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Maranhão (MA)

State of North-Eastern Brazil

Maranhão, half-way to the Northern Region, is an important State: one of the most important ports for the mineral exports from the iron plants from the south [See also: States of Brazil]. Fishing, also, is an important economic activity.

Between Nordeste and Amazon

The State of Maranhão spreads over a transition territory between the semi-desertic Nordeste's hinterland and the Amazonian Northern territories. So it is called the Meio Norte (Mean North).

Dune, Lagoons, Palm and Equatorial Forests

From the State's Northeastern plains covered by beautiful, giant dunes (some of them are 40 m high) and crystalline lagoons of the Lençóis Maranhenses to the thick equatorial forests on the west side, the rivers Parnaíba, Mearim, Pindaré and Itapicuru form nice valleys where palms grow abundantly, forming a palm trees forest, mainly of the species babaçu.

The Land of Culture and Folklore

European, Indian and African influences make of Maranhão a melting-pot of cultural and traditional folklore and religious heritages. The Portuguese Style old façades of downtown São Luís is declared Humanity Patrimony by UNESCO and National Patrimony by IPHAN.

Practical Information

Telephone Area Code (DDD): 98
> More Information: Practical Information