To get to know this little State, it helps to understand its name. Sergipe is a Portuguese pronunciation of the State’s original name Siri-i-pe, given to it by the Tupi Indigenous people. In their language, the name means “The flowing river of crabs”.

Agricultural activity is a factor in Sergipe’s economy. Highlighted in this branch is the cultivation of sugar cane, orange and coconut. Mineral extraction is another activity in the primary sector. Oil, natural gas, limestone and potassium are the main ones.

Gastronomy

While the Portuguese brought sweets and cakes to the table, indigenous people brought root-based dishes. There is African influence in the form of dry-cured meats. Some of the region’s most popular dishes come from humble origins, including Sarapatel (a meaty stew), oxtail soup and rice served with lots of vegetables, all sourced locally.

Besides the rivers and sea, seafood such as lobster, prawns, a variety of fish and the famous crabs are served in many different ways: soups or stews, baked or fried.

Further inland, there are more dishes made with goat and mutton, such as buchada (made with goat intestine) and sun-cured meat with creamy pirão de leite.

Some facts about the State:

Capital – Aracaju

The main airport is in the Capital and has flights to all of Brazil’s capital cities.

The state borders with: Alagoas (N); Bahia (S and W); Atlantic Ocean (E)

Total area: 21,900 square kilometres

Population: 2.3 million (2020)

Main attractions and destinations:

Cânions do Xingó, Parque dos Falcões, Northern and Southern coast beaches.