Mossoró

Mossoró is a city in northwestern Rio Grande do Norte, located roughly halfway between Natal and Fortaleza. The terrain sits nearly flat within the semiarid Caatinga region and is crossed by dry riverbeds that fill during the rainy season.

The settlement emerged in the mid-19th century as a trading post for salt and cattle ranching. Later, the discovery of petroleum reserves in the surrounding formations fueled economic growth across the region.

The city takes its name from a native tree once used for local construction. Today, visitors from all regions gather during the annual June festival to join street performances and traditional music events.

The main avenue connects central neighborhoods and offers access to shopping districts and restaurants that are busiest during daytime hours. The climate is hot and dry, so light clothing is advisable, especially between October and December.

Nearby lie extensive salt evaporation fields where seawater dries in shallow basins, leaving white crystals behind. These facilities rank among the largest of their kind along the Brazilian coast and shape the landscape around the city.

Location: Rio Grande do Norte

Inception: 1852

Elevation above the sea: 20 m

Shares border with: Tibau, Upanema, Baraúna, Areia Branca, Serra do Mel, Assu, Governador Dix-Sept Rosado, Aracati

Website: https://prefeiturademossoro.com.br

GPS coordinates: -5.18778,-37.34389

Latest update: December 12, 2025 22:50