formerly Pernambuco
Port and city (pop., 2002 est.: city, 1,449,100; metro. area, 3,425,400), northeastern Brazil.
Founded by the Portuguese in the first half of the 16th century, it was raided and sacked by British privateers in 1595. It was later occupied by the Dutch (1630–54). It has been called the Venice of Brazil because it is crossed by waterways, and areas of the city are linked by numerous bridges. Situated at the confluence of the Capibaribe and Beberibe rivers, near Point Plata, the easternmost point of South America, it is one of the leading ports of Brazil, with extensive modern port facilities. It is an educational and cultural centre, with several universities and theatres.