Sento Sé is a municipality located in the state of Bahia, in the Northeast region of Brazil. It lies at coordinates 09°44′45″ S 41°53′06″ W, approximately 689 kilometres (428 mi) from the state capital, Salvador.
Geography
- Area: 11,980.172 km² (4,625.570 sq mi), making it one of the larger municipalities in Bahia.
- Population (2022): 38,154 inhabitants, with a population density of about 3.2 persons per km².
- Time zone: UTC‑3 (Brazilian Standard Time).
- Demonym: Sentoseense.
History
The name “Sento Sé” derives from the indigenous Centoce tribe. Portuguese settlers arrived in the 19th century, establishing sugar‑cane plantations. The municipality was formally founded in 1832 by provincial decree.
In the early 1970s the original townsite was submerged by the creation of the Sobradinho Dam on the São Francisco River. Residents were relocated, and a new urban centre was constructed approximately 62 kilometres inland, being officially re‑established in 1974.
Economy and Resources
- Mineral deposits: The municipality contains notable amethyst and iron‑ore reserves, particularly near the Boqueirão da Onça National Park and the APL (Alto Paraguaçu) area.
- Agriculture: Traditional agrarian activities, especially cattle raising and subsistence farming, remain important.
- Tourism: Natural attractions such as Ilha do Mocó (in the district of Américo Alves) and the surrounding semi‑arid landscape draw regional visitors.
Governance
- Mayor (2025‑2028): Giselda Carvalho.
- Official website: www.sentose.ba.gov.br.
Demographics
According to the Brazilian Institute of Geography and Statistics (IBGE), the municipality’s population grew modestly in recent decades, reflecting broader demographic trends in the interior of Bahia.
Notable Features
- Boqueirão da Onça National Park: Located partially within the municipal boundaries, it protects diverse flora and fauna and is a site for mineral extraction.
- Cultural heritage: The community preserves elements of indigenous, colonial, and rural Bahian culture, evident in local festivals and architectural styles.
References
- Instituto Brasileiro de Geografia e Estatística (IBGE) – “Cidades@” database.
- Municipal records of Sento Sé, Bahia.
- Historical accounts of the Sobradinho Dam relocation project.
