Maranhão

Maranhão (, ; Brazilian Portuguese pronunciation:) is a state in Brazil. Located in Brazil's Northeast Region, it has a population of about 7 million, an area of 332,000 km² (128,000 sq mi), and is divided into 217 municipalities. Clockwise from the north, it is bordered by the Atlantic Ocean, with a coastline of 2,243 km, and by the states of Piauí, Tocantins, and Pará. The people of Maranhão have a distinctive accent among Northeastern Brazilian Portuguese dialects. Maranhão is featured in literary works such as Exile Song by Gonçalves Dias and Casa de Pensão by Aluísio Azevedo.

The dunes of Lençóis are an important area of environmental preservation. Also of interest is the state capital of São Luís, which is a UNESCOWorld Heritage Site. Another important conservation area is the Parnaíba River Delta, between the states of Maranhão and Piauí, with its lagoons, sand dunes, and uninhabited beaches and islands, such as Caju Island, which provides habitat for rare bird species.