Cabo de Santo Agostinho (English: Cape of St. Augustine) is a 448 square kilometer sized municipality located 35 kilometers south of the city of Recife, Pernambuco, Brazil. It is believed by some historians that Vicente Yáñez Pinzón had set anchor in a bay in Cabo de Santo Agostinho on January 26, 1500, however the Portuguese discovery of Brazil was by Pedro Álvares Cabral on April 21, 1500 is officially recognized instead. Cabo de Santo Agostinho was incorporated as a town in 1811. Cabo de Santo Agostinho has both an industrial section that is centered on the Suape port and many tropical beaches and nature reserves. The best-known beaches are Chalets, Paraíso, and Gaibu. Recanto do Domingos lies at the far south end of Pedra do Xareu beach.

Economy

The main economic activities in Cabo de Santo Agostinho are tourism, commerce and a strong and diverse general industry sector located near the Suape port.

Economic indicators

Suape Harbour

Suape port is an international port located in the city of Ipojuca in the state of Pernambuco, between the municipalities of Ipojuca and Cabo de Santo Agostinho, within the Recife metropolitan area and distant 40 km south of the capital (Recife). Suape serves ships 365 days a year without any restriction with regard to tidal schedules. It is one of the most important harbors and container terminals in northeast Brazil, playing an important role in the economy of the state of Pernambuco. In the 21st century, Suape has become the main driving force behind the economic development of Pernambuco. Its logistic advantages have attracted national and international investment on a huge scale, with over US$10 billion expected by 2010.

Health indicators

Beaches

Notes and references