Bahia is one of the 26 states of Brazil, and is located in the northeastern part of the country on the Atlantic coast. The name "bahia" is an archaic spelling of the Portuguese word baía, meaning "bay". Its capital, Salvador, is known for its iconic Pelourinho neighborhood, rich with 17th-century colonial architecture and perched above the beaches surrounding Baía de Todos os Santos. Once a monarchial stronghold dominated by agricultural, slaving, and ranching interests, Bahia is now a major manufacturing center whose last three elections have been dominated by the Workers' Party.
