Maranhão Facts for Kids

Quick facts for kids

State of Maranhão

Flag	Coat of arms

Location of State of Maranhão in Brazil

Country

Brazil

Capital and Largest City

São Luís

Area

• Total

331,983.293 km² (128,179.466 sq mi)

Area rank

8th

Population

(2012)

• Total

6,714,314

• Rank

10th

• Density

20.2248551/km² (52.382134/sq mi)

• Density rank

16th

Demonym(s)

Maranhense

GDP

• Year

2006 estimate

• Total

R$ 28,621,000,000 (16th)

• Per capita

R$ 4,628 (26th)

HDI

• Year

2005

• Category

0.683 – medium (26th)

Time zone

UTC-3 (BRT)

• Summer (DST)

UTC-2 (BRST)

Postal Code

65000-000 to 65990-000

ISO 3166 code

BR-MA

Website

ma.gov.br

Maranhão is one of the states of Brazil. It is located in the northeastern part of the country. To the north, it has a long coastline along the Atlantic Ocean. Maranhão shares its borders with the states of Piauí, Tocantins, and Pará.

The capital city of Maranhão is São Luís. Other important cities in the state include Imperatriz, Timon, and Caxias. An exciting place in the state is the Alcantara spaceport, which is in the north, not far from São Luís.

States of Brazil
Acre \| Alagoas \| Amapá \| Amazonas \| Bahia \| Ceará \| Espírito Santo \| Goiás \| Maranhão \| Mato Grosso \| Mato Grosso do Sul \| Minas Gerais \| Pará \| Paraíba \| Paraná \| Pernambuco \| Piauí \| Rio de Janeiro \| Rio Grande do Norte \| Rio Grande do Sul \| Rondônia \| Roraima \| Santa Catarina \| São Paulo \| Sergipe \| Tocantins
Federal District: Brazilian Federal District

Exploring Maranhão: A Brazilian State
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Exploring Maranhão: A Brazilian State

Maranhão is a large state in Brazil, known for its unique geography and culture. It is the 8th largest state by area in Brazil. About 6.7 million people live there, making it the 10th most populated state.

Geography and Climate

Maranhão has a diverse landscape. It includes coastal areas, forests, and dry regions. The state has a tropical climate, which means it is generally warm all year round.

Coastal Beauty and Natural Wonders

The northern part of Maranhão is famous for its beautiful coastline. This area includes stunning beaches and unique natural spots. One of the most famous is the Lençóis Maranhenses National Park. This park has vast sand dunes with freshwater lagoons between them. It looks like a desert, but it's filled with water after the rainy season!

Rivers and Waterways

Many rivers flow through Maranhão. These rivers are important for transportation and for the state's agriculture. They also create beautiful landscapes and support diverse wildlife.

Major Cities and Their Importance

The state capital, São Luís, is a historic city. It is known for its well-preserved colonial architecture. The city's historic center is even a UNESCO World Heritage Site.

São Luís: The Capital City

São Luís is the largest city in Maranhão. It is an important port city and a center for culture and economy. The city has a rich history, influenced by Portuguese, French, and Dutch settlers.

Imperatriz: A Growing Hub

Imperatriz is the second-largest city in Maranhão. It is a major economic center in the western part of the state. The city plays a key role in trade and agriculture for the region.

Economy and Resources

Maranhão's economy relies on several different activities. These include farming, industry, and services. The state produces various crops and has important natural resources.

Agriculture and Farming

Agriculture is a big part of Maranhão's economy. Farmers grow crops like soybeans, rice, and corn. The state also has livestock farming, raising cattle and other animals.

Industry and Trade

Maranhão has industries related to its natural resources. There are factories that process agricultural products. The state's ports are important for trade, helping to move goods in and out of Brazil.

Culture and Traditions

Maranhão has a vibrant culture, influenced by its history and diverse population. The state is known for its unique music, dances, and festivals.

Music and Dance

One of the most famous cultural expressions is Bumba Meu Boi. This is a traditional folk festival that combines music, dance, and theater. It tells the story of a bull's death and resurrection.

Cuisine: A Taste of Maranhão

The food in Maranhão is delicious and unique. It often features seafood, rice, and local fruits. Dishes like arroz de cuxá (rice with a special herb sauce) are very popular.

The Alcantara Spaceport

Maranhão is home to the Alcântara Launch Center. This is a spaceport used for launching rockets. It is an important site for Brazil's space program. Its location near the equator makes it ideal for launching satellites into orbit.

Brazil's Gateway to Space

The Alcantara spaceport is one of the few places in the world where rockets can be launched close to the equator. This location helps rockets save fuel, making launches more efficient. It's a key part of Brazil's efforts to explore space.