São Luís - MA
Basic information
- Population: 1.037.775 of people
- GDP per capita: R$ 29.823,95
- Human Development Index (IDHM): 0.768
- Source: IBGE
São Luís is a Brazilian municipality and the capital of the state of Maranhão, located in the northeast of the country. Who is born in Maranhão is maranhense. Who is born in the city of São Luís is são-luisense. The city stands out economically for its port and industries, but it is in tourism that it reveals its cultural wealth. With its preserved historic center, festivals and unique gastronomy, the city attracts visitors, boosting the local economy and promoting cultural diversity. São Luís will host G20 technical meetings in Brazil in 2024.
Presentation
São Luís do Maranhão has a territorial area of 583.063 km². The capital of Maranhão is the cradle of a rich history and the scene of a vibrant culture. It is a city that mixes tradition and modernity. Founded in 1612 by the French, the city developed as an important strategic point during Portuguese colonization, preserving architecture and traditions that make it unique.
The Historic Center, a UNESCO World Patrimony, is a testimony to this rich heritage, with colonial big houses, churches and squares that narrate centuries of history. The Port of Itaqui, one of the largest and busiest in Brazil, highlights São Luís as a strategic center for trade and logistics. The city is a vital connection point for the export of products, especially minerals and grains, boosting the local and national economy.
São Luís breathes culture around every corner. Bumba Meu Boi, a folkloric event that celebrates the fertility of cattle, is a unique expression that attracts tourists during the famous São João festival.
The capital of Maranhão is an unmissable tourist destination. The Historic Center, with its cobblestone streets and colorful tiles, attracts visitors looking for a trip back to the past. Cultural festivals, such as Carnival and São João, transform the city into a spectacle of color, music and dance. Growing tourism has boosted investment in infrastructure. Boutique hotels, sophisticated restaurants and craft stores enrich the visitor experience. Maranhão's hospitality, known for its warm reception, contributes to the city's welcoming reputation.
More than just a city, São Luís do Maranhão is a link between past and present, between tradition and modernity. Its economic importance, cultural wealth, development and tourist appeal converge to create a city that enchants and inspires.
Airport
São Luís - Marechal Cunha Machado International Airport is the gateway to the capital of Maranhão, which is among the main tourist destinations in the Northeast, including the Lençóis Maranhenses National Park, the largest dune field in Brazil.
Sites
São Luís City Hall