Bahia

Bahia is a large state on the northeastern coast of Brazil, the heart of Afro-Brazilian culture and the birthplace of much of the nation's music, cuisine and spirituality. Its capital is Salvador, the first capital of colonial Brazil. With glorious beaches and vibrant traditions, it is one of Brazil's most culturally influential states.

Bahia has a long Atlantic coastline of beaches and bays, a semi-arid interior known as the sertao, and the dramatic Chapada Diamantina highlands. It is one of the largest states by area. The climate ranges from tropical coast to dry interior.

Bahia is the cradle of Afro-Brazilian culture, famed for capoeira, candomble religion, axe and samba music, and a distinctive cuisine featuring dende palm oil and acaraje. Salvador's Carnival is one of the largest street parties in the world.

Salvador was the first capital of Portuguese Brazil from 1549 and a major hub of the Atlantic slave trade, which shaped the state's profound African heritage. Bahia was a center of sugar wealth and of movements for independence.