Crateús is a Brazilian city located in the northwest region of the state of Ceará in Northeastern Brazil. Established by Portuguese explorers in the 17th century, the city was founded on uplands originally inhabited by indigenous peoples. It serves as the seat of the Roman Catholic Diocese of Crateús and is one of the oldest and most significant cities within its county.
Popularly known as the Capital of the West, Crateús holds substantial regional importance due to its role in marketing rural products derived from family agriculture. The city's economy is characterized by the large-scale production of corn and beans situated at the foot of rich valleys, a geography defined by the Poti River and Serra Grande. Historically, it was one of the largest biofuel producers in the Northeast, with an annual biodiesel production capacity of 118,800 m3.
The city is situated in a wealthy portion of the state near the western border and hosts a unit of the Brazilian Army. Its geographical setting and agricultural development remain central to its identity as a key hub in the Ceará region.