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Brazilian Semi-arid Region

Description

The Brazilian Semi-Arid Region is delimited by the Superintendence of Northeastern Development - SUDENE, considering the weather conditions that prevail in the semi-arid contexts, as the pluviometry. As a reflex of the weather conditions, the hydrography is frail, in various ways, being unable to support the larger rivers so that they can be perennial in the long drought periods, the exception being the São Francisco River. Due to its hydrologic characteristics, which allow for its subsistence throughout the year, the São Francisco River gains a special meaning to the populations living by the river and those of the Sertão area.

About the publication - 2025

The Brazilian Semi-Arid region now comprises 1,477 municipalities from the states of Maranhão, Piauí, Ceará, Rio Grande do Norte, Paraíba, Pernambuco, Alagoas, Sergipe, Bahia, Minas Gerais, and Espírito Santo. Of this total, 1,212 municipalities were already part of the previous delimitation and were confirmed. Another 215 municipalities qualified according to the new criteria adopted. And 50 municipalities that were part of the previous delimitation would no longer be included in the Semi-Arid region, as they did not meet any of the established technical criteria. However, these 50 municipalities were still given the right to contest their exclusion from the Semi-Arid region. Resolution Condel/Sudene No. 176, of January 3, 2024, guaranteed the maintenance of these 50 municipalities in the Brazilian Semi-Arid region for a period of one year, starting from its publication in the Official Gazette of the Union. The period guaranteeing the permanence of the 50 municipalities at risk of being excluded from the Semi-Arid region expired on January 3, 2025, and a definitive decision on their continued inclusion should have been issued. However, given the lack of further information on the situation of these 50 municipalities, and following SUDENE's guideance on this matter, the IBGE decided to maintain not only the municipalities that are part of the Semi-Arid region according to the changes made, but also the municipalities that may be excluded. As this division is not produced by the IBGE – which only publicizes a territorial area of ​​relevance to Brazilian society – the institute decided that, starting next year, it will no longer publish the Semi-Arid Area information.

Learn more - 2025

News and Releases

IBGE releases updating of legal territorial divisions of Brazil

The IBGE releases today (14) an updating of the legal territorial divisions of Brazil. Altogether, they...

14/07/2022

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Legislação relacionada

FAQ

Is the IBGE responsible for Brazilian Semi-arid Region delimitation?

No. The Superintendence of Northeastern Development (SUDENE) is responsible for the Brazilian Semi-arid Region delimitation.

Why does the IBGE classifies the Brazilian Semi-arid Region as a geographic subdivision?
The IBGE aims to release geographic subdivisions that are relevant for statistical dissemination, planning and for public and private investment.

Which is the frequency of the Brazilian Semi-arid Region updating?

Brazilian Semi-arid Region, as a legal subdivision, will only have its delimitation updated when there is a legislative or normative update of these subdivisions. Existing updates related to the Territorial Division of Brazil might have an impact on the states and municipalities borders and nomenclature.

Where can I obtain more information about the Brazilian Semi-arid Region?
For more information on SUDENE, please visit the institution’s website (http://sudene.gov.br/delimitacao-do-semiarido).

Is the  Brazilian Semi-arid Region the only operation area of SUDENE?

No. The operation area of SUDENE encompasses the states of Maranhão, Piauí, Ceará, Rio Grande do Norte, Paraíba, Pernambuco, Alagoas, Sergipe and Bahia; the region and municipalities of the state of Minas Gerais, which the Laws no. 1,348 of 02.10.1951, no. 6,218 of 07.07.1975, and no. 9,690 of 07.15.1998 are addressed to; the municipalities of Águas Formosas, Angelândia, Aricanduva, Arinos, Ataléia, Bertópolis, Campanário, Carlos Chagas, Catuji, Crisólita, Formoso, Franciscópolis, Frei Gaspar, Fronteira dos Vales, Itaipé, Itambacuri, Jenipapo de Minas, José Gonçalves de Minas, Ladainha, Leme do Prado, Machacalis, Monte Formoso, Nanuque, Novo Oriente de Minas, Ouro Verde de Minas, Pavão, Pescador, Ponto dos Volantes, Poté, Riachinho, Santa Fé de Minas, Santa Helena de Minas, São Romão, Serra dos Aimorés, Setubinha, Teófilo Otoni, Umburatiba and Veredinha, all in the state of Minas Gerais; and, also, the municipalities of Espírito Santo related to Law no. 9,690 of 07.15.1998, as well as the municipality of Governador Lindenberg.

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