Paraíba

State on the northeast coast of Brazil, between the states of Pernambuco and Río Grande do Norte; area 56,370 sq km/21,764 sq mi; population (1996) 3,305,616. The capital is João Pessoa; population (1996) 526,086. The region consists of a narrow coastal plain, a central plateau and a semi-arid interior. Maize, cotton, sugar cane, tobacco, and cassava are the main crops cultivated in the east, while the dry western area is largely given over to cattle ranching. The production of vegetable oils is also an important source of revenue.

The state prospered through colonial sugar-cane plantations in the 17th century, and cotton exports since the 18th century. Industrialization in the state dates only from the late 1960s.

Ocean-going ships call at the port of Cabedelo 25 km/16 mi north of the state capital. Whaling boats land at João Pessoa; dried whale meat is an important part of the diet of the people of this region.