JOAO PESSOA

port city and capital, Paraba estado (state), northeastern Brazil. It is situated at 148 feet (45 m) above sea level, on the right bank of the Paraba do Norte River, 11 miles (18 km) above its mouth and north of Recife. Founded in 1585, the city for many years was known successively as Filipea de Nossa Senhora das Neves, Frederikstad, and Paraba. In 1930 the name was officially changed to honour Joo Pessoa, the state president who was killed in the revolution led by Getulio Vargas. Colonial buildings include the Church of Nossa Senhora das Neves (Our Lady of the Snows) and the 18th-century So Francisco Church. The Cape Branco lighthouse at Point Seixas is the most easterly point in Brazil. Joo Pessoa is the seat of Paraba University (1955). The city manufactures electrical products, chemicals, metals, plastics, and seaweed products. Pop. (1985 est.) mun., 396,197.