microrégion

A microrégion, in a Brazilian context, is a territorial grouping of municipalities within a mesorégion. Microrégions are formed by contiguous municipalities, sharing common socio-economic and infrastructural characteristics. They were created by the Brazilian Institute of Geography and Statistics (IBGE) as a way to organize and analyze regional data, particularly for planning and statistical purposes. The concept of microrégions is a subordinate level of geographical division, below mesorégions and above municipalities.

The primary purpose of defining microrégions is to facilitate the understanding of regional disparities and development patterns within Brazil. Each microrégion comprises a set of municipalities that often have a shared economic base, such as agriculture or industry, and similar levels of access to services and infrastructure. These groupings help in identifying areas that may require specific development policies or interventions. While not administrative units with their own governments, microrégions serve as important analytical tools for government bodies, researchers, and planners. The IBGE periodically revises the definitions of these regions based on updated demographic and economic data to ensure they remain relevant. The total number of microrégions in Brazil is significant, reflecting the country's vast size and regional diversity.