Bahia

Bahia, officially the State of Bahia, is located in the northeastern region of Brazil along the Atlantic coast. It is one of the country’s largest states by area and population, with Salvador as its capital and largest city. The name derives from the Portuguese Baía de Todos os Santos (Bay of All Saints).

Historically, Bahia was inhabited by Indigenous peoples before European contact. It became a major center of Portuguese colonization in the 16th century, with Salvador founded in 1549 as the colonial capital of Brazil for over a century. The state developed a large Afro-Brazilian cultural heritage due to the importation of enslaved Africans to work on sugarcane and cocoa plantations, a legacy that shapes music, religion, and cuisine.

Geographically, Bahia ranges from a long Atlantic coastline to the inland Chapada Diamantina plateau. The coast features tropical climates with year-round warmth, while the interior includes semi-arid zones known as the sertão. The state contains several protected areas and biodiversity hotspots.

The economy is diverse, including agriculture (notably cacao on the southern coast, as well as sugarcane and fruits), mining and manufacturing, and a growing services sector. The Camaçari Industrial Complex near Salvador is among Brazil’s largest, and tourism is a major part of the economy due to beaches, historic sites, and natural parks.

Culturally, Bahia preserves a rich Afro-Brazilian heritage with distinctive music, religious practices, and culinary traditions such as acarajé and moqueca. The Historic Centre of Salvador de Bahia, including Pelourinho, is a UNESCO World Heritage Site. The state is known for its Carnival celebrations and regional festivals.