Paraíba, 21,765 sq mi (56,371 sq km), has an interesting, and unsettling past. Indigenous people lived in the area long before the Portuguese arrived and did not take kindly to them. It took the Portuguese over half a century to colonize the area, creating a prosperous captaincy that attracted Dutch attention who occupied the area between 1634 - 1654, as well as increased hostility from the natives. A yellow fever epidemic threatened to do what the natives could not accomplish. It wasn't until the 1930's that skirmishes and violence ended.
Adding to the political situation, years of drought made economic survival difficult and many people left the land to find work in the cities. In spite of these difficulties, Paraíba struggled on and today the state is mainly agricultural with cattle-breeding as the principal occupation.
The capital, João Pessoa, is located on the coast where the Sanhauá and Paraíba do Norte rivers come together, and is the easternmost city of all the Americas. It has changed names several times until it was last named for the state governor who was assassinated in the 1930's. It is a pleasant city, very welcoming to visitors. Don't miss the Igreja São Francisco. Built over three centuries, with different influences and architectural styles, the church is considered to be one of Brazil's finest churches. João Pessoa is home to the Universidade Federal da Paraíba, which has several campuses throughout the state.
Cabedelois the port through which chemicals, plastics, metals, and electrical goods are shipped, and not necessarily of interest to the visitors on the way to the beaches and to Praia de Seixas, the easternmost tip of South America.
The main beaches are Praia Tambaú, Cabo Branco, Praia Jacumã and Praia de Tambaba, ranked as one of the best beaches in Brazil. White sand, palm trees and good weather year around make these beaches very popular. Tambaba is also Brazil's only nudist beach. Another attraction to the state is the gem industry, with the Paraiba Tourmaline in high demand.
Enjoy your tour of these great beaches!
