Recife is the capital city of the Brazilian state of Pernambuco, located on the northeastern Atlantic coast of South America. Founded in 1537, it served as a primary harbor for the Captaincy of Pernambuco, an area historically recognized for its large-scale sugar cane production. During the 17th century, the city was known as Mauritsstad while serving as the capital of the Dutch colony of New Holland.
The city is situated at the confluence of the Beberibe and Capibaribe rivers before they empty into the South Atlantic Ocean. Its name refers to the stone reefs found offshore. Recife is characterized by a unique maritime atmosphere created by its urban presence across numerous small islands, which are connected by more than 50 bridges. Due to this geography, the city is frequently referred to as the "Venice of Brazil."
As a major seaport and one of the largest urban areas in Brazil, Recife holds significant demographic weight. It is the largest city in Pernambuco and the fourth-largest urban area in the country, with a metro population of approximately 3,726,974 as of 2022.