Itambé is a municipality situated in the state of Pernambuco, Brazil. It is located in the Agreste Pernambucano mesoregion, approximately 150 km west of the state capital, Recife. The municipality lies at an elevation of roughly 450 m above sea level and coordinates near 8°23′S 35°50′W.
Geography
- Area: The municipal territory covers an area of about 336 km².
- Borders: It shares boundaries with the municipalities of Caruaru to the north, Lajedo to the east, Altinho to the south, and Brejo da Madre de Deus to the west.
Demographics
- Population: According to the Brazilian Institute of Geography and Statistics (IBGE) 2020 estimate, Itambé had a population of approximately 18,000 inhabitants.
- Density: The population density is roughly 53 inhabitants per km².
History
The settlement that became Itambé originated in the 19th century as a rural community linked to agricultural activities in the Agreste region. The municipality was officially created by state legislation in 1875, separating from the then‑larger municipality of Lajedo.
Economy
The local economy is primarily based on:
- Agriculture: Cultivation of sugarcane, corn, beans, and manioc.
- Livestock: Cattle, goats, and poultry farming.
- Industry: Small‑scale processing of agricultural products and artisan manufacturing.
Infrastructure
- Transportation: Itambé is accessed via the BR‑232 federal highway, which connects it to Caruaru and other regional centers.
- Education and Health: The municipality maintains several municipal schools and basic health units that serve its residents.
Etymology
The name “Itambé” derives from the Tupi‑Guarani language, where “ita” means “stone” and “mbé” (or “mbé”/“mbé”) connotes “dry” or “rocky,” reflecting the area's characteristic terrain.
Cultural and Environmental Features
Itambé is part of the Agreste’s semi‑arid landscape and includes pockets of Atlantic Forest remnants, contributing to regional biodiversity. Local festivals often celebrate agricultural cycles and religious traditions typical of Pernambuco’s interior municipalities.