n.
State (pop., 2000: 13,066,764), eastern Brazil.
It covers an area of 219,034 sq mi (567,295 sq km), and its capital is Salvador . The major river is the São Francisco . The Portuguese first entered the region in 1501, through the bay where Salvador is now located. Colonization began in the coastal region; the discovery of gold and gems in the Diamantina Upland attracted more settlers in the 18th century. A state since 1889, Bahia is rich in mineral resources, including petroleum, natural gas, lead, copper, chrome, and tin. Its heavy industries include petroleum refining and ironworks. It is also an important agricultural producer.