Rio Grande do Norte

Federal unit (state) of northeast Brazil, bounded on the north and east by the Atlantic Ocean; area 53,100 sq km/20,500 sq mi; population (2000 est) 2,770,700; capital Natal. Apart from a narrow coastal zone with abundant rainfall, most of the state lies on a semi-arid plateau, crossed by several rivers, where there is stock-raising, and cotton, sugar, and cassava are grown. There are oil, textile, and agricultural industries. It produces 90% of the nation's salt. Carnauba wax, used in making polishes, pill coatings, and cosmetics, is extensively produced from the carnauba palm.