Bahia was the first area the first Europeans landed, and they set up the first capital in Salvador. Moreover, the Europeans brought millions of the African slaves to the region. Hence, the region has a fascinating, rich cultural mix making up the usually unknown faces of the Brazilian culture, with a heavily African population.

The region has 1,561,178 square kilometers and covers approximately 18.3% of the national territory. Besides, its main biome is the semi-arid Caatinga region that has prolonged periodic droughts than the rest of the regions with less than 750mm of rainfall each year. For instance, by 1990s, the region used extensive irrigation. Nevertheless, the region remains the poorest region in North and South America in Brazil with 28% of the country’s people, yet it has 14% of the GDP. Moreover, a fifth of adults in the region are illiterate, and the number is twice that of the national rate. An example of states that have made great strides with agriculture, tourism around the coast and industry such as car manufacturing include Bahia, Pernambuco, as well as the Rio De Norte

Despite being one of the poorest areas, it has a stunning coastline in South America. It has major cities along the coast including Recife, Olinda, Sao Luis in addition to Fortaleza have deep colonial heritage. One of the finest oceanic wildlife reserves across the globe is Ilha de Fernando de Noronha that is hundreds of kilometers off the coast from Natal. The area is an expensive destination, but it is idyllic for the ecotourism.

Brazilians call the north-eastern state of Bahia “a terra da felicidade” – the land of happiness and this is very apt as there is so much joy as symbolized by the many festivals and cultural events. Rio de Janeiro’s carnival might draw the largest crowds, but for many Brazilians the carnival in Salvador is superior. The celebrations attract more than two million partygoers for six days of revelry just before Ash Wednesday. Combine the exhilarating party atmosphere with the delicious cuisine which is a blend of fresh seafood and coconut milk with West African staples, such as dende, or moqueca) and you’ve got a slice of indulgent heaven to cherish for years to come.