Alagoas

Alagoas is a state in the Northeast region of Brazil. It is bordered by Pernambuco to the north and west, Bahia to the south, and the Atlantic Ocean to the east. The capital and largest city is Maceió.

The state covers about 27,700 square kilometers and has a tropical climate with hot, humid summers and a mild, dry season. Its coastline features beaches, coral reefs, and coastal lagoons such as Mundaú and Manguaba. The population is around 3.3 million (2020 census), with most residents living in coastal urban areas.

Indigenous peoples inhabited the region before Portuguese colonization began in the 16th century, when sugarcane plantations were established. Alagoas was a center of the Palmares Quilombo, a 17th-century settlement resistance led by Zumbi dos Palmares. The area became a Brazilian province and later attained statehood with the republican era.

Its economy combines agriculture, industry, and services. Key agricultural products include sugarcane, coconuts, and tropical fruits; tourism plays a significant role, especially along the coast and in historic towns. Notable destinations include Maragogi with its natural pools, the historic towns of Penedo, and the Serra da Barriga near Palmeira dos Índios, a landmark of the Palmares legacy.

Graciliano Ramos, one of Brazil's most important writers, was born in Quebrangulo, Alagoas.