat, especially in the drier inland areas where shade is scarce. Coastal zones offer more comfortable conditions and are easier to access for first explorations.
The Parnaíba forms a natural boundary to the west and connects the Atlantic port to inland cities through nearly 1500 kilometers of waterway. This river served as the main transport artery for centuries before roads opened up the area.
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