Pernambuco

Pernambuco is a state in northeastern Brazil that reaches from the Atlantic coast inland to the dry plateaus of the sertão. The landscape shifts from palm-lined beaches to flat agricultural land and then to scrubland where vegetation becomes sparse and the heat more intense.

Portuguese colonizers founded their first settlement at Olinda in 1535, establishing a trading hub for sugar and other goods. Dutch forces took control in 1630 and held the region for nearly a quarter century, leaving behind buildings and urban planning that still shape the area.

African and indigenous traditions shape daily life through music and dance forms that echo across neighborhoods and public squares. During Carnival season, street performers bring frevo and maracatu rhythms to life, drawing crowds into spontaneous celebrations that last for days.

Recife serves as the main hub for travelers moving between coastal towns, inland areas, and the remote sertão. Coastal regions offer easier access and more infrastructure, while reaching remote areas requires longer travel times and patience with fewer services along the way.

The Fernando de Noronha archipelago belongs to this state and limits the number of daily visitors to protect turtle nesting sites and coral reefs. Only a few hundred people can arrive each day, making advance planning necessary for anyone hoping to reach these islands.

Location: Brazil

Inception: 1889

Capital city: Recife

Elevation above the sea: 504 m

Part of: Northeast Region

Shares border with: Paraíba, Ceará, Piauí, Bahia, Alagoas

Website: http://pe.gov.br

GPS coordinates: -8.34000,-37.81000

Latest update: December 3, 2025 08:13