Espírito Santo

Maritime state in eastern Brazil; area 45,597 sq km/17,605 sq mi; population (1996) 2,802,707. Its capital and chief port is Vitória. The coastal area is low-lying, hot, and humid, while the interior is mountainous and forested. The entire state was formerly heavily forested, but the woodlands have now been largely felled. Cattle-ranching is an important occupation. The state's principal products are coffee, sugar, corn, fruit, and timber.

The state was first occupied by the Portuguese in 1535.

There are two biological reserves in the state: the Sooretama Biological Reserve, established in 1943, and the Nova Lombarcha Biological Reserve, established in 1955. The latter houses a unique hummingbird sanctuary.