ARACATUBA

city, western So Paulo estado (state), Brazil, near the Tiet River, which is dammed for power and irrigation. The city was founded in 1908 and was given town rank in 1917. In 1921 it was separated administratively from Penpolis (to the southeast) and was designated the seat of a municipality. It serves an agricultural area (cotton, coffee, rice, corn , and feijo ). Araatuba processes cotton and foodstuffs and produces tannin, ceramics, shoes, and other items. Goods are shipped by highway to So Paulo and to other cities in the state. Araatuba also has an airfield. Pop. (1980 prelim) 113,486.