Maranhao is a northeastern Brazilian State, situated to the east of Para State off the North Atlantic Ocean. The State is home to about 6 million people.
Cities and towns:
The City of Sao Luis is home to some of the most beautiful and unhampered South American beaches. Originally founded by the French in 1612, the city has more of a Portuguese style and architecture. There are a number of buildings around the city that are a testament to this.
Sao Luis is the Capital of the Brazilian State of Maranhao situated off the Atlantic Ocean. The city was declared a Cultural Heritage site by the United Nations in 1997.
Other important cities in Maranhao are; Alcantara, Caxias, Imperatriz and Timon.
Economy:
Agriculture dominates the Maranhao economy and produces; corn, Soya beans and livestock products. The main industries here are; steel works, aluminum and timber. Fishing is a popular activity amongst the locals and there is fresh seafood available at many restaurants around here.
Airports:
The main airports in the State are the Marechal Cunha Machado International Airport in Sao Luis and the Prefeito Renato Moreira Airport in Imperatriz City.
Tourism:
Maranhao has a lot to offer its visitors. The City of Sao Luis is famous for its historic town area where there are hundreds of buildings centuries old that are well preserved. The Afro-Brazilian presence has greatly influenced local cuisine and restaurants here serve a wide range of authentic delicacies. There are also a number of good beaches and marine parks to visit.