The States of Pernambuco, Bahia, Alagoas, and Sergipe, 1914
"Pernambuco and Bahia are the two leading States of the north-east coast. They have many points of resemblance in their present-day features as well as their history..."
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From Brazil and the Brazilians by George James Bruce, 1914.
Pernambuco and Bahia are the two leading States of the north-east coast. They have many points of resemblance in their present-day features as well as their history. The original colonies of Brazil, they have grown side by side, experiencing similar troubles and enjoying periodic seasons of prosperity, out of all of which they have emerged two powerful States, politically and commercially. Pernambuco though only a third the size of Bahia has an almost equal population. Bahia, with its 2½ millions, ranks as the third, and Pernambuco with a quarter of a million less, the fourth most populous State in the Republic.
Both capitals are large cities on the coast carrying the names of their respective States. The industries of both are extensive and varied. Sugar, cotton, and tobacco production predominate, but mining and stock-raising claim much attention. Bahia tobacco, and cigars already challenge the rest of the world's production in these lines. Bahia diamonds have long since claimed world-wide notice. Pernambuco sugar and cotton are standard lines beyond the limits of Brazil as well as throughout its States. [...]
The small States of Alagoas and Sergipe lie between Pernambuco and Bahia on the north and south banks of the San Francisco River, and derive some importance from being thus situated. The San Francisco, a great waterway navigable by steamers from a point above the Paulo Affonso Rapids for over 1500 miles inland, forms a natural boundary between Bahia and Pernambuco, for some hundreds of miles. In neither State are there any cities of importance apart from the capitals, though Bahia has a few country towns, one of which is Feira de Sant' Anna, where the largest stock fair in Brazil is held. Many of the large businesses in these States are owned by British people, of whom there are communities in both capitals.
Bruce, George James. Brazil and the Brazilians. Dodd, Mead and Company, 1914.
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