Ceará

Quick Facts: Who was Ceará?

Subject:

Ceará

Known for:

A northeastern Brazilian state known for its Atlantic coast, diverse ecology, and rich history.

Verified Source:

2Day Chrono-Wiki & Primary Historical Archives

Origins & Early Life

Ceará (, SEH-ah-RAH; Brazilian Portuguese: [seaˈɾa] , locally [sjaˈɾa] or [si.aˈɾa]) is one of the 26 states of Brazil, located in the northeastern part of the country, on the Atlantic coast. It is the eighth-largest Brazilian State by population and the 17th by area. It is also one of the main tourist destinations in Brazil. The state capital is the city of Fortaleza, the country's fourth most populous city. The state has 4.3% of the Brazilian population and produces 2.1% of the Brazilian GDP.

Career & Major Achievements

It is divided into 184 municipalities. Literally, the name Ceará means "sings the jandaia". According to José de Alencar, one of the most important writers of Brazil and an authority in Tupi Guaraní, Ceará means turquoise or green waters. The state is best known for its extensive coastline, with 600 kilometers (370 mi) of sand. There are also mountains and valleys producing tropical fruits.

Enduring Legacy & Impact

To the south, on the border of Paraíba, Pernambuco and Piauí, is the National Forest of Araripe. Ceará has an area of 148,016 square kilometres (57,149 sq mi). It is bounded on the north by the Atlantic Ocean, on the east by the states of Rio Grande do Norte and Paraíba, on the south by Pernambuco state, and on the west by Piauí. Ceará lies partly upon the northeast slope of the Brazilian Highlands, and partly upon the sandy coastal plain. Its surface is a succession of great terraces, facing north and northeast, formed by the denudation of the ancient sandstone plateau which once covered this part of the continent; the terraces are seamed by watercourses, and their valleys are broken by hills and ranges of highlands.

Historical Fact-Check Quiz: Ceará

True or False: “The name Ceará literally means 'sings the jandaia' according to José de Alencar.”

Answer (FALSE ❌): While José de Alencar associated it with turquoise or green waters, the literal meaning provided is 'sings the jandaia'.

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Frequently Asked Questions about Ceará