Borborema

Borborema, also known as the Planalto da Borborema, is a major highland region in the Northeast of Brazil. It comprises a sequence of plateaus and uplands that rise above the coastal and interior plains, with elevations generally ranging from 500 to about 1,100 meters above sea level. The core area lies in the central portion of the states of Paraíba and Pernambuco, with parts extending into adjacent areas of Rio Grande do Norte and Ceará. The Serra do Borborema is a notable feature within this region.

The Borborema region functions as an important watershed for the Northeast, contributing to several river basins and giving rise to numerous streams that feed both coastal and inland rivers, such as the Capibaribe and Pajeú basins. Climate on the plateau is a tropical highland type, cooler and often drier than the lowlands, with rainfall modulated by elevation and local topography. Annual precipitation varies by locality but can support agriculture in suitable zones, while more arid conditions prevail in deeper interior areas.

Economy and settlements: The plateau hosts agriculture, livestock farming, and small-scale industry. Major urban centers include Campina Grande, which acts as a regional economic hub with education, commerce, and services; other towns in the Borborema area rely on agroindustry and agroforestry. Tourism and cultural heritage, including regional festivals, also contribute to the local economy.

Geology and history: The Borborema region is part of the Borborema Province, composed largely of ancient Precambrian rocks and complex tectonics that record long geological evolution. The area has a history of indigenous occupation and later European settlement, shaping its cultural landscape and land use patterns.