Recife

Industrial seaport and naval base on the Atlantic coast of northeastern Brazil; capital of Pernambuco federal unit (state); population (2000) 1,422,900; metropolitan area (2005 est) 3,599,200. There are cotton mills, canneries, sugar refineries, and spirit distilleries; chief exports include sugar and cotton. It is also a major tourist resort, known as the ‘Venice of Brazil’.

Several rivers emerge into the Atlantic at Recife dividing the city into three sections: Recife, situated on a peninsula enclosing a lagoon which contains the port area; Santo Antonio and Sâo José on an island formed by the Capibaribe and Beberibe rivers; and Boa Vista and Santo Amaro, separated from the mainland by the Tacaruna Canal.

History In 1537 the Portuguese settled the coastal area of Pernambuco to the north of Recife, building Olinda. However, it was not until 1637 that a Dutch invasion under Prince Maurice of Nassau founded the city. Recife was located in one of the two most important captaincies during colonization initiated by the Portuguese around 1533. A massive sugar cane economy was established here.

The Dutch built a series of canals in Recife – 39 bridges span the city.