Teresina

Teresina is the capital and most populous municipality in the Brazilian state of Piauí. It is located in North Central Piauí 366 km from the coast. It is the only capital in the Northeast that is not located on the shores of the Atlantic Ocean. With 868,075 inhabitants, Teresina is the 19th largest city in Brazil, and the 15th largest state capital in the country. Together with Timon in the nearby state of Maranhão, it forms a conurbation with a population of about 953,172 inhabitants; the entire metropolitan region of Teresina has over 1,135,920 inhabitants.

History

The city was founded on the 16th of August, 1852 under the name of Vila Nova do Poty (because of the Poty River) but because of its rapid growth, it was soon elevated to city status and renamed Teresina, in honor of the Empress Teresa Cristina, the wife of Emperor Pedro II. It was the first city to be planned in Brazil and is today the third city with the most lightning strikes in the world.

Geography

Teresina is located between the rivers Parnaíba and its tributary Poti, which divide the city into North and South. The city experiences a hot semi-arid climate with two distinct seasons: a hot, rainy season from January to June, and a hot, dry season for the remaining months.

Economy

Teresina's economy is based on manufacturing industries and services. The city is known as a regional hub for medical services, attracting patients from across northeastern Brazil. It is also notable for its unique craftwork made from local materials such as clay, straw, and wood.

Culture

Teresina is home to several cultural institutions, including the Piauí Museum, which houses artifacts from the pre-colonial, colonial, and imperial periods of Brazil's history. The city also hosts the annual Teresina Carnival, a popular event featuring traditional music, dance, and food.

Cuisine

The cuisine of Teresina is a blend of indigenous, African, and Portuguese influences. Popular dishes include carne de sol (sun-dried beef), baião de dois (a dish made with rice, beans, and cheese), and maria isabel (rice with jerked beef). The city is also known for its fruit liqueurs, particularly those made from caju, a local fruit.

Education

Teresina is home to several higher education institutions, including the Federal University of Piauí and the State University of Piauí. The city also has a well-developed network of primary and secondary schools, both public and private.

Transportation

Teresina is served by several major highways, as well as by the Teresina Airport, which offers flights to major cities in Brazil. The city also has a public transportation system consisting of buses and taxis.